Information & Registration Packet

Transcription

1 The Colorado River Through Black Canyon Hoover Dam to Cottonwood Cove, NV Spring Break, March 23 to 28, 2018 Paddling Trip To Explore The Rugged Volcanic Landscape Of Over 30 Miles Of The Lower Colorado River Walter s Camp, CA, to Fisher s Landing, AZ Presidents Day Weekend, February 16 to 19, 2018 Information & Registration Packet 1

2 2018 Black Canyon Trek & 2018 Picacho Trek Hosted by Venturing Crew 76 and in collaboration the Aca Chapter of Cahuilla Lodge #127 Thank you for your interest in joining Venture Crew 76 & the Aca Chapter of Cahuilla Lodge #127 on our annual treks down the Colorado River. These treks open to all Order of the Arrow members and venturers ages 14 years of age and above. This is our 7th year holding the Black Canyon Trek and this will be our 4th year holding the Picacho Trek. Everyone that has attended our previous trips down these venerated parts of the Colorado River have left with huge smiles on their faces, bold adventures, and a lot of new friends. Our hopes are that everyone involved with our 2018 treks will have a fun and safe adventure with memories that they will cherish the rest of their lives. Please check out the Picacho and Black Canyon Treks webpage of the ACA Chapter website, to get the latest information, contingent meeting dates, and updates for our Colorado River excursions. We will also be ing all participants with the latest updates. This trip is being hosted by Venturing Crew 76 and the ACA Chapter of Cahuilla Lodge #127, Order of the Arrow. Our equipment and river guides will be Paula Boothe and James Hermes. The adult contingent leader for this trip is James Hermes, phone (760) , acachapter@gmail.com. Table of Contents Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Welcome Letter General Information for the Picacho Trek Registration, Transportation, Food, Campgrounds, In-Camp Activities and Side Trips / Hikes, Boats, Cost, Cancelation General Information for the Black Canyon Trek Registration, Segment 1 & 2, Launching from Hoover Dam, Transportation, Food, Campgrounds, In-Camp Activities and Side Trips / Hikes, Boats, Cost, Cancelation Requirements to Attend, Rules Packing List Trek Food Menu(s) Payment Schedule, Trek Itinerary, and Training Dates Additional Online Training and Reference Material Registration Form 2

