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Mendenhall (972)293-6415 email - The.Mendenhalls@prodigy.net Page B TABLE OF CONTENTS Page # Item A1 - A8 Texas Water Safari Race Application Package B2 Additional Safety Considerations B3 Volunteers Needed B4 Times at Road Crossing to Figure out MPH B5 Times by MPH for finish B6 Equipment List B7 - B15 Driving Guide to the Texas Water Safari B16 - B21 Texas Safari Course Description B22 - B25 How to Go faster in The Texas Water Safari B26 - B38 Texas Safari Course Description (small for cut out) C1-C36 Detailed Maps of River/Road course ADDITIONAL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS This must be read by (or read to) all entrants The Texas Water Safari is a long, grueling race that is extremely demanding, both physically and mentally. Entrants are encouraged to consult . physician to ensure that they are in good health and can withstand the rigors that participation entails. The physical demands of the race, combined with sleep deprivation, heat, dehydration and exhaustion, often cause participants to become, disoriented, Amnesia, hallucinations and other debilitating conditions are not uncommon. Such effect can impair judgment, a condition especially dangerous for the solo paddler. Coast-Guard approved life jackets are required for all participants. In addition to having these devices in the boat, participants are strongly urged to wear them Weak or nonswimmers should wear them at a11 tames. A life jacket should be worn in whitewater (or other hazardous river conditions), at night, in open water and whenever a paddler is incapacitated, disoriented or in danger of becoming incapacitated or disoriented. Participants should consider carrying a knife mounted in a sheath - attached to clothing or life jacket, to free clothing caught in trotlines, , other cordage, or in obstruction. Moving Water, even under normal conditions. involves certain inherent dangers. A person in a boat may be struck by overhead branches or man-made objects. A boat may strike a stationary object causing injury. A person in the water may be pulled under, especially if not wearing a Coast-Guard approved life jacket. He/she might be pinned against tree limbs or bunks or rocks, possibly between his/her canoe and such obstructions. Boats and swimmers can be swept over dams and into recirculating currents. Even slow-moving water has tremendous force. All participants are strongly urged to be familiar with the sport of "canoeing and with their craft: and equipment. Participants, should use only craft which they can safely control and should prepare themselves by reading. practicing and taking lesson. from qualified instructors. Participants should become familiar with the race course and know the locations of all rapids, dams,and obstructions Most participants travel at night To be competitive, you must travel at night. You should be aware that night travel on moving water adds to the potential hazard, Lights, should be in good working condition and of sufficient power to light out the river in front of you. Temporary disorientation and discomfort or even in death. Take heat exhaustion and heat stroke seriously: Become familiar with their causes and effects and learn to recognize them. Dress in light clothing that disapates heat and breathes. Use water or ice to cool the body and most importantly, the head. If you feel heat exhaustion or stroke coming on, stop and take care of the problem. Drink plenty of liquids and avoid becoming dehydrated. Drink on schedule and before you feel thirsty. Eat regularly, as failure to eat can enhance exhaustion and disorientation. Animal hazards can be a factor . So far there has been no documented attack by alligators or sharks the 30 years history of the race. However there are alligators, most below Swinging Bridge, and some are quite large. There are also sharks in the bay. There have been cases of races stepping on stingrays in the bay and there have been snakebites. Participants should be especially careful during portages and when beneath overhanging vegetation. Snakes are especially active at night. A snakebite kit is mandatory equipment. Because there is controversy even among medical experts, the type is left up to participants. Various methods are discussed at the seminar, but in doubt consult a physician. Wasp and fire onto bites are quite common people subject to allergic reaction to these insects should take the necessary precautions. Team captains should also be aware of all the possibilities described in this narrative and in other Texas Water Safari publications. Driving times should be planned to allow an much sleep as possible and captains or their companions should not drive while exhausted, ill, disoriented, or under the effects of any mood-alternating medication not approved by a physician. Take the same precautions recommended for racers. There is danger in all outdoor sports, But there are wonderful benefits to be gained. There is a fine line between"Gutting it out' and pushing on in the face of pain on the one hand, and failing to recognize the danger signs on the other. This race is not for everyone, the beat you can do (what we have all done in the past) is talk to other racers, enter races of shorter duration and gain experience. Everyone, especially the first time participant, is strongly urged to attend the free seminar described in the brochure. Also be certain to read the entire TWS brochure and its attachments. Race officials, team captains and partners are in the best position where the fine line is. There is no disgrace in pulling over to rest for a while. Some of the top finishers have done so and some of the best racers in Safari history has been forced to drop out. But, when you finish, you will find, as former record-holder John Bugge has repeatedly said, that you are a different person ---- for life. TEXAS WATER SAFARI 19515 FM 1979 MARTIN PALL TX 736.555 THE WATER SAFARI NEEDS YOUR HELP! Few people realize the amount of time, energy and money it takes to put on a race such as this one. Aside from the actual costs such as trophies and awards, printing and postage, T-shirts, and the banquet, then are the many hours of watching and waiting that are spent by our dedicated officials and communications experts. If you believe in the race as we do, that it is a fantastic builder of character - a developer of the will, then please help us hold the event. FINANCIAL AID All of the n3oney that is received for the Safari, whether through donations or entry fees. goes directly toward the actual race expenses; there aye no paid officers or staff members - only volunteers. Due to rising costs and a higher finisher rate, the Safari requires more and more funding to maintain the same level of excellence. The race needs your support Please consider becoming a sponsor at one of the following Levels: MEMBER- $10.00 A member of the Texas Water Safari is guaranteed all mail outs regarding including the race information packet plus the checkpoint by checkpoint PATRON - $25.00 Same as a member plus a Patron' button. JEFE - $50.00 Same as a member plus a 'Jefe' button SPONSOR - $100.00 Same as a member plus recognition as a sponsor at the start and finish CONTRIBUTION OF' TIME We need volunteers to serve as race officials at the various checkpoints its a glamorous job, with a free T-shirt and a meal at Seadrift (for anyone who volunteers for 12 hours or more) as pay. There are lots of mosquitoes and more fire ants than you can count, but them is also a good ration of satisfaction. Please consider if you can marn check point for a period of time (you can also volunteer for two or more time periods at one or more checkpoints and let us know your choice below. