Solo self support of the Arkansas River

[sward]

Yo Dave,

Sounds like a great trip, I did a smaller scale solo run Pine Creek thru Brown's a few years back at peak in my Release. I was going thru some big life changes and it helped out.
Hope it all levels.

Steve.

[Ed Hansen]

Nice trip. I myself have been toying with this idea for several years.... I was thinking of a 1-day high water run, but the multi-day seems way more relaxed. Thanks for posting the reoprt. Congrats!

[deepsouthpaddler]

Cool trip Dave! I hit royal gorge sat at high water and had a blast. Afterwards I was dreaming about checking out all the sections of the Ark at high water, wondering what fun big waves were lurking in those section. Your trip sounds like a really fun one to do and a cool accomplishment.

The story would make a great article for the american whitewater journal.

[Dave Frank]

Scott, as far as what I took, I am way more used to raft and car camping than self support or backpack style camping, so packing light is a challenge for me.

My sleeping pad and bag went in their own small dry bags up front, along with a liter or two of water. I’d like to get more up there to even out the load a bit, but only very small items can squeeze past the foot brace.

In the stern I use 2 stow floats stuffed pretty full: One side was light clothing layers and a nylon tarp, that I used as a ground cloth, but could have rigged between some trees with a rope and stakes if it had rained.
the other side was food and a jet boil stove. I brought an aluminum pan to use a small fire pan, as well as 2 wag bags.

Ian, I hadn't thought about submitting it elsewhere, but maybe i will. Then I'd have to use all correct verb tenses and stuff. Not sure I am up to the challenge

[craven_morhead]

Dave, I can do some editing for you if you'd like.

[Fuzzy]

sounds like the foot is all better glad to hear

fols

[tew]

Dave thanks for outing me. For those who are rafting the Ark at 4K+ I strongly suggest that you 1) surround yourself with strong paddlers and rowers. 2) always take a sneak line as swims are the full on experience and recovery is exceptionally difficult. I flipped my dory in the wave train to Boat Eater was able to rescue myself and was very motivated to get out of the water. Once on shore I watched my upside down fly past me, both Dave and Brian were not far behind racing after pieces. I did not want to loose my gear so I made my pursuit running down the railroad tracks and I was unable to keep pace the dory. Approximately 2 miles later and with the assistance from Josh we finally were able to catch my boat. This experience definitely renewed my respect for the force and power of the river. Doing a solo high water trip is certainly an accomplishment and exemplifies Dave's skill and knowledge of the river.