3 General Information For The Picacho Trek, February During President s Day weekend, February 16-19, we will be hosting a 3 day, 34 mile trip down the Colorado River from Walters Camp, CA, to Fisher s Landing, AZ. We will be exploring the river through the Imperial Wildlife Refuge and Picacho State Recreation Area. This area is the longest remaining natural area of the lower Colorado River. The river passes through an ancient volcanic area that contains hidden backwater lakes, abandoned gold mines, ghost towns, and lots of rugged terrain. We will be camping Friday night at Walters Camp and then launching at 8AM on Saturday, Feb. 17, from Walters Camp (35 miles south of Blythe) and entering the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge. We will be paddling 14 miles to our first night s camp at Beachcamp 4S on the northern end of Picacho SRA. As soon as we get into the main river channel after launch the surrounding terrain will go from open desert to jagged peaks that meet the river with a riparian shoreline. We will be stopping for a couple of short hikes to explore an old miner s house and other scenic areas. On the second day we will be paddling 6 miles to either Paddle Wheel Boat-In Camp or Taylor Lake Boat-In Camp. This is when we begin getting into the heart of this rugged landscape with the hidden lakes. We will have ample opportunity on the second day to hike over to the old mining town, explore the old railroad passes, and abandoned mines. On the last day we will paddle the remaining 14 miles of our trip and make side hikes to explore a few of the hidden lakes and an abandoned gold mine. Along the way we will be passing through prime habitat to spot eagles, beaver, ospreys, bighorn sheep, burros, and coyotes. We will finish our journey in the early afternoon at Fisher s landing located next to Lake Martinez, north of Yuma, AZ. After packing up the boats and gear we will enjoy one of the BEST hamburgers around at a café located next to the boat ramp. Transportation- Getting There and Getting Back Transportation will be via trek leaders personal vehicles and parents that wish to volunteer to help transport youth. Parents may wish to make this a weekend family vacation to Lake Martinez. There are multiple places to go fishing, camping, as well as many attractions in Yuma like the old territorial prison and stagecoach stops. The cost of gas for 1 round trip to Walters Camp to Fishers Landing and back to Coachella is supplemental in the overall cost of this trip. Gas for volunteers helping to transport scouts is supplemental for the cost of gas. We will be meeting at 4PM, February 16, at the TA Travel Center just south of the Interstate 10 Freeway, Dillon Rd, Coachella, CA. From there we will be driving to Walters Camp located 35 miles south of Blythe and 125 miles east of Indio, CA. We will be ending our trip at 2PM on Monday, February 29, at Fishers Landing next to Lake Martinez located 30 miles north of Yuma, AZ. From there we will be driving back to our meeting place at TA Travel Center in Coachella around 6PM. Food All meals will be prepared by trek group members on site during our time on the river. All food will be packed in by the trek group. Individuals will need to provide their own dinner for the trip up to our camping spot at Walters Camp. Individuals will also need to provide their own money for lunch at the café at Fishers Landing before heading home. Anyone who wishes to eat vegetarian meals will need to let the trek leaders know at least 10 days (February 6) before the departure date on February 16. You can let us know via the registration form in this packet. Campgrounds Camping will be at Walters Camp on Friday night, Beachcamp 4S in Picacho SRA on Saturday night, and either Taylor Lake Boat-In Camp or Paddle Wheel Boat-In Camp in Picacho SRA on Sunday evening. There are pit style restrooms 3

4 located at each campsite, but no showers are available except at Walters Camp. For volunteer drivers that will not be participating in the trek on the river, there are ample places to camp at Fishers Landing Campground next to Lake Martinez. Take the time to enjoy yourselves and go fishing, hiking, or just exploring with your new friends that aren t going on the river trek or camping with you family in a great locale. Of special note, the fishing on this part of the Colorado River is legendary. Boats- Canoes We will be primarily paddling canoes on this trek. This is a 3 day trek and we will need to bring all of our supplies with us from the launch point to take out. The canoes will be provided by out trek equipment provider and river guide, Paula Boothe. Cost The cost for the Picacho Trek will be $125 per person. The price includes camping fees at Picacho SRA, food, boats, PFDs, and paddles. The cost does not include tents, sleeping bags or pads, protective or general clothing, float bags, or other personal gear. Anyone wishing to participate in both the Picacho and Black Canyon Treks will receive a $20 discount for a total $380 for both treks. All participants must attend at least one of the mandatory paddle craft trainings at Lake Perris SRA. Dates for these trainings are listed in the training dates section of this packet on page 9. Cancelation In the case of an individual cancelling before the trek, the amount of a partial refund is contingent on the date that a person cancels. If a person cancels within 10 days of the start of the trek, then the cost of food, reserved campsites, etc. will be discounted from their refund. General Information For The Black Canyon Trek, March This year s river adventure will take place March We will be launching from Hoover Dam at 8AM Saturday morning and taking out on the following Wednesday at Cottonwood Cove, NV (50 miles). This trek will be through the famous Black Canyon. This area is renowned for its natural hot springs, slot canyons, caves, canyon walls 1000 feet high, and abundant wildlife. We will be spending time exploring the many coves and other hidden areas that this area is known for. There will be 2 segments for this trek: Segment 1- We will be launching from Hoover Dam at 8AM Saturday morning and taking out on Sunday morning at Willow Beach, AZ (12 miles) ; Segment 2- We paddling from Willow Beach, AZ, to Cottonwood Cove, NV (35 miles). The price is $135 per person for segment 1 of the trek and $230 per person for the combined segments 1 & 2 of the trek. This trip limited to 12 people. Transportation- Getting There and Getting Back Transportation will be via trek leaders personal vehicles and parents that wish to volunteer to help transport youth. We will be meeting at 4PM, March 23, at the TA Travel Center just south of the Interstate 10 Freeway, Dillon Rd, Coachella, CA. From there we will be driving to Willow Beach Campground in the Lake Mead NRA to spend Friday night. On Saturday morning we will be meeting a shuttle van from Desert River Kayak at the Willow Beach Marina. We will be transported to the base of Hoover Dam for our 8AM launch. For the trip back from the completion of the trek on March 28, volunteer drivers are asked to meet at the take out area at Cottonwood Cove, AZ, to help drive the group back to the same TA Travel Center that we met at in Coachella, CA. The cost of gas for 1 round trip to Willow Beach and then back from Cottonwood Cove is supplemental in the overall cost of this trip. We will need a couple of volunteer drivers to drive the trek leaders vehicles from our Friday night camping 4