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Yes, I want to support the race. Enclosed please find my check payable to the Texas Water Safari. [ ] MEMBER $ 10.00 [ ] PATRON $ 25.00 [ ] JEFE $ 50.00 [ ] SPONSOR $ 100.00 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Yes, I want t volunteer to man the following checkpoints: For the following times: ___________________________________ from ______________(day&time) to __________(day & time) ___________________________________ from ______________(day&time) to __________(day & time) ___________________________________ from ______________(day&time) to __________(day & time) I will be available for check-in Fri I am available, get with me later on the time and place. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ NAME _________________________________________________________ ADDRESS _________________________________________________________ CITY, STATE, AND ZIP _________________________________________________________ PHONE _________________________________________________________ Texas Water Safari River Race Equipment Check off Sheet Boat Number Team Member(s) __________________________________ Team Captain: ____________________________________ Division: Offical Checking Equipment:_______________________  A Driving Guide to the Texas Water Safari Traveling directions and Site Descriptions for river access points for the Texas Water Safari Introduction These instructions am intended as a general driving guide to be used in conjunction with state and/or county road maps. Individual county road maps may be purchased from the Texas Highway Department. These maps are available at 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch to the mile. The 1/4 inch maps are easy to carry and have all the information as the 1/2 inch maps. Texas also offers a bound volume containing all county road naps and supplementary sheets(maps of incorporated areas. This volume is one of the last bargains available in this life. Some of the City Maps shown in this guide are taken from this volume. The "Roads of Texas" atlas by the Shearer Press is a compilation of the county road maps at 0.3 inch to the mile. In this atlas, the state is shown continuously, not county by county. If you plan to cross county lines in the Water Safari, this is a good atlas to buy. Some of the river crossings in this guide are referenced to this atlas. Mileage figures have been driven, or measured on the above maps, and so are fairly accurate. However, automobile odometers are inaccurate devices and so exact mileages should be taken with a grain of salt. Remember that landmarks and road signs can change or disappear without warning. In addition, road work may change the appearance of a route or the actual route itself. For simplicity, the directions in the guide are given from the previously listed road crossing. There may be easier shortcuts. Feel free to ask people on the bank. When a portage point, viewing area checkpoint, or water exchange point is under a bridge, usually a small road will lead down under ft bridge. Without exception these roads are not paved. Caution should be used with regard to muddy areas in order to avoid getting your vehicle stuck in addition, overhead clearance is sometimes too low to Permit passage of high vehicles under a bridge. Both of these last problems are aggravated in high water years Please remember to drive carefully and responsibly at all times: Always be watching for spectators. Don't trespass on private property. This means to stay off private-e property unless you have the landowner's permission to be there. Traditionally, there at several access points where private property owners have not objected to Safari bank crews using them, but the Texas Water Safari on neither advise you of these places nor give permission to use them. Experienced bank runners know these spots and may share their location if asked. Richard W. Kistler Eaton Rouge, U. July, IM Acknowledgments I would like to express appreciation to several people who were instrumental in the completion of this work. First I would like to acknowledge Russ Roberts and Lisa Hansen who produced the first edition of this work. I know they have saved many people much lost time while following the race. I would like to thank Mike Shively for producing Safari Talk: The Language of the Texas Water Safari the World's Toughest Boat Race" from which I have plagiarized unmercifully to describe the road crossings from a racer's point of view. I would recommend this document to anyone who is interested in the Texas Water Safari. For the descriptions of the towns along the race course, Directions San Marcos The abundance of water from San Marcos Springs made this area a mecca for the Indians who inhabited Central Texas and later for European explorers and settlers who followed. The name San Marcos was first given to a Texas river by the Alonso de Lem Expedition on April 26, 1689. Sadly, it was a different river. The name was applied to the present river in 1709. In 1845, the San Marcos area was settled, and in 1851, the present town was laid out. In 1926, A.B. Rogers started a park at the spring which has been developed into Aquarena Springs. Aquarena Springs(Start) Exit IH-35 on Aquarena Springs Drive(TX 87) This road will lead you directly to Aquarena Springs. The start is normally at the head of the springs in front of the hotel in an area called the Pecan Grove. Park in the parking lot and follow the crowd to the start. Rio Vista Dam Rio Vista Dam is a low dam in San Marcos between City Park and Houston St. There is a slot in the lip of the dam to the right of center that many teams elect to run(even though they usually swamp). Even if they swamp, it may be quicker to dump the water out of the boat another than Portage. In 1992, the team of Bowdin, Dunn, and Myers decided that the quickest way to run the drop was with the boat empty, so they swam the drop and let the boat go over by itself. Rio Vista dam is only 6-8 minutes from the start for the racers, so it is impossible to get them if you watch the start. However, if you want to miss the start and, watch the action at the dam, the directions are as follows: Leaving Aquamna Springs, turn right on Aquarena Springs Drive(Tx 82). Follow this road across the river. Immedaitely after Sewell Park, bear left onto C.M. Allen Parkway. Follow C.M. Allen Parkway NE. until you cross the railroad tracks. Take the first left to the pavilion in Rio Vista Park. Park and walk right along the river bank to the dam. An alternative(but smaller) parking area closer to the darn can be reached by continuing along C.M. Allen Parkway to Houston Street and turning left. Take a small road on the left just before you cross the river. Park and walk to the overlook by the darn. 1-35(B1ack Pipes) The black pipes are the pair of sewage pipes under the Interstate Highway 35 bridge in San Marcos, There am only a few inches of clearance under the pipes at normal water levels. Sometimes teams am able to squeeze under, but most teams portage on the left bank- A few racers stand up and push their boat under with their feet while stepping over the pipes and back into their boats. If you entered Rio Vista Park by the railroad tracks, go back to C.M. Allen Parkway, turn left, then go to Houston St. and turn left again. If you entered from Houston St., just turn left when you leave the park. Cross the river and turn right onto Riverside. Follow Riverside to the end and The right onto the Southbound Freeway access Toad. Immedaitely turn right and go under the river bridge. Park in the open area under the bridge. Thompson's Island Bridge 'Thompsons lsland is a formed by a division of the San Marcos River a few hundred yards below interstate 35 in San Marcos. The road that bisects the island is the city limit of San Marcos. The island was formed in about 1850 when Dr. Yrilliam Alexander Thompson's family built a ditch and dam for a gristmill, sawmill, and cotton gin. Most teams elect to go left at the dam which requires a portage along the road(Hays County Road #299).Those