Seventeen adventuresome paddlers gathered in San Marcos onSaturday morning, October 2, hoping for a chance to demonstrate their boating expertise on the whitewater of the San Marcos River. Unfortunately, the weatherman was unkind this day. Severe thunderstorms struck the area starting at about 4 a.m., and although the storms gradually diminished, by late morning the heavy rains had left their mark on the San Marcos River. Upon hearing that the river had risen to the point of danger, the boaters voted toenjoy other attractions in the area and try boating again the next day. 

The wine and cheese party that had been scheduled for after the paddling trip was rescheduled for noon to coincide with lunch at Rio Vista Park on the San Marcos River, where all viewed the Rio Vista Dam and the chute through it. This was hailed as a potential challenge for the following day. Those paddling the river could choose to brave the chute or take the safer route around the dam. In any case all seemed to agree that at the high water level, the chute was intimidating. April Rice, Steve
Jaeger, and Yvonne Guy had decided to camp. However, as a result of the storm, they had had a slightly “too adventuresome” weekend and chose to head back to Houston to dry themselves and all their gear.

Also after the lunch party, Pat Daugherty, Diane Biehl, and Geni Hefner dried themselves off and sought their own entertainment in the area. The remainder of the party took advantage of area attractions as a group, by visiting shops for tasting various Texas wines and/or shopping in Gruene. Lucinda Moore and Peggy Shillinger had commitments in Houston for Saturday evening so they took leave of the group. That evening the remaining group of nine had dinner together at the River Grill overlooking Rio Vista Dam as the sun set. The hardy group toasted to a better day on Sunday.

The next morning was cool, and after a hearty breakfast, Marda Waters, Steve Shaddox, Debbie Prusak, Dan Stoltzfus, Ray Naudain, Diane Jamail, Ted Schneider, Karen Geiger, and Calvin Doody met at TG Canoe Livery again. This time all systems were go, so after a river orientation and a brief safety talk, the SCSC boaters were on their way down the San Marcos River. It did not take the SCSC boaters long to learn the value of “steering” their boats. At the Rio Vista Dam, Dan, Ray, Diane, Karen, and Calvin braved the chute and none of them became “swimmers”.

Shortly after Rio Vista Dam, the river became a series of obstacles that tested some newly found maneuvering skills. On one particularly challenging obstacle, while ducking a branch, Diane decided that the day was becoming too hot and that a swim was in order. After challenging the group with more of the  obstacles, the river flattened out for a time up to the Cummings Dam. Here, boats were lowered over the side of the 15 foot dam and participants marched around on a narrow portaging path. On the coarse gravel below the dam, everyone took a break and ate lunch. Some lounged in the river while others just relaxed.

Then, after a low-bridge “boat limbo” and a few more tree obstacles to avoid, the group paddled with weary arms to Pecan Grove Campground, the takeout point. All who persevered professed to have enjoyed the trip and, after a beer or glass of wine, headed back to Houston with weary satisfaction that they had safely met the challenge of the San Marcos River.