5 area to Cottonwood Cove. Volunteer drivers are encouraged to explore the many recreational areas that we ll be near and possibly to bring your family for a great camping vacations near the Colorado River. Food All meals will be prepared by trek group members on site during our time on the river. All food will be packed in by the trek group. Individuals will need to provide their own dinner for the trip up to our camping spot near Willow Beach on March 23. Individuals will also need to provide their own lunch for the trip back from Cottonwood Cove on March 28. Anyone who wishes to eat vegetarian meals will need to let the trek leaders know at least 10 days (March 13) before the departure date on March 23. You can let us know via the registration form in this packet. Campgrounds Camping spots vary due to an ever changing landscape from the river. Nightly camping for trek group members will be at arbitrary spots chosen by the trek group leaders. It all depends on beach conditions and the water level. A few areas that we will be camping in will have outhouses, but no other amenities should be expected. For volunteer drivers that will not be going back home during the week or participating in the trek on the river, there are ample places to camp at either Willow Beach or Cottonwood Cove. Take the time to enjoy yourselves and go fishing, hiking, or just exploring with your new friends that aren t going on the river trek or camping with you family in a great locale. In-Camp Activities and Side Trips / Hikes When not on the river, trek group members can explore the wilderness areas near our campsites. During breaks from paddling we will be going on a few short hikes to explore some of the side canyons or natural hot springs that will surround us. Boats- Canoes We will be primarily paddling canoes on this trek. This is a 5 day trek and we will need to bring all of our supplies with us from the launch point to take out. The canoes will be provided by Paula Boothe. Cost The price is $230 per person. There is a $25 non-refundable deposit that is required by October 18, 2017 in order to reserve a launch permit for Hoover Dam. This trip is limited to 18 people ages 14 years and older. Anyone wishing to participate in both the Picacho and Black Canyon Treks will receive a $20 discount for a total $335 for both treks. The price includes food, boats, PFDs, and paddles. All participants must attend at least one mandatory paddle craft training at Lake Perris SRA. Dates for these trainings are listed in the training dates section of this packet on page 9. Cancelation In the case of an individual cancelling before the trek, the amount of a partial refund is contingent on the date that a person cancels. There is a $25 non-refundable deposit that covers the cost of one launch permit for Hoover Dam. These permits must be purchased from the U.S. Bureau Of Reclamation in October and are non-refundable from the issuing agency. If a person cancels within 10 days of the start of the trek, then the cost of food, reserved campsites, etc. will be discounted from their refund. 5