who go right must portage at the division point(the north end of the island) -the dam mentioned above. The racers must go under the County Rd. #299 bridge by the rules of the race. When you get back into your car, go out under the bridge on the other side and turn left onto the Northbound 1-35 access road. Immediately get into the right hand lane and turn right onto River Road. Proceed about.25 mi. to Thompson's Island Road(Hays County Rd. #299). Turn right. Proceed down this road, parking on the left in the vacant lot before the first bridge, or park on the right between the bridges. This is a very congested area, so watch for pedestrians, cars, and especially racers . Westfield Crossing Westfild Crossing is a low bridge about 0.5 miles below Currunings Dam on the river. The original name for the Crossing was westerfield crossing. The crossing was originally located at the shallow spot about 200 yards upstream of the bridge, where the road would go straight across the river. Normally the racers float under this bridge except at very high water levels. Go back up Thompson's Island Road to River Road. Turn right. Follow River Road to Tx Hwy 80. Turn right. Go to Caldwell County Road #101 (Westfield Road), the first paved right after the Blanco River Bridge. Go straight 1 mi. to the crossing. The best parking is across the bridge. Be sure to observe the no parking areas. These have changed several times recently, so you may have to park a long way from the bridge. This is a heavily traveled area and the landowners are very sensitive to trespassing. Scull's Crossing Scull's crossing is named for the Scull family which lives at the top of the hill on river right. They have always been courteous to river recreationists and racers. Please be courteous to them by respecting their property rights and by not leaving trash on the river banks. From the intersection of Tx Hwy 80 and Caldwell County Rd. #101, turn right onto Hwy. 110(towards Luling). Go about 2 mi. to old Martindale Road(Caldwell County Rd. #103) and turn right. Go about 1.7 mi. until you see a gravel road that veers to the right and down. Turn right there. The bridge is immediately after this turn. Martindale Crossing Martindale crossing is a low water bridge just downstream of Martindale dam. It is a deceptively hazardous spot because the entire river necks down to go under the bridge. A number of surprised racers have been dumped or injured here in the fast current above and below the bridge. At high water there is insufficient clearance to paddle under this crossing. From the intersection of Martindale Road and Scull's Crossing Road, go right into Martindale. Turn right on the road between the water tower and a beautiful 2-story yellow house. Caution: THIS IS A VERY NARROW, TWISTY TWO WAY ROAD! Go down to the bridge. Parking is available on either side of the river. Alternate Directions: From the TX Hwy 80 intersection with Westfield road, go 3.7 miles(toward Luling) on Hwy. 80 to the Pac-N-Sac grocery/Texaco Station. Turn right. Go to a "T" intersection across from the cemetery. Turn left. Go 2 blocks to the water tower. Continue as described above. Spencer Canoes/Shady drove Spencer Canoes is the family owned and operated canoe livery that also runs Shady Grove Campground on FM 1979 outside Martindale, Texas. The Spencers are friendly and serve as an encyclopedia of river, paddling, and racing information. Their shop is the local "How of the Texas Water Safari." Go back to Main Street(the water tower). Turn right. Go to the "T" intersection at the end of the street. Turn right onto FM 1979. You will cross the river on a high bridge. The canoe livery will be on the left, shortly after you cross the bridge. Turn left immediately to gm to the landing. Staples Dam Staples Dam is the third of the 5 large dams on the San Marcos River(the others are Spring Lake, Martindale, Ottine, and Gonzales). It was originally built to power a cotton gin. It is just downstream of the FM 1977 bridge in Staples. From the Pac-N-Sac at Martindale, go right(towards Luling) on Hwy. 80 about 3.9 miles to FM 1977. Turn right. Proceed about 2.5 mi. to the bridge. Parking is available on both sides of the bridge. The portage will be at the dam, downstream of the bridge. Racers can portage on either side, so check with your team to see where they plan to cross. Fentress TX. Hwy. 20 Bridge Fentress Bridge is a highway crossing on the San Marcos River located just west of Palmetto State Park The concrete footbridge ever the San Marcos River in Palmetto State is a favorite spectator spot, and is a place where a large crowd usually gathers. Water level makes a significant difference in how racers negotiate this crossing. At very low water, many team sneak under the right end of the bridge. At higher water, they try to line up the bow with one of the slatted notches in the center of the bridge and may stop on the bridge. The faster reams reach this landmark before dark. The current is fairly swift during the last 100 yards of the approach and teams must not allow their hull to swing broadside. More than one boat has been destroyed in TWS. Proceed back to Luling to the main intersection on Hwy. 80. From there, The right onto U.S. 901183 and go about 6.3 mi. to the Palmetto State Park turn offerred rocks and a brown sign). Turn Tight. Go 2 miles to the village of Ottine(stop sign). Continue straight. Park headquarters is on your right. A permit is required for entrance into the park. Normally, team captains and race officials are not required to pay the fee. Continue past headquarters about 0.2 miles to a left turnoff just prior to a bridge. Turn off left(Park Rd 41 1). Go about 0.3 mi. through a forested picnic The You will pass a stone restroom on the left. You will come to a rock island with trees in the middle. At this point is a line of rocks on the left with a washed out road leading down to a low water bridge. Drive past those things and park in the parking lot. 'Walk back down to the low water bridge. The water transfer point is at the bridge. Caution should be exercised here during high water since the banks are steep and muddy. At all wow levels, the current is swift above the bridge. Slaydon Cemetery Road Go back to the turnoff for Palmetto Park. Turn right onto Hwy. 193. Go 4 mi.(from the turnoff) towards Gonz:96. Turn right where a sign says "Gonzales Church of Christ"(Gonzales #232-there'll be some metal chicken houses on the left). Go 1.6 miles towards the bridge. DO NOT CROSS THE BRIDGE! If you am a team captain under the bridge, don't look up if someone does cross the bridge. The best access is prior to crossing the bridge, through a hole in the barbed wire fence. Remember, this site is private property. Please leave less trash than when you came. The landowners have never objected to participants using this site, so let's keep it that way. Gonzales The settlement that became the city of Gonzales was founded by Green C. DeWitt in 1825 right after the Mexican government gave him permission to settle four hundred families in the area. The town was named for Rafael Gonzales, the governor of Coahuila, Mexico and Texas at the time, It is generally conceded that the first shot of the Texas Revolution was fired hem from a Mexican cannon by Texans. Gonzales U.S. Hwy. 90A Bridge From the intersection of Slaydon Cemetery Road and Hwy. 183, The right. Go 6.3 mi. towards Gonzales. In the city you will come to a red light(a major intersection with U.S. Hwy 90A). Turn right here. Go 2 mi. to the bridge. The best access is to cross the bridge, then go down to the right, but neither side of the bridge has very good access. Gonzales U.S. Hwy. 183 Bridge This is the first popular vantage point below Gonzales Dam. It is also the last place the racers are likely to see a large crowd of spectators, It is always a major turning point of the race. Most of the racers get to this check-point during