Rivers & Canoes
Date/Time
Date(s) - 09/06/2019 - 09/08/2019
All Day
Location
TCU Campus Rec
Categories
Rivers & Canoes
| Dates: 9/6-8 | Time: Multiday |
| Early Bird Deadline: 8/23/2019 | Early Bird Cost: $55/$75 |
| Registration Deadline: 9/4/2019 | Regular Cost:$75/$95 |
| Location: Lower Mtn. Fork River |
Trip Description:
Located in Southeast Oklahoma, the Lower Mountain Fork is a very scenic river with verdant banks from spring through late fall. Join us on this canoe camping adventure along the exciting and beautiful Lower Mountain Fork River.
Trip Cost & Registration:
Early Registration: $55 with a TCU ID, $75 as a sponsored guest
Regular Registration: $75 with a TCU ID, $95 as a sponsored guest
Register in-person at the Campus Rec Front Office or online @ mycampusrec.tcu.edu
Pre-Trip Meeting:
9/4 @ 6pm
Pre-Trip meetings are required and are held the date of the Sign-Up deadline (listed above – generally the week of or week before the trip), from 6-7:30 pm at the TCU Climbing Wall. You will meet the leaders and other trip members, as well as cover all details such as weather, menu, safety issues, and clothing requirements. You will also be issued all of your equipment at this time (sleeping bags, pad, tent, etc.).
Itinerary
Day 1: Meet at TCU around 12:00 pm and head out toward Mountain Fork Park (4 hrs.). We will unload the boats and gear and set up camp alongside the Lower Mtn. Fork River. Together we will (hopefully) watch the stars come out as we gather around the campfire roasting S’mores.
Day 2: After a hearty breakfast, we will shuttle boats up river to paddle some of Oklahoma’s best river. Through this section, the Lower Mtn. Fork alternates between calm pools and exciting drops. Sit-on-top kayaks will be provided. Plan on getting swimming in the refreshing, clear water! Scrumptious lunch and dinner will be provided along the way – including fireside S’mores and (hopefully) more stargazing! We will camp alongside the river in rustic, tent-camping accommodations.
Day 3: After a final hearty breakfast, we will paddle downstream of our campsite through the remainder of our route. We will arrive at our take out after lunch, and arrive back at TCU by approximately 6pm.
Packing List
We are limited on space, and the less stuff you bring, the less you have to carry around. Ask yourself…What would I want in the coldest weather or the hottest weather? Pack to be prepared for both!
Things that should be packed inside your personal day pack and kept with you inside the van:
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PERSONAL EQUIPMENT:
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CLOTHING LIST: |
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HEAD:
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HANDS:
FEET: NO FLIP FLOPS!!
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UPPER BODY
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LOWER BODY:
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PERSONAL EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY TCU:
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GROUP EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY TCU:
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Physical Challenge
Paddling down the Lower Mountain Fork River can be tiring and may take the majority of the day. Be prepared to paddle for up to 6 hours per day. Strong winds can increase or decrease the difficulty of this paddle as canoes and kayaks can be highly influenced by the wind. While participants do not need to be superstars athletes, a decent level of fitness can go a long way.
TRIP RATING 2 out of 3 – This is an intermediate paddle trip.
Risk/Hazard/Safety
There are numerous risks and hazards associated with the Lower Mtn Fork River. Not dressing appropriately can result in heat or cold illnesses (Hyperthermia or Hypothermia). Not drinking enough water results in dehydration and not being in adequate physical condition can result in sore muscles. Trip members must make a conscious effort to be safe. One person’s disdain for safety will always result in more hardship for the group. If we do have an accident or injury that requires medical attention beyond the scope of our leader’s experience, the trip is immediately over without refund. Our leaders are trained to administer first aid in an outdoor environment; however, while they may be able to treat injuries they cannot always prevent them.
Hygiene Comfort
Our wild campsite will be located along the bank of the Lower Mtn Fork River. There will be no facilities at this campsite, as we will simply be finding a flat area adjacent to the river to set up camp on. Modern bathroom facilities and clean running water will not be available for the duration of this trip. TCU will provide water jugs (for drinking and cooking), tents, warm synthetic sleeping bags, and foam sleeping pads. You will have the choice to share a tent with two or three trip members or sleep under the stars. The sleeping area provides us with durable hard packed dirt.
Weather
The trip leaders will research the weather conditions in advance to assess the situation. The Trip will be canceled if the weather is dangerous. If you do not receive an email about this, then please be prepared to be out in the weather. Please follow the weather and use your best judgment as well as the packing list to determine what you will personally need to stay warm and dry during the entirety of this trip. Layers are recommended for cold weather and failure to bring proper attire will be detrimental to your experience.