6 Requirements to Attend Scouts: 1. Must complete Annual BSA Health and Medical Record form (Parts A, B, and C). 2. Must Complete Registration Form on page Completed BSA safe swim defense within 12 months prior to this trip and complete the required safety afloat training course that we will be holding for this trek. 4. Classified as a swimmer per BSA regulations. 5. Be a minimum of 14 years of age by Feb 1, All trek group members must fit into personal flotation device (PFD s) that are being supplied, with all buckles securely fastened. Maximum torso circumference - 52 inches. If can t fit into this sized PDF then you will need to supply your own. Adults: 1. Must complete Annual BSA Health and Medical Record form (Parts A, B, and C). 2. Must Complete Registration Form on page Completed BSA safe swim defense within 12 months prior to this trip. 4. Classified as a swimmer per BSA regulations. 5. Be a minimum of 18 years of age. 6. All paddlers must fit into personal flotation device (PFD s) supplied by the outfitter, with all buckles securely fastened. Maximum torso circumference - 52 inches. If you can t fit into this sized PDF then you will need to supply your own. It is highly recommended that anyone attending this trip become familiar with the policies of the BSA safe swim defense and safety afloat. Rules 1. All participants on this trip must be in full class A uniform while traveling from our campsite at Willow Beach and on the journey back home from Cottonwood Cove. 2. All participants must adhere to the Scout Oath and Law 3. All participants should pass the BSA Basic Swimming Test as a "swimmer." 4. All Participants must wear a life jacket at all times while in the boats as upsets on the river are likely. 5. No alcoholic beverages are permitted at any time, by anyone, on this trip. 6. No firearms or illegal drugs or fireworks are allowed. 7. The buddy system will be enforced at all times in camp and on the river. 8. All Participants must adhere to the safety afloat as laid out in the Guide to Safe Scouting and the principles of leave no trace. 9. The watercraft that an individual trains in at the safety afloat course in will be the watercraft that the individual will use on the actual trek in Black Canyon. 6

7 Packing List PLEASE NOTE: It s best to think of a paddling trip like backpacking, but on water instead of on land. Much of the equipment is the same as far as camping, but the equipment (of course) is different when you re actually travelling by boat rather than hiking. You can haul more gear on a boat, but you are still limited on room. 5 Gallons Of Water - 1 gallon per person per day. There is no potable water available anywhere along the trek. Each person needs to bring enough water for the entire trek. A few 1-2 gallon collapsible water containers would be ideal. Three to four 5 gallon buckets to hold gear and food. Two or three of the buckets will be used for personal gear and the extras will be used to carry group gear (i.e. food, stoves, cook gear). Its highly suggested to purchase a gamma seal lid (available for around $10 at Home Depot or Lowes) to use as a waterproof lid for the bucket. Canteen or sealable water bottle to drink water from while on the water or on one of the side hikes. Tent & ground cover to protect against insects & mosquitoes, etc. Large 20 to 40 liter dry bags may be used in place of a 5 gallon bucket to store personal gear. Dry change of clothes. Ideally 1 pair of pants, 1 pair of shorts, 2 long sleeve shirts, 2 short sleeve shirts, underwear, polypro or wool socks. Long sleeved shirt and pants are ideal for the evening. Clean clothes to change in to at take out in Cottonwood Cove, AZ. We will be wearing these clothes for the trip home. Sunglasses or prescription glasses with a floating headband type strap. Light hiking boots or old tennis shoes to wear around camp and for the hikes in the side canyons. These will serve as dry shoes for when we re not on the water. Pocketknife (Sharp), personal first aid kit, compass, emergency blanket, metal mirror or other hand held signaling device, 4 chem lights (light up light sticks) (used for signaling and mark the bow & stern of the boat for night paddling). High intensity whistle with lanyard. Its USCG requirement to wear a whistle on your PFD to use as an audible signaling device. Headlamp type flashlight and extra batteries Sun screen lotion # 50 and lip/nose protection Needle & thread 50 feet of polypro rope Waterproof camera Waterproof matches Insect repellent Notepad and pen / pencil to use as a journal. Book to read in case we are stock on shore during the day due to wind (this happens almost every year). Non canvas tennis shoes, aqua shoes, neoprene booties, river sandals or Equivalent (No Flip Flops) to wear for the time that we re on the water. Swimsuit, shorts, or long pants made from synthetic materials and long sleeve shirt to wear on the boats Biodegradable soap, towel, washcloth, toiletries. Wide-brimmed hat, visor or cap, beanie Rain suit, light rain jacket or nylon windbreaker, wool sweater and wool socks in case of inclement weather. It can get cool in the evenings. 7

