Upper Iowa River Event

[wildernessmama]

Upper Iowa River

Canoe and Kayak Rentals run $20 per day at Randy’s Bluffton Store and include paddles and life jackets. Each participant will be responsible for reserving his/her own canoe. Lunches are available at the Bluffton Store at an extra charge or you can pack your own.

Shuttling is available through the Bluffton Store or we may do it on our own.

Campsites along the river (non-electric) are $10.00 per night; Electrical sites are $12.50 per night. Flush toilets and showers are available on the upper level near the electrical sites; pit-pots are available on the riverfront.

For our gathering:

Bring food for yourselves or something to share at the potluck. Last year most people fixed their own meals on Friday night, and we had a group potluck on Saturday night. We’re open to having potluck both nights if you want.

If you have a screen shelter or free standing canopy, bring it! They really came in handy with the rain last year.

Bring whatever kind of stove(s) you have. Coleman 2-burners worked great for the potluck so we could heat everything up quickly.

Swap meet—bring your old gear to sell/give away and check out bargains offered by the others. What a great way to recycle all that extra camping equipment we don’t use any more!

Bring fishing gear and your Iowa fishing license if you want.

If you play a musical instrument, bring it! There’s always more room in the CCBB band! We can always use the electrical outlets in the camping area for a bass guitar! Oh, wow! Those rock walls across the river will create a perfect amphitheatre.

Bring your children! This is a family event; we want everyone to have a good time.

Pray for nice weather and good water levels. Last year we started at Kendallville and paddled down to the campground. I have heard that the area below Decorah is real nice, too, so if there is interest, that might be another alternative.

E-mail me, so we can create a list of participants and have an idea of how many we’ll have. Maps and directions will be posted soon. Did I forget anything?

[wildernessmama]

Oh, I guess I'd better include dates! ;DApril 29-May 1, Bluffton, Iowa.

[Kawishiway]

What kind of weather can one expect? Actual average air temps? How many miles are covered? Any rapids? Any Class 3 or 4? Portages? What type of scenery can one expect? What types of wildlife? Is the water clean enough to filter or somewhat contaminated from rural activities? What are the camp areas like? Hot water? Showers? Is this car camping, overnight paddle camping, or something inbetween?

Several questions for you or others, WM, but I am interested to know. TIA.

k

[wildernessmama]

As with all canoe trips at any time of year, be prepared for anything. The weather won't be much different (temperature-wise) than what you're experiencing in your neck-of-the-woods at that time. Layers are best, and bring your raingear.

This is a car-camping trip. Everyone camps at Randy's Campground in Bluffton, either along the riverfront or up in the electrical hookup area. There are hot showers ($) available near the electrical unit.

Gentle rapids that you can easily shoot. No Class 3 or 4 in the area we're paddling. The route 15 miles (?) --I'm going to have to check on that one. Winding through huge walls and pillars of limestone in some areas (so unlike Iowa), but farm fields and thick forests are present, too. Lots of everything. Swallows are active at their "condo" mud homes on the limestone walls. Other wildlife I've seen are deer, coyote, eagles, muskrat, and cows (well, this IS still Iowa!) Water is clear at this time of the year, but I wouldn't drink it without filtering. This is only a day trip so just bring your own water or beverages along with you.

Hope you can join us. E-mail me if you plan to go.

[Bannock]

I know that WM has answered but here are mine as well.

“What kind of weather can one expect?” In the past we have had bluebird, sunny days, and paddled in T-shirts. We have also had blustery, wet days with a rain/snow mix and hypothermic paddlers. As Heather said, you have to be prepared for anything.

“Actual average air temps?” I’m goin’ guess here and say 30 degrees overnight low and 55 degrees day time high …. BUT, as stated above, be ready for anything. It easily could be 10 degrees higher or lower.

“How many miles are covered?” Again a guess -- 15 miles (Kendalville to Bluffton). The water runs pretty swift – in excess of three or four mph. So, a 5-hour trip including a lunch break is a good guess. However, last year with very low water it was more like 7 ½ hours – a lot of walking last year.

“Any rapids?” No, though if the water is high, the water will be running very fast. There can also be a lot of hazards with high water, sharp river bends; strainers; log jams; etc.

“Any Class 3 or 4?” Nothing close.

“Portages?” None. However, if the outfitters have not been through yet to clear the winter stuff, we could see some log jams, etc that may need portaging. Also, if the water is low (like last year) there could be some walking in the water because of lack of depth.

“What type of scenery can one expect?” Nice. Heather covered that well.

“What types of wildlife?” Heather covered that well. We have always seen eagles.

“Is the water clean enough to filter or somewhat contaminated from rural activities?“ Bring water with you for the paddling. There are spigots at the campground for water. No need for a filter.

“What are the camp areas like?” It is a car camping campground. Your car will be parked within 10 yards of your tent. Tent sites run up against one another. This is your chance to bring your big heavy stuff. Canoe Pam, Wilderness Mama, and My Dog Violet have brought their pop-up campers in the past. I’ll be bringing a two-burner stove, folding table, chairs, larger tent, … There are a few trees along the river edge, but for the most part it is very open. Tarps, etc. should have poles for set up. Don't count on trees.

“Hot water? Showers?” Both. Though it is a bit of a walk and nothing fancy … in fact down right crude.

“Is this car camping, overnight paddle camping, or something in between?” Car camping. The river, however, runs right by the campsites. We set up camp. Shuttle ourselves to the put-in and paddle to the campsites. Day 2 we do the opposite. We shuttle the cars to the take-out then paddle from the campsites to the vehicles. Change of clothes, rain gear, lunch, and water is all that is needed in your canoe for the paddling. In the past we have selected a central site for the community campfire, cooking, and social/eating area. Our “private” area for our tent, etc. is close by … as close or as far as you want it to be.

So bring a chair to sit in. Bring luxury stuff that you would never even consider for a canoe camping trip. Bring non-hydrated food. Bring big pans. Bring a cooler (with platys). Bring snacks.

[nibi mocs]

Some pictures from past UIR gatherings...

The first one, May 2000

The April 2003 event

Last year's event.

[Kawishiway]

Thanks for all the great information and descriptive pictures of the area folks.

This river run sounds similar to the Niabrara run in Nebraska as well as the scenery being "somewhat" similar, but not identical.

;D

Bannock said:

"Is this car camping, overnight paddle camping, or something in between?” Car camping. The river, however, runs right by the campsites. We set up camp. Shuttle ourselves to the put-in and paddle to the campsites. Day 2 we do the opposite. We shuttle the cars to the take-out then paddle from the campsites to the vehicles. Change of clothes, rain gear, lunch, and water is all that is needed in your canoe for the paddling.

I'm gathering that a kayak would be suitable for this event? I have a light touring model. Charelston Dagger 14' Or would I be better off with a canoe? I'm assuming you would be safe either way?

k

[wildernessmama]

Either canoe or kayak would be fine. Just make sure it is a durable canoe if the water level is low--but with this snow we shouldn't have that problem this year.

A few other things to consider:

Bring extra firewood for the campfires.
Bring a folding table if you have one as there may not be enough picnic tables
If you have a double car rack or a canoe trailer, it will help for shuttling