Neches River Trip ~ 40 miles March 16-18, 2016
Isolated and remote canoe camping on large relatively flat sand bars Carrying everything you need No Wal-Mart Canoeing, swimming, eating, praying, fire
Americas first National Preserve 1974 Ten eco-systems 9 land units and 6 water units 4 of the 5 carnivorous plants exist here The NPS manages over 105,684 acres of public lands, more or less, in what was the original Big Thicket In 1981 Big Thicket National Preserve was added to the list of International Biosphere Reserves
Pack out all trash and no burning of plastic Leave sandbars as you found them no holes or trash Camping on sand trees are a long way away Sand gets everywhere: take whisk broom for tent/feet keep kids away or downwind while cooking dip crates/chairs in water before putting in canoe Heavy dew Everything gets wet: tent, fold chairs @ night Wash dishes with sand & river water Bathe in the river No bathroom facilities bring a shovel & toilet paper Can gather firewood and have fire on the sandbar No fire starter needed use birch bark nature s kerosene
Take all the water you will need 1 gal/person/day No special equipment needed like car camping except: Dry Bags / Dry Box Sleeping under the stars on a tarp is great but sand fleas bite and dew is wet. Inside a tent is better.can sleep in hammocks in the woods Headlamps are better than lantern simpler, smaller & quieter Tie lids on crates and ice chest @ night raccoons Pack necessary/day items for easy and quick access - t.p., soap, gloves, hat, sunscreen, rain coat, snacks
Cell phone coverage is sporadic Tarps are important can make or break a trip Things can be shared find a buddy Tarps Stoves Shovel First-Aid Kit Saw Everything must fit in the canoe tie it in No rapids or portaging and few obstacles Ice must last 3 days in the sun Freeze food and water Most things don t float if it goes overboard it s gone Water Frisbee can be lots of fun
Heavier and stronger paddler belongs in the stern Trim for bow higher in tail wind and lower in head wind since canoes weathervane into oncoming wind Key canoe parts or terms: Bow Stern Thwart Gunwale Port - Left Starboard - Right Painter Draw stroke Take a large sponge (i.e. tiling) to clean mud out of canoe and remove water from rain or paddle drips Take a painter (15 to 20 at bow) and large stake or anchor
No axes please we re a long way from EMS. A saw is easier and safer Anchor canoes each night or move to elevation above tent: Water can rise overnight however Neches is not subject to flash flooding Shallow sloping sandbars causes a small rise in water to travel far inland Always wear you life vest mandatory for minors Handling river obstacles while canoeing: Do not grab stationary objects (i.e. tree stumps or branches) If going under tree branches, lean forward or back but never to the side When swimming: Moving water is dangerous and stronger than you think Old trot lines with rusty hooks are everywhere hidden under water Submerged branches and stumps are hidden underwater Sandbars are uneven with hidden/sharp underwater drop-offs If carried away downstream do not panic and do not try to swim back to where you were. Swim sideways to the current which is straight to the nearest bank (side of river). Swim/play upstream of the main camping area so if in trouble you are drifting towards help.
Wear sunscreen or cover up sunburns are bad on multiday trips. No natural covering on river Go bare foot at your own risk sharp clam shells and edges of aluminum cans are everywhere and possibly hidden just under the sand or water Do not pass the guide (lead) canoe: He knows of obstacles or river conditions to be checked out first before others come along He knows where the next break or camping sandbar or turn is and the stopping times for the group He will be calling out instructions so the group can react safely and consistently when being passed or overtaken by a motorboat. Always notify leadership if you leave the campsite or separate from the group by canoe or foot/hiking (i.e. retrieving lost canoe, etc.). Instruction can be given and plans agreed upon for a rendezvous location, time and periodic check in if required. Contingency plans can be made and a cold eyes review/discussion held to ensure preparations are adequate (cell phone, water, compass, snakes, hunters, etc.) Allows for consultation with the guide for directions, cautions, landmark identification, estimated travel time to/from (i.e. upriver vs. downriver) and private property boundaries.