8 Food Menu Picacho Trek Friday Dinner Fast Food before we leave for the trek. Saturday Breakfast Egg and cheese burritos before meeting the 8AM launch Lunch Sandwich grinders, apples, drink mix Dinner Hot dogs, chili and cheese, tea, hot coco Sunday Breakfast Oatmeal, bananas, dried apples & oranges, powdered drinks Lunch Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, dried fruit, powdered drinks Dinner Spaghetti, breadsticks, salad, drink mix, brownies Monday Breakfast Oatmeal, bananas, dried apples & oranges, powdered drinks Lunch Lunch to be purchased individually by group trek members and eaten at the café next to Fishers Landing Dinner Fast food on the way home from Fishers Landing Black Canyon Trek Friday Dinner Fast Food before we leave for the trek. Saturday Breakfast Cereal & oatmeal before meeting with the outfitter Lunch Sandwich grinders, apples, drink mix Dinner Hot dogs, chili, cheese, powdered rinks, cookies Sunday Breakfast Oatmeal, bananas, dried apples & oranges, powdered drinks Lunch Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, dried fruit, powdered drinks Dinner Spaghetti, breadsticks, salad, drink mix, brownies Monday Breakfast Cereal & oatmeal, powdered drinks Lunch Summer sausage, cheese, apples, powdered drinks Dinner Tacos, hot coco, tea, pudding Tuesday Breakfast Cereal, oatmeal, bananas, dried fruit, tang Lunch Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, oranges, powdered drinks Dinner Mac N Cheese with hamburger and mixed vegetables, powdered drinks, pudding Wednesday Breakfast Oatmeal, cereal, dried fruit, powdered drinks Lunch Summer sausage, cheese, dried fruit, tang, powdered drinks Dinner Fast food in Needles, CA PLEASE NOTE: *Dried fruit will be available during the trek for breakfast and lunch. **Drinks that will be available will be, cocoa, tang, soy milk, and powdered drinks. ***In case the weather turns cold we will also be bringing a supply of top ramen and prepackaged soup mix 8

9 Payment Schedule, Trek Itinerary and Training Dates Picacho Trek Date Activity or Training Location Jan. 27 9AM to 2PM, Feb. 3 Feb. 10 $50 Payment Due Required Safety Afloat Training. Everyone must attend at least one of these trainings. Balance of Payment Due Sail Cove at Lake Perris SRA ($10 fee per vehicle required to enter) Trek Dates 4PM, Feb. 16 8AM Feb. 17 2PM Feb. 19 6PM Feb. 19 Meet at TA Travel Center in Coachella, depart for campgrounds at Walters Camp, CA. Launch Paddlecraft from Walters Camp Takeout at Fishers Landing, AZ, and lunch at the nearby cafe Meet at TA Travel Center to meet parents and trek officially ends. TA Travel Center, south of the Interstate 10 Freeway, Dillon Rd, Coachella, CA Walters Camp, CA Fishers Landing, AZ TA Travel Center, south of the Interstate 10 Freeway, Dillon Rd, Coachella, CA Black Canyon Trek Date Activity or Training Location Oct. 20, 2017 Jan. 27 9AM to 2PM, Feb. 3 Feb. 28 9AM to 2PM, March 10 Non-refundable $25 deposit due. This deposit is required to buy the launch permits for Hoover Dam. Payment of $50 Due. Please Note: The $25 deposit is nonrefundable. This $25 is the cost of the permit to launch from Hoover Dam. Required Safety Afloat Training. Everyone must attend at least one of these trainings. 2nd Payment Due Required Safety Afloat Training. Everyone must attend at least one of these trainings. Sail Cove at Lake Perris SRA ($10 fee per vehicle required to enter) Sail Cove at Lake Perris SRA ($10 fee per vehicle required to enter) 9