the night on Saturday night and are relieved to have gotten through the San Marcos River. Those who continue below this point have the knowledge that they only have to keep the boat between the banks and pointed downstream to finish(because the major obstacles have all been passed). For this reason a number of boats have wrecked just below this checkpoint Instead of turning right onto Hwy. 90A at intersection mentioned above, go straight through the intersection on Hwy. 183. Proceed through town for about 2 mi., to the Guadeloupe River bridge. Cross this bridge and turn off to the right Immediately at a brown sign saying "Historical Marker". Follow this small road down to below the bridge. Water exchange is on the right side of the concrete bridge. The mud can be bad in wet weather, and in such a case parking will be much better in the paved lot higher up the bank. This is a party spot for bank runners and Gonzales townspeople during the first night of the race. It's also one of the few opportunities you'll have to catch a few hours sleep. Hochheim Bridge Hochheim bridge was once called Dutchtown because of its German settlers. Outside of town stands a two-story stone stagecoach inn that once served travelers on the Austin-Indianola ran. Horhheim bridge is a welcome sight to the racers after the longest split of the race(38 mi.). The Gonzales to Hochheim. section of the Guadalupe River takes 5 to 10 hours during the safari(depending on the water level and the type of hull). This bridge is considered the halfway point of the race even though it is only 123 miles into the race. From the Gonzales 183 bridge, turn right on Hwy. 183. Go towards Cuero 15.4 miles to the bridge. Prior to crossing it, take a small gravel road to the left. Care should be exercised not to stick your vehicle in the mud. The banks are somewhat steep(class IV -V for you whitewater folks). Cuero Cuero is the Spanish word for hide. While the original settlement of Cuero was a short distance away, the name and post office were moved to the present location because it was on the first rail line to reach DeWitt County. When Indianola was wiped out in 1875, most of the refugees settled here. Cuero is unusual for bank runners because the road crossings around Cuero do not proceed linearly as the ones above and below do, but they radiate like spokes from a wheel. This makes the Cuero map almost essential to find your way from road crossing to Toad crossing. Cheepaide(Cuero 766 Bridge) Proceed from the Hochheirn bridge towards Cuero 15.5 mi. to the Cheapside sign. Tun right, then jog to the right again onto Hwy. 766. Go 3.9 mi. to the bridge(you will pass several large buildings and a "Tinico" sign an your right). When you get to the bridge, cross over and immediately turn off the road. Walk down under the bridge. Note: Ignore the Cheapside sign between Hochheim and Cuero. It's not the one you want Cuero Hwy. 3402 Bridge This is the old San Antonio Highway(be careful, there are two of these in Cuero). In the south end of Cuero turn right onto Heaton St.(3402). Go 2 mi. to the bridge. Cross over and turn right down to the bridge(good clearance and a turnaround here). Banks are steep, but there is access. However, very few crews meet their boats here. Cuero U.S. Hwy. 183 Bridge Get on this main highway (same as Esplanade St.) going south(towards Goliad and away from Gonzales). The bridge is about 1.5 miles out of town. Go under the bridge either on the left or right. That is plenty of room to turn around here. The banks are steep, but a trail leads down to the left and access is better there. Again, very few bank runners come hem. Cuero Hwy. 236 Bridge At Morgan St. in Cuero(near the water tower on Esplanade), turn east(right if pointed towards Gonzales). Go about 0.5 miles, turn right on Hwy. 236 at the sign(it's also called Arrickeville Rd.). The highway then jogs right. The bridge is about 2.3 mi. past this sudden curve. Get off on the gravel road under the bridge to the right. The water handoff is on the right side of the abutment. 'Me trail down to the river is narrow and steep. Note: You'll probably be coming the other way, and will make a left turn onto 236. Thomaston Bridge Thomaston was DeWitt County's first railroad town. The town was named for State Legislator Nathan Thornas who sold the south pan of the township to the Gulf, Western Texas, and Pacific Railroad. At the peak, Thomaston had a population of 500. Take TX. Hwy. 87 towards Victoria(east) in Cuero for approximately 11.5 mi.. You will come to an old brick store. Go 0.8 mi. more to River Road, turning off to the right. Take this Turn and go 2.3 miles to the bridge. Cross the bridge and park on either side of the road. Walk down under the bridge. Nursery TX. Hwy. 447 Bridge Nursery is located near the second site of Mission Nuestra Senora del Espiritu Santo de Zuniga, in operation from 1726 until 1749. The thousands of cattle that ran wild from the mission's ranch made this the wellspring of the Texas cattle industry. From the intersection of TX. Hwy. 87 and Thomaston(River Road), go 5.5 mi.. to Hwy. 447(look for "Kelly's Kountry Korner'). Turn right, go 2.9 miles to the bridge just past a big tower and plant). Cross the bridge and turn off on the gravel road on the right immediately after the bridge. Park when available and follow the road to the river. Victoria It is said that Main St.(Hwy. 87) was originally called La CaUe de los Diez Amigos(the Street of Ten Friends) because Martin de Ixon, the Mexican empresatio who settled Victoria in 1824, established ten of his friends in homes there. These men served as financial and political leaders of the new Mexican colony. Victoria City Park This checkpoint is considered to be the 'three quarter" mark on the Safari course and most racers feel a considerable lift after making it this far. Racers are often quite disgruntled at taking 8-10 hours to run the 236 to Victoria split during the race when it takes them only 5-6 hours during a practice run(or the prelim.). Most paddlers disembark at Victoria to stretch their legs and chat with the spectator. From the intersection of TX. Hwy. 87 and Hwy. 447(the road to the Nursery bridge), turn right towards Victoria. Go about 8.3 mi. to Mockingbird Lane. Turn right, then make an immediately left turn onto Vine St.(directly in front of City Plumbing Supply). Go 0.7 miles. to the entrance of City Park. Turn right and follow the road past the ball field to the sign on the right saying "Public Boat Ramp". Turn right here and park in the parking lot. Walk down to the river. Victoria TX. Hwy. 175 Bridge(from City Park-use after dark) From the City Park entrance, continue across the road to Magnolia St. Turn right on Main St. St. (U.S. Hwy. 87). Go into town to the U.S. Hwy 59177 crossing. Turn Left on Rio Grande(stay on 87). Go 4 blocks to Navarro St. and turn right to stay on 87. Go about 8 blocks to Goodwin St. Turn left to stay on 87. Go again several blocks to the intersection with TX. Hwy. 185(Calhoun St.). Turn right. Follow Hwy. 185 2.3 mi. until it crosses TX. Hwy. 175. Turn right. Proceed to the Guadeloupe River bridge. Cross bridge and proceed to Fox Rd. crossover. Do a U-turn on Hwy. 175, go back across the river, and get off on the right. Park in the small parking lot and walk down to the river. This is not the shortest route but it is the most sure. Swinging Bridge(Dupont Plant) Swinging Bridge is a cable suspension bridge over the Guadeloupe River located near a DuPont chemical plant south of Victoria. The bridge itself is privately owned and is off limits to racers and spectators. It Is named Dalton Bridge on the topographic maps and was an official checkpoint until recently when the DuPont Company granted spectators access to a better vantage point at a boat ramp a short distance upstream. Swinging Bridge is an exciting landmark for racers because it means they am "almost there" even though they actually have about 15% of the total distance left to go. Get back on Hwy.. 175 going east(towards 195). Go 1.5 mi. to the Hwy, 185 exit. Turn right on 185. Go 6.6 miles to 1686(Cmd Rd.