Capt Sid's Riverboat Experiences: 2007

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Locking Down from Webber Falls Reservoir

Whew, we made it. That wasn't so bad but I think we will just troll around this reservoir for a little while before we "lock back" down to Kerr Lake and return to where we launched and left our truck and boat trailer.

Tying up to the bollards again.

Water lowering us down.

Safely through (thank you, God) and on our way. Gates closing behind us. Looking back, this was an ominous sight when we entered it the first time. But when you get the green light, you "gotta go for it."

Locking through the Webber Falls Lock

At Webber Falls, Okla., we put in on Lewis Lake which is on the Ark. River and rode about 2 miles up river to the Webber Falls Locks. This lock would raise us up to the Webber Falls Reservoir, about 30 ft. Sid radioed the lock master and when we got the green light, we pulled the boat into the right side of the lock to tie onto the bollards that raise and lower with the boat.

I was taking pics and Sid said, "Hey, you can't be taking pics, you have got to help me tie up this boat!" I said, "Aye, Aye, Sir." We had a 50 ft. rope attached to the front and back of the boat and wrapped them both around the bollard.

The huge gates that close and open to let the water raise and lower the boat.

The gates closed behind us and the water started raising us the 30 ft. to the level of the Webber Falls Reservoir. It took about 20 min.

Friday, October 26, 2007

Barges through the locks

Checking out the Webber Falls locks.
9 barges navigating the locks.

Man preparing to tie barges to the bollards.

Tugboat pushes them through.

What do you think Capt. Sid?
Ready to tackle the locks?

Ten Killer Lake

At Kaw Lake, a man told us about Ten Killer Lake in Eastern Oklahoma. He said it was the prettiest lake in Okla. We agree. It is a rock lined lake with rock cliffs and is so clear. We arrived there with our boat soaked from the overnite rain received enroute to 10 Killer. (We once again opted for a motel when thunderstorms were forcasted). Spent the next day drying out and preparing for a beautiful nite on this beautiful, smooth lake. We found a cove and anchored for the nite and were gently rocked all nite.

Next morning, Capt. Sid enjoying his morning coffee on "10-Killer" (lots of Indian names in this country).
This lake is about 10 miles from the Ark. River and a set of locks at Webber Falls, Okla. At last we are going to try to put our boat on a river.
Stay tuned.

Arkansas River - Kaw Lake, Okla.

Crossed the Ark. River at the border of Kansas and Okla. I stopped once again to catch a pic of the now navigable Ark. River. As I was going back to my car, a man and his wife stopped to see if I was having car trouble. I explained that I was just taking a pic and my husband was waiting down the road for me and we were hunting for a place to launch our boat. The man said, "I know just the place - go down here 2 miles and turn left, etc." So 20 min later I had a map and instructions for a wonderful campground on Kaw Lake in Okla. where the fish never quit biting. When I caught up with Sid (waiting patiently beside the road with the boat, we headed to Kaw Lake. It was a beautiful place and we stayed two nites. Thank you God for your angel with guidance to a great place to begin our journey.

Finally launching the boat on Kaw Lake.

Oops we had to return to dock to make sure Sid had tightened the plugs on the pontoons. Did not want to pull a Vinnie Willmeth and sink the boat because of no plugs. Sorry Vinnie the story is out. Thanks for the lesson.

Sid enjoying the journey. "Seventh heaven"

Greensburg, Kansas - Sept. 07

Searching for the Ark. River

[Photo] As we started across Kansas buffing a 40 mph wind, we began to cross the Ark. River but did not see enough water to float a boat.[Photo]
Sid is searching for water.[Photo]
Water at last but not enough to launch our boat.The winds were still 40 to 50 mph so we opted to spend the nite in a motel. This was Sat. nite in Dodge City, Ks. Went to Church the next day Mullingsville, KS. This is the church that help distribute supplies and workers for clean up of Greensburg, KS where a tornado wiped out the whole city last June. We checked out Greensburg after Church. Saw some rebuilding in progress as well as a group of volunteers clearing some city lots. Trees are starting to grow branches and leaves again. Lots of work yet to do.

The Journey Begins

At last we are on our way, headed to the Arkansas River. We left Evergreen about noon and headed south to Pubelo, Co., where we turned east and started following the Ark. River. It is just a small stream through most of Colorado and Kansas. The farmers and ranchers take lots of water from the river. We spent the first nite in La Junta, CO. at a KOA campground where we experienced a terriffic thunder storm during the nite.