10 March 10 Final Payment Due Trek Dates 4PM March 23 Meet at TA Travel Center in Coachella, depart for campgrounds near Willow Beach in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, AZ TA Travel Center, south of the Interstate 10 Freeway, Dillon Rd, Coachella, CA 8AM March 24 3PM, March 28 10PM, March 28 Launch from Hoover Dam Trek Group paddles to take out point at Cottonwood Cove, AZ. Stow Gear in vehicles, head home by 4PM Meet at TA Travel Center to meet parents and trek officially ends. Hoover Dam Cottonwood Cove, AZ TA Travel Center, south of the Interstate 10 Freeway, Dillon Rd, Coachella, CA Please be aware that the training dates and times for the safety afloat training are subject to change. The watercraft that an individual trains in at the safety afloat course in February or March will be the watercraft that the individual will use on the actual trek in Black Canyon or Picacho. Additional Online Training and Reference Material The following training courses can be taken at myscouting.org: Safety Afloat; Safe Swim Defense; Hazardous Weather Training; Trek Safety. Each individual is required to complete the Safety Afloat training and the Safe Swim Defense. It is also highly suggested that each participant complete the courses for Hazardous Weather Training and Trek Safety training. You will need to create a user account and password if you don t already have one. Several informative articles about paddling techniques, boat gear, paddling safety, and much more. A very good article about applying the principles of leave no trace to paddling activities. The webpage also includes links to the leave no trace website. Website for Desert River Kayak. This is the outfitter that we will be using to transport our equipment, trek group members, and boats down to the base of Hoover Dam in order to launch. 10

11 Picacho Trek & Black Canyon Trek, 2018 Registration Form PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE ALL INFORMATION Full Name: Home Phone No.: - - Alt. Phone No.: Street Address: City: State: Zip Code: Scout Unit Type: (Circle One) Venture Crew, Troop Scout Unit No.: District: OA Chapter (If Applicable): Date of Birth: Age (must be 14 years or older to attend this trip): Height: Weight: Are you a vegetarian? (Circle One) Yes / No You will be attending the Picacho Trek, Black Canyon Trek, or Both? (Circle One) Picacho Black Canyon Both If you are attending Black Canyon Trek, which segments will you participating in? (Circle One) Segment 1 Segments 1 & 2 Parents/ Guardians Signature (if above person is under 18 years of age): Check your own special training and qualifications. CPR: Date Earned: Expiration Date: Safety Afloat: Date Earned: Expiration Date: ARC First Aid: Date Earned: Expiration Date: RN or LVN: Date Earned: Expiration Date: BSA Lifeguard: Date Earned: Expiration Date: Emergency Contact Person: Alternate Emergency Contact Person: Phone: - - Phone: - - Please state any physical limitations that you may have and/or any special dietary needs, allergies (such as bee stings), etc. For Picacho Trek the cost per person is $125. For Black Canyon Trek the cost for segment 1 is $135 per person and the cost for segments 1 & 2 is $235 per person. To attend both treks is $335 per person. *For Black Canyon Trek a deposit of $25 is required by October 20, 2017 and the balance must be paid by March 10, Please Note: $25 deposit is nonrefundable. This $25 is the cost of the permit to launch from Hoover Dam. ** OA members that are not registered members of Crew 76 will need to register as members for this trek. Venture Scouts that are not registered members of Crew 76 may dual register with the crew or must have their crew file a required touring plan and provide either 1 female or male adult leader registered in your respective crew (depending on if there are male or female youth venturers attending this trek). ***The Annual BSA Health and Medical Record Form, is required for this trek by all individuals who are participating in the trek down the Colorado River. This form must be completely filled out (parts A, B, and C) and is due by 10 days before each trek starts. Copies of this form can be found on the trek webpage: Make checks payable to: Venturing Crew 76 Mail to: James Hermes Sutter Creek Road, Indio, CA,