-be sum ifs marked "Canal Rd." since there am two 1686 intersections). Turn right at Canal Rd. Go 1 mile until you can see the DuPont plant entrance. Turn left and go 2 mi., going around the entire plant. You will come to a one-lane bridge over the Victoria Barge Canal. Cross the bridge and Immediately turn right onto a gravel road. The guard posted at the gate will let you in. Proceed 1/8 mi. checkpoint is on the left beyond the picnic tables. Tivoli TX. Hwy. 35 Bridge of 142-143 Tivoli was founded in 1907 by Preston Rose Austin as a market town to serve the cotton farmers in the area. The Refugio Land and Irrigation Co., of which Austin was a partner, provided the community with a church, school, store, hotel, and a cotton gin and mill, as well as conveniences such as electricity and a telephone system. Austin and his associates also financed a branch line of the Missouri Pacific Railroad. which connected Tivoli with Victoria when it was completed in 1912. Go back to Hwy 35(the way you came in) and turn night. Go 13.5 mi. to a "T" intersection with Tx. Hwy. 35. Turn right. Notice immediately on your left the turn to TEXAS WATER SAFARI COURSE DESCRIPTION 0 Spring Lake Start only be seen on race day (private property). 1/4 Popper's Dam Portage Portage island, left, right, or middle with the middle being the most popular. Hazardous footing in some spots. Can 3/4 Rio Vista Dam Portage Can be portaged left or right or can be run through small spillway In center of dam. It and the salt water barrier are the only dams that can be run, ALL OTHERS MUST BE PORTAGED. 2 Thompsons island Dam Portage Approximately 1/4 mile past 1-35 bridge, Thompson's Island Dam will be on river right with mill race continuing down loft channel to Thompson's island bridge. You can portage the dam and got into old river stream or take left channel to Thompson's island road bridge. 2 1/2 Thompson's Island Road Bridge Portage Portage right at end of mill race. Carry boat beside road to re-enter river above road bridge with yellow handrail. You cannot cross the road and must go under this bridge in the race. 4 Blanco River Confluence Obvious right turn at confluence. 5 Cummings Dam Portage Portage right around dam. 6 Westfield Crossing Low Clearance Low clearance at higher water levels. River current increases with small rapids down to Cottonseed Rapids. 9 Cottonseed Rapids Run with Caution one of the best known on the San Marcos River, it can be run at most water levels. Can be scouted by stopping on river right when you see the old concrete dam. 10 Scull's Crossing Good clearance at all but extremely high water. 11 Martindale Dam Portage Must be portaged on the right. 11 Martindale Low Water Crossing Low Clearance TEXAS WATER SAFARI COURSE DESCRIPTION Just past Martindale Dam, approach with caution. Fast current leading up to and under bridge with rocks below bridge at low water. Portage right if necessary. 12 FM 1979 This next section of river has mom fast current with sweepers and small rapids, still water the last two miles above staples Dam. 17 Staples Dam FM 1976 Portage-Checkpoint # 1 DEADLINE-You must reach this checkpoint by 3: 00 p.m. Saturday. Staples dam fifty yards past bridge. Portage left over lip of dam or right down stairs. Fast current starts again with sweepers and two small rock dams that can be run at normal water levels but may need to be portaged at low water, small log jams are possible from here to Luling 90 but are usually single fallen tress. 26 Fentress Hwy 20 Bridge The river continues to be fast at average water levels with tight sweeping corners and stumps. 29 Prairie Lea Bridge #1 Low Clearance Low clearance and dangerous at high water levels. A sweeping left hand turn upstream of the bridge can make the approach difficult to see. At high water it should be approached with caution. Portage right if necessary. 31 Prairie Lea Cut Located 100 yards below Prairie Lea 01 is a now cut to the left. most of the river is now flowing through the cut. It is a dangerous cut due to the strong current and downed trees inside. It can be scouted by stopping an the island now formed by the newer cut and the old river channel. The old river channel can be taken but is shallow and congested abnormal water levels. 31 Prairie Lea Private Bridge No Public Access A Private bridge with a small rapid just upstream.. 32 Prairie Lea #2 Low Clearance Left portage if necessary. The bridge is easily visible. The river down to Stairtown is especially tight and winding with logs and sweeping corners. 33 Stairtown Bridge The river from here to 90-A continues to be tight and winding with logs and possible small jams. 40 Luling 90 Checkpoint # 2 DEADLINE-You must reach this checkpoint by 9:00 P.M. Saturday. The river begins to slow and the possibility of larger log jams increases. Little or no current for the last three miles above Luling Dam. TEXAS WATER SAFARI COURSE DESCRIPTION 46 Luling (Zedler) Dam & Hwy 80 Portage The dam, about 400 yards past Luling water intake on left. Portage right. The portage is obvious in daylight. If dark approach with caution, pulling over well above dam. 50 110 Difficult access. The river below Lulling Dam is similar to below Luling 90 with some cut-rent below the dam for a couple of miles then slowing. 54 Broken Dam Rapid (Son of Ottine) Run with Caution An old broken rock dam that is runable at all but extremely low water. Run just right of center or far left. 60 Ottine Dam Portage-No public access Portage left. Located after a right turn, it is difficult to hear and see until you are close to the dam, especially at night. Use caution in portage. The old Soar works have openings that you could fall into. Use extreme caution at night. 60 Palmetto Bridge & Park Checkpoint #3 -Portage A portage at most water levels, strong current just above the bridge; bridge may also have logs and debris on it. Approach with caution, especially at night. River continues to have some current but fewer sweeping corners with more logs and some of the largest log jams possible in the next section of the river. 68 Sladen Cemetery Bridge The river gets slower as you get closer to the confluence If the San Marcos and Guadeloupe rivers. This is usually the last section for log jams. 77 Gonzales 90-A The river gets slow and wide from here to Gonzales Dam. 79 Old Iron Bridge No Access 81 Guadeloupe River Confluence The Guadeloupe River flows in from the right, obvious left turn. Soils and eddies at high water. 84 Gonzales Dam Portage Right There is a cable strung 15-20 feet above the water 500 yards above the dam with a warning sign on it. Generating building on loft side of the dam is usually well lighted at night. Portage take out approximately 30 yards above the dam on river right. Approach with caution keeping to right side on approach. Marked by tree with sign and blinking light at night during race. At normal or lower water you can Put back in just below the dam past the rock riprap. The a are large rocks and an eddy pushing you back towards the dam. At high water. this short portage is very dangerous and the longer portage is best. Use the same take out but instead of going down to the short put in, go right through the opening in trees for about 50-75 yards. Then angle left for about 200 yards to put In. TEXAS WATER SAFARI COURSE DESCRIPTION 85 Gonzales 183 (Gravel Bar) Checkpoint 04 The next road crossing is 3e miles and this is the longest section on the race course. Make sure to have plenty of water. At low 'water there are gravel bars, sweeping turns and a few small rapids. At high water, boileds and eddies. 