Hidalgo Falls Rapid,
Brazos River
October 22, 2006
by Christy Long

14 feet on Bryan gauge and 24 feet on Hempstead gauge
Putting Hidalgo at approximately 10 feet (if I understand Steve's calculations).

The water was flowing river wide and a lot of areas to play. The river was very different from just the month before. The red sandy color had returned because of the increased flow and the islands had water surrounding them. In September, the water was more on the green side and you could walk to both islands on river left because instead of islands they were mushrooms with water on only one side.

Sunday, there were twelve people at the rapid playing, practicing and enjoying the river flow. The day was sunny and cool, very close to perfect. A couple of 'yakers were playing on the Rodeo Wave making it look easy. The Big Wave at the bottom was small but several were making a day of trying to stay on it.

Eight of us floated down to the 105 bridge for a quick float downriver, to top off the afternoon. Of course there was mud at the bottom of the bridge so we all got mud-therapy on our legs. People pay big bucks for that kind of therapy, at Hidalgo its free. Next time, I will make sure we have a rope to haul up the boats.

Once again, another great day on the river.

Christy Long