From the Helm

by John Ohrt, Commodore


Spring is almost upon us and the paddling opportunities are bursting out with the leaves. We start with the annual San Marcos cleanup. We continue our do-gooding with the local Armand Bayou cleanup on March 27. I admit that it's not too much fun picking up trash, but it is fun getting out with your friends and it feels good to put something back to these two streams. They certainly give a lot back to us.
Mary Z gets to take a full week over spring break camping on the Current River in Missouri, teachers have all the fun.
The first weekend in April is looking good for a whitewater skills trip in the hill country. April 18 will be the big festival up at Hidalgo Falls near Navasota with paddling for flat and moving water folks. We all owe a tip of the paddle to the Texas River Protection Association (TRPA) for its courage and foresight in protecting the river access at this popular spot. There are three TRPA directors from the Houston area and all three are Houston Canoe Club members. Hidalgo Falls will be our April program. Mark it on your calendar to come learn about this great resource just 1 1/2 hours from Houston.
Looking further down the road the Buffalo Bayou race is set for May 1st, the all womens trip for May 15 & 16, and Fraser's extemely popular Columbus loop trip for May 31st.
It's looking like a great spring, see you out paddling.