123 Hocheim Hwy 183- Checkpoint #5 Similar river conditions as the previous section with the river slowing just above Cheapside bridge(766) because of Cuero Dam. 145 Cheapside Bridge (766) Checkpoint #6 Continued slow water to Cuero Dam 147 Cuero Dam Portage right Cuero Dam has been rebuilt requiring a portage to the right and take out about 50 yards above the dam on right (a large sign on right at take out) Put into eddy. At low water a large silted area may require another portage to got back into the river. The current starts again with boils at high water. 153 3402 (Kenton St., Old Cuero-San Antonio o Rd) 155 Cuero Hwy 07 160 Cuero 236 Check point 07 This section is a lot like the previous one with a few sweepers and small rapids at low water and boils at high water. This is also the start of the TEXAS RIVER MARATHON. the Texas Water Safari preliminary race. 178 Thomaston Bridge This section has some rapids with standing waves at normal water level but are usually washed out at high water. 187 Nursery (447) 200 Victoria City Park Boat Ramp Checkpoint #8 This and the next section are the last to have sweepers at low water levels. 204 Hwy S9 (Power Plant) 209 Victoria Loop 175 Bridge As the river current slows there is a slight Possibility of log jams in this section, but usually just fallen trees blocking a Portion of the river. 211 Cornfield Cut A sharp cut to the left that leads nowhere. DO NOT TAKE ANY CUTS IN THIS SECTION OF RIVER. 213 Blue Bayou Cut Illegal cut that flows to the left at high water. Cuts are dangerous and congested with loss. TEXAS WATER SAFARI COURSE DESCRIPTION 218 Colatto Crook Confluence Flowing in from the right it is a good land mark for time. It is, the halfway point to Swinging Bridge (Dupont)., 227 Swinging Bridge (Dupont Plant) Checkpoint #9 Swinging Bridge is owned by Dupont who controls access to the river. It will be open for the race, but for training runs you must check at the guard's gate for permission to put in. The people at Dupont have been friendly and helpful in allowing access, but may not allow access if conditions warrant. Log jams are possible in this next section especially after the railroad bridge. 234 Railroad Crossing This next section has the possibility of some of the largest log jams. Some years as many as seven large jams. At high water there are several cuts flowing off the river to the right. These are legal but considered not worth taking. Any cuts., to the left ,are- not. worth taking either 236 Pipeline Crossing A good landmark to indicate you're getting close to Seadrift Cut. Can be hard to see at night. 237 Seadrift Cut and Alligator Lake The most used cut out of the river to get to Alligator Lake. it has strong current with fallen trees and sharp turns making it difficult and dangerous to take. Alligator Lake was created by a cut through the levee by Seadrift Cut. It is a couple of miles long and maybe a mile wide at its widest with shallow water. it can be rough under windy conditions and hard to find the exit back into the river. At low water the lake is impassable because of insufficient water flow. These cuts can be a few minutes faster under ideal conditions with log jams in the river but are considered, by some people, not worth the trouble if the river is open.- The river condition will be reported at the race briefing. 244 Salt Water Barrier A dam that is raised at extremely low water to keep salt water out of Port Lavaca water intake just above the dam. it can have logs piled up in front of it that can be portaged right but is usually open and passable with boils around the pilings. 247 Tivoli Hwy 35 Br Bridge Checkpoint # 10 This section can have small log jams but is usually kept open by fishing boats. This is the last checkpoint. 250 Taylor Cut Marked by a white and green trailer house on the right It's a out to the left that goes to the upper end of the San Antonio Bay, usually not taken because of the increased time in the bay. Take the right channel and stay in the river. 252 Wooden Brides The last public access point. 254 Guadeloupe River and San Antonio Bay Confluence There are several routes to cress the bay. One course to enter the bay turning right after 50-100 yards and follow the r. ht hor line to Foster Point. then angle left to the end of the spoil bank and around the Island turning left to the SeadrIft flagpole and pavilion an the seawall. ,another course is to come out of the river and cross straight to the TEXAS WATER SAFARI COURSE DESCRIPTION opposite shore then turn right and follow the shoreline to end of the spoil bank. There -are three cuts the spoil island to the barge canal. Do not enter the canal but continue to the end of the spoil island. left to Seadrift. At the end of the spoil 'bank you I have to cross the Large canal. Make sure there are barges coming down the canal. Lot any boat pass before attempting to cross. The depth Of the canal can make large waves and be dangerous to cross. At night a row of lights on the seawall and car lights on the road above the seawall are landmarks to look for. 260 Seadrift Flagpole and Pavilion FINISH How to go Faster in The Texas Water Safari 1. Most Important Attribute of a Safari Paddler Persistence *If you waste 10 minutes at 25 access pts & 15 portages, it adds up to 6 hr 40 mins 2. Training the Correct River Sections A. Sea Drift Cut B. The Bay C. The Upper River D. Cuero - Victoria Rapids E. Night Run - Section 3. Night Training - Some items to remember at night: A. Water sounds travel great distances at night and a small branch in the water can sound like a major rapid B. Be ready to back paddle should you come up on a sudden log ram, its a skill that needs practice 4. Pharmacy - Aspirin, Tylenol/ibuprofen, toilet paper, Vaseline, lip balm, factor 45 sunscreen 5. Repair Kit - Small roll of duct tape, 10 feet piece of rope 6. First Aid Kit - Band-Aids, roll of medical tape, iodine, insect bite cream, 7. Snake Bite Kit - (Hope you dont have to use it) 8. Urinating Technique - What are your Choices A. Hold it (No chance) B. In your Pants (Youll get rashes and smell very very bad) C. Stand Up (Takes skill to do) D. On Knee (takes less practice than standing) E. Lay back and lean sideways (works great in a kayak) F. On the Paddle (Dont ask me) G. In a plastic bottle so you dump it (easiest) H. Female - (Youll have to adapt) 9. Pre-Race preparation of Body A. Hydration - Drink regularly (whether you want it or not) B. Train in the heat of day C. Bowel Movement (Make sure you have that Toilet paper) D. Rear-End Preparation (Vaseline - Some need it some dont) E. Nipple & Arm pit Preparation (either use the Vaseline or use a loose fitting shirt) F. Feet Preparation - Silicone glove maybe, Vaseline, rubber boots, sandals G. Hands- Do NOT wear gloves (they hold the water to your skin) 10. Preparing your seat - Highly recommend a foam or air cushion seat 11. Proper Food - You can use Tupperware or ziplock bags (if ziplock bags get the type that has the external lock slide - Youll need around 12,000 calories per 24 hours (Dont worry youll burn it off) A. Liquid - Possibly rehydration powder or carbo powder B. Solid - power bars, energy bars (make sure you try them before the race to see if you like them. ready-made puddings are a thought, some people like sandwiches, also small can of stew or chili is nice for a dinner although youll eat it cold. Note: You need to practice eating on the move 12. Correct Clothing A. Sun Glasses with a Strap - Preferably a floating strap (Saved my glasses in 97) B. Correct Underwear - I dont know about the ladies but most of the men dont wear any C. Hat with tie strap - (make sure it has a tie strap and is attached, I lost mine in 97, but lucky I carried a spare. D. Correct Shoes & drilling Shoes - There is heated discussions on this subject. The question is do you want more water draining capabilities or more feet protection. At one end is the sandal at the other are rubber booties with a sole. Its your call E. Shirts & Pants - Must be loose fitting, Water repellent, light color, at same time have a jacket or something to put on just incase it gets chilly (people have dropped out for hypothermia) F. Socks - (I personally dont believe in them for the race) 13. Bow Lighting - Very important to test your lights before the race, not just if they come on but how long will they last on one set of batteries. Then you know how many spare batteries to carry. Also think how much of a reach the lights will have. Youll want some warning of a coming log jam or such and with a light with little or no reach youll have little or no warning. 