April 28,2013. Today really started yesterday when BOC posted 16 inches of airspace at the Ponca low water bridge. The idea of a last second run to the Buffalo was pitched to Kelli, she was a go and so was our trip. Saturday brought rain all day but the temps stayed in the 50's. As I watched the water all day Saturday the river showed 1 inch of airspace at Ponca, this is too treacherous for us, but many times the water goes down as quickly as it goes up. Sunday at 6am I loaded the canoe doubting we'd be on the water, at this time the water level was at 8 inches, still a little too high for our taste. As we began our trip the clouds covered the sky and warm it was not. My mind began to create a secondary itinerary, noting the many trails and other activities we could experience while at the Buffalo.
When we arrived the sun greeted us with warmth. We talked to the outfitters at Lost Valley Canoe and the water had dropped to 11 inches at Ponca so we went for it. The day ended up being perfect. The water was swift and challenging but nothing overbearing. Sophia was at ease throughout the day. She put her new kids paddle to use with the enthusiasm of an expert. Sophia continued her routine of making footprints in the sand. Once again she was not afraid of cold water, taking the plunge when the warmth reached its peak. Waterfalls were abundant from drainages adding to the flow of the Buffalo. We helped some college aged paddlers from KC gather their canoe and gear after going over in some swift water. Sophia dug all of the white water found on the trip, great family outing on what began as an iffy day.
When we arrived the sun greeted us with warmth. We talked to the outfitters at Lost Valley Canoe and the water had dropped to 11 inches at Ponca so we went for it. The day ended up being perfect. The water was swift and challenging but nothing overbearing. Sophia was at ease throughout the day. She put her new kids paddle to use with the enthusiasm of an expert. Sophia continued her routine of making footprints in the sand. Once again she was not afraid of cold water, taking the plunge when the warmth reached its peak. Waterfalls were abundant from drainages adding to the flow of the Buffalo. We helped some college aged paddlers from KC gather their canoe and gear after going over in some swift water. Sophia dug all of the white water found on the trip, great family outing on what began as an iffy day.