Paddle Goliad Event
Nov. 04, 2006
Ken McDowell

The HCC was well represented at the Paddle Goliad event, a 6.5 mi. paddle along an historic stretch of the San Antonio River. This was my first HCC event, and not sure how many HCC members participated (I estimate 15-20), but they were all nice to me. Thanks folks for hanging in there with me (I think I was the last to put in) and thanks for making me feel so welcome.

The annual event is sponsored by the local community, with assistance from Texas Parks and Wildlife staff and volunteers. Assistance in this case meant a free shuttle to/from the take out at Goliad State Park, put-in and take out muscle, and lunch. In the words of esteemed HCC Officer, Bob Price, “I could get used to the canoe valet service!”

The putin with assistance

Fraser and Janice are "assisted from their boat"

This stretch of the San Antonio River has steep clay banks, lots of strainers, stick-ups and log piles, though nothing requiring portage. These obstacles and associated tricky currents do require attention. The USGS river gauge at Goliad reported an average flow for the day of 190 cfs, compared to typical November flows of 400 cfs. Note that a few days after this event the river spiked to 1500 cfs.

I would be wary of running this stretch at over 400 cfs due to the hazards mentioned above.

The town of Goliad and surrounds are quite historic. Goliad State Park offers nice riverside camp accommodations, where most of HCC hung out. Dining at the nearly famous 5 star Terrell Hall restaurant in nearby Berclair is unexpectedly fabulous.

I look forward to next year’s “canoe valet service” er..paddle.