14. Personal Lighting - Figure lighting for 9 hours per night. You might like to mark items with glow-in-the-dark tape to find them easier. Also at night look up at the trees or banks of the river, the river can be make you feel its never ending and confuse you at night. 15. Bailing devices A. electrical - must bulge pumps run on 12 volts. A single 6 volt battery will run a 12 v pump. However, it will drain the battery quickly. Recommend test a pump with battery in the boat if you go this way B. Foot Operated - Slow but practical . uses your feet pressure to pump as you paddle C. Manual - Have to stop paddling to do this, but is faster than both electrical and foot and lighter in weight. Recommended especially for the soloist. Note: Remember water weights 8.2 pounds per gallon, 1/4 inch of water in a regular canoe will make about 1 to 2 gallons of water 16. Paddle Holder - Paddling - remember you have 100 hours do the race. Also the less noisy your paddling the more efficient you stroke (paddling) 17. Portage Timing and training - Portaging is one of the hardest things to train for and can easily drain the energy from a Paddler. Train lifting , carrying, and/or dragging your boat. A strap tied to the bow (front) of the boat can be a life saver for pulling a boat. Some even invest in a canoe/kayak dolly. If you do think of how fast you can put to work and how fast you can take it off, and last how much does it weigh. Is it worth it? 18. Portage Technique A. Storing Paddle -When portaging think of storing your paddle. Make sure it is attached to something. Paddlers have lost their paddles during portages. B. Over Log Jams - When coming up to log jam think of these THREE things, 1) How fast is the water moving against it (any even remotely fast water at a log jam is very dangerous) 2) the length of the log jam (can you see the river on the other side) If you decide to go over it, be prepared for some poling action 3) Is the jam soft or hard - Meaning are the logs floating and at slightest weight go under water or are the logs hard meaning can you put weight on them. C. Specific Portages at Known Locations - Try to know and understand portages coming up so you can prepare yourself and thoughts for them. IMPORTANT ITEMS FOR LOG JAMS Rule One - Never go under a log jam! If your boat tips do everything you can to get on top of the log jam Rule Two- Never put you feet down when near a log jam. (It could easily get trapped) Rule Three - If in doubt go around! 19. Water Hand-off Technique - Plan of how you are going to get water/ice from your team captain. Are they going to throw it to you? Hand it to you? are you going to stop or just slow down. Team captains should think about what to wear. They maybe required to enter the water, go through mud, bushes and such. 20. Check Point Procedures A. When arriving note location of other teams (Think of your teams category) B. Locate Best Hand-Off Location (Think easy transfer for your team not easy for you as the captain) C. Show best Portage - If team Captain knows of a long/or short upcoming portage make sure your team knows about it and the best route to take. D. Inform your team how they are doing compared to their competition E. Before you leave note the location of other teams - This is a note for team Captains 21. Charting the teams Progress and Speed to estimate Future Times to Check Points A. Its important to know this so that Team Captains can see how much time they have to get to the next check point. B. Its important too for the Team captain to tell their Team how they are doing such as average speed and what kind of time frame their current speed will put them at the finish line. 22. Maintain A Feel for your location on the River (Time to next check point) A. Watch placement compared to other racers B. Time Goal Sheet - What is your goal and how are you doing. C. May sure you have a watch it will help you estimate distance and time in your head 23, Sleeping technique A. Lay on lap - Got to practice at this, and be prepared to wake suddenly B. Sleeping sling - (I have no idea) C. Bow& Stern Cap - Cover either end with a cover and sleep in the boat D. Pull over to a check point and sleep on the ground (watch for fire ants) E. Some racers purchase a one man ultralight tent (2 to 5 lbs) 24. Sleeping Strategy A. Bugs (friend or foe) - They will bother you. You can use bug repellent or Ben Gay or Tiger Balm used for muscle aches work great to keep the bugs at bay. It also helps to relax muscles. Make sure if you use these items dont touch face or other soft parts until you have wiped you hands. Aaarrgh! B. When to sleep - teams tend to slow down at night, so at night would be the better time to sleep if you do, that way you wont get pasted up that much at night. 25. Water Storage - Think about where and how your water is stored. Will it be kept cold, if the boat is tipped will the water float away? Can you pull the water container for easy resupply? 26. Drinking technique A. Drinking from the container - meaning you will have to stop paddling to pick up container B. Drinking from tube - most racers make up a drinking tube system, its the easiest and quickest way to drink and you dont have to stop paddling to do it. 27. Water Consumption - Remember to drink drink drink, when you are thirsty this tells you are already up to 10 % dehydrated which can cause a 20% decrease in energy levels 28. Body Maintenance - A. Chafing - Easiest fix - Get rid of what ever is causing it B. Blisters - Lip balm on hands will help. A vitamin E hand cream will help to prevent them C. Heal Pain - Try to move your feet around at least every 30 minutes D. Back Pain - (What can I say this goes with the race) Might plan on some kind of back support E. General Pain - Pack some ibuprofen or aspirin and take some every 6 hrsprophyfactically (dont wait for pain to start) 29. Handling the Heat A. Ice Bags & Dunking - Remember in the Texas Heat COLD water is important. If you start to get dizzy or tippy, cool yourself, quickly remember you have the river right there! B. Going for shade or Carry your own shade - In the heat of the day try to stay in the shade of trees and make sure you wear that hat. 30. Working with the team Captain A. Be Polite (remember they have the power to pull you from the race and they are the ones getting you cold water) B. Dont lie to the Team captain - They worry about you! Your job is to finish the race but theirs is even more difficult making sure you finish a live. If you cant go on Dont 31. Crossing the Bay - The bay can be crossed in two ways A. Up to Foster point then straight across the bay to Sea Drift - If there is no wind or say 10 mph winds this route if great for all boats. If winds are higher then the waves are going to be higher and spray skirts will be needed. B. If the wind and waves are high and you are worried again use a spray skirt and go straight across at a 90 degree angle to the other side then follow the coast. Note: In the past racers have tipped 2 miles from the finish in the bay with high waves and were unable to finish and had to be rescued. Remember you will be tired but think of your safety besides finishing. 32. Spray Cover A. This piece of equipment can be a major item deciding if you finish the race or not B. If you make it yourself test it! No river available then use a swimming pool C. Also think when will you need it. Do you want it for rapids or just the bay? NOTES FOUR YOUR TEAM ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ TEXAS WATER SAFARI COURSE DESCRIPTION 0 Spring Lake Start only be seen on race day (private property). 1/4 Popper's Dam Portage Portage island, left, right, or middle with the middle being the most popular. Hazardous footing in some spots. Can 3/4 Rio Vista Dam Portage Can be portaged left or right or can be run through small spillway In center of dam. It and the salt water barrier are the only dams that can be run, ALL OTHERS MUST BE PORTAGED. 2 Thompsonis island Dam Portage Approximately 1/4 mile past 1-35 bridge, Thompsons Island Dam will be on river right with mill race continuing down loft channel to Thompsons island bridge. You can portage the dam and got into old river stream or take left channel to Thompsons island road bridge. 2 1/2 Thompsons Island Road Bridge Portage Portage right at end of mill race ' Carry boat beside road to re-enter river above road bridge with yellow handrail. You cannot cross the road and must go under this bridge in the race. TEXAS WATER SAFARI COURSE DESCRIPTION 4 Blanco River Confluence Obvious right turn at confluence. 5 Cummings Dam Portage Portage right around dam. 6 Westfield Crossing Low Clearance Low clearance at higher water levels. River current in- creases with small rapids down to Cottonseed Rapids. 9 Cottonseed Rapids Run with Caution one of the best known on the San Marcos River, it can be run at most water levels. Can be scouted by stopping on river right when you see the old concrete dam. 10 Scull's Crossing Good clearance at all but extremely high water. 11 Martindale Dam Portage Must be portaged on the right. TEXAS WATER SAFARI COURSE DESCRIPTION 11 Martindale Low Water Crossing Low Clearance Just past Martindale Dam, approach with caution. Fast current leading up to and under bridge with rocks below bridge at low water. Portage right if necessary. 12 FM 1979 This next section of river has mom fast current with sweepers and small rapids, still water the last two miles above staples Dam. 17 Staples Dam FM 1976 Portage-Checkpoint # 1 DEADLINE-You must reach this checkpoint by 3: 00 p.m. Saturday. Staples dam fifty yards past bridge. Portage left over lip of dam or right down stairs. Fast current starts again with sweepers and two small rock dams that can be run at normal water levels but may need to be portaged at low water, small log jams are possible from here to Luling 90 but are usually single fallen tress. 26 Fentress Hwy 20 Bridge TEXAS WATER SAFARI COURSE DESCRIPTION The river continues to be fast at average water levels with tight sweeping corners and stumps. 29 Prairie Lea Bridge #1 Low Clearance Low clearance and dangerous at high water levels. A sweeping left hand turn upstream of the bridge can make the approach difficult to see. At high water it should be approached with caution. Portage right if necessary. 31 Prairie Lea Cut Located 100 yards below Prairie Lea # 1 is a now cut to the left. most of the river is now flowing through the cut. It is a dangerous cut due to the strong current and downed trees inside. It can be scouted by stopping an the island now formed by the newer cut and the old river channel. The old river channel can be taken but is shallow and congested at normal water levels. 31 Prairie Lea Private Bridge No Public Access A Private bridge with a small rapid just upstream.. TEXAS WATER SAFARI COURSE DESCRIPTION 32 Prairie Lea #2 Low Clearance Left portage if necessary. The bridge is easily visible. The river down to Situation is especially tight and winding with holds and sweeping corners. 33 Stairtown Bridge The river from here to 90-A Continues to be tight and winding with logs and possible small jams. 40 Luling 90 Checkpoint # 2 DEADLINE-You must reach this checkpoint by 9:00 P.M. Saturday. The river begins to slow and the possibility of larger log jams increases. Little or no current for the last three miles above Luling Dam. 46 Luling (Zedler) Dam & Hwy 80 Portage The dam, about 400 yards post Luling water intake on left. Portage right. The portage is obvious in daylight. If dark approach with caution, pulling over well above dam. TEXAS WATER SAFARI COURSE DESCRIPTION 50 110 Difficult access. The river below Lulling Dam is similar to below Luling 90 with some cut-rent below the dam for a couple of miles then slowing. 54 Broken Dam Rapid (Son of Ottine) Run with Caution An old broken rock dam that is runnable at all but extremely low water. Run just right of center or far left. 60 Ottine Dam Portage-No public access Portage left. Located after a right turn, it is difficult to hear and see until you are close to the dam, especially at night. Use caution in portage. The old Soar works have openings that you could fall into. Use extreme caution at night. 60 Palmetto Bridge & Park Checkpoint # 3-Portage A portage at most water levels, strong current just above the bridge; bridge may also have logs and debris on it. Approach with caution, especially at night. River continues to have some current but fewer sweeping corners with more logs and some of the largest log jams possible in the next section of the river. TEXAS WATER SAFARI COURSE DESCRIPTION 68 Sladen Cemetery Bridge The river gets slower as you get closer to the confluence If the San Marcos and Guadeloupe rivers. This is usually the last section for log jams. 77 Gonzales 90-A The river gets slow and wide from here to Gonzales Dam. 79 Old Iron Bridge No Access 81 Guadeloupe River Confluence The Guadeloupe River flows in from the right, obvious left turn. Soils and eddies at high water. 84 Gonzales Dam Portage Right There is a cable strung 15-20 feet above the water 500 yards above the dam with a warning sign on it. Generating building on loft side of the dam is usually well lighted at night. Portage take out approximately 30 yards above the dam on river right. Approach with caution keeping to right side on approach. Marked by tree with sign and blinking TEXAS WATER SAFARI COURSE DESCRIPTION light at night during race. At normal or lower water you can Put back in just below the dam past the rock riprap. The a are large rocks and an eddy pushing you back towards the dam. At high water. this short portage is very dangerous and the longer portage is best. Use the vain& take out but instead of going down to the short put in, go right through the opening in trees for about 50-75 yards. Then angle left for about 200 yards to put In. 85 Gonzales 183 (Gravel Bar) Checkpoint # 4 The next road crossing is 3e miles and this is the longest section on the race course. Make sure to have plenty of water. At low 'water there are gravel bars, sweeping turns and a few small rapids. At high water, boileds and eddies. 123 Hocheim Hwy 183- Checkpoint # 5 Similar river conditions as the previous section with the river slowing just above Cheapside a bridge(766) because of Cuero Dam. 145 Cheapside Bridge (766) Checkpoint # 6 Continued slow water to Cuero Dam TEXAS WATER SAFARI COURSE DESCRIPTION 147 Cuero Dam Portage right Cuero Dam has been rebuilt requiring a portage to the right Take out about 50 yards above the dam on right (a large sign on right at take out) Put into eddy. At low water a large silted area may require another portage to got back into the river. The current starts again with boils at high water. 153 3402 (Kenton St., Old Cuero-San Antonio o Rd) 155 Cuero Hwy 07 160 Cuero 236 Check point # 7 This section is a lot like the previous one with a few sweepers and small rapids at low water and boils at high water. This is also the start of the TEXAS RIVER MARATHON. the Texas Water Safari preliminary race. 178 Thomaston Bridge This section has some rapids with standing waves at normal water level but are usually washed out at high water. TEXAS WATER SAFARI COURSE DESCRIPTION 187 Nursery (447) 200 Victoria City Park Boat Ramp Checkpoint # 8 This and the