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Clouds hid the sun, rain was in the forecast, and the water was high. Would anyone show up? Fortunately quite a few defied the weatherman and once again pulled tires, cans, bottles and styrofoam from the San Marcos River. Twelve paddlers started at Pecan Park to clean the section traditionally cleaned by HCC. The first rapid, Old Mill, has changed considerably, and we took our time going through it, all successfully. Janice and Fraser collected a tire, along with other valuables; several folks worked on cutting an awning loose from its frame. John Bartos scooped up part of a car bumper. One boot, a sandal, and other detritus were stuffed into plastic bags.
Frank Ohrt and K.P. Pape had headed out early on a mission to remove the large log blocking the big eddy on river right at S turn. When the rest of the group reached there, Frank and K.P. were nowhere in sight. The tree was still in place. A ways beyond we found the picking up trash on a gravel bar. Frank's response to what had happened, "I'm not going to die to get that tree out." The water was just too high and swift to work on the log. We offloaded trash just above Cottonseed Rapid, and stopped below it for lunch. The air grew still and a little cooler, the dark clouds slid toward us. Instead of going to Shady Grove we opted to take out at Scull's. The rain began there and confirmed our decision.
The traditional BBQ dinner went on under the pavilion at Spencer's. Old acquaintances were renewed and new ones made. Plans for paddling the next day and for future trips were laid. Thanks to Christy Long for coordinating another great outing. She and several of the HCC group went to the upper Guad the next day, in spite of drizzle and reportedly had a great time.
And if you want to have more great times cleaning up rivers - Ed Lowe is organizing the second annual cleanup on the upper Brazos River on Saturday, April 2, BBQ to follow. For more info contact him at
twt-edlowe@email.msn.com.
The annual Medina River cleanup is on Saturday, May 7. Go to
medinariver.net for info on the cleanup and the foundation supporting it.
Watch the HCC newsletter for more info on this cleanup and BBQ.
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