RE: [Philmont]: (OT): Current / Jacks Fork

Ok, here we go. First of all, apologies to the purists on the list for
taking an off-topic sidebar. As more than a few expressed some
interest, I will post this here and then answer any follow-ups
personally (unless I mistakenly hit the reply all...)
 
1) To the person who had a bad experience on the Buffalo National River,
I am sorry that that happened. You stated that the water was too high
for scouts. The Buffalo is ~125 miles long and the upper part does have
a few Class II+ rapids. Thus, the high water can be a challenge to
some. The river flattens out as one heads down the river. In
hindsight, perhaps you were on the wrong section of the river?
 
Regarding hostile outfitters: That has never been my experience and it
should never have happened. All concessionaires on the Buffalo operate
under a license from the NPS and they are always interested in hearing
about such things. I have used many outfitters on the Buffalo and,
while some are better than others, I have never had a bad experience.
 
2) To the person questioning allowed camping in the Ozark National
Forest along the White River. This is never a good idea. The White
River (especially the section below Cotter) has highly fluctuating water
levels due to releases from the Bull Shoals Dam. What was 20 feet above
the water level at dinner may be under water by breakfast. There are
plenty of established campsites along the way in which one can stay and
be free of the worry of rising water. I would not camp on a gravel bar
along the White River. Besides, the water is too cold for swimming.
 
3) To be sure, some development has occurred on the White River
especially near between Bull Shoals Dam and +/- its' confluence with the
Norfork River. No, this section is not High Adventure experience.
However, if you are looking for an excellent trout fishing trip, this is
THE place.
 
4) As the Buffalo is a National River and part of the NPS, there has
been no private development along its' banks and all property owners
were bought out in the 70's and 80's. The NPS does maintain some very
good developed sites and three points along the river.
 
5) Camping is allowed on any gravel bar on the Buffalo and I highly
recommend such a trip. My wife and regularly take 3 and 4 day trips on
the Buffalo and have never run into anybody with a nasty attitude. We
use it as our "away from everything trips".
 
6) For a BSA High Adventure experience, I recommend the HA program at
Camp Orr on the Buffalo River (
http://www.westarkbsa.org/b/orr/manual/index.shtml - click on "High
Adventure"). While the traditional BSA camp at Orr may be somewhat
lacking, the HA program is top notch. Oh, and for those that have been
there, the road to camp has been redone courtesy of the Walton
Foundation.
 
Questions? Fire Away.
 
Rice Brewer
Fort Smith, AR
  

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Received on Thu Dec 9 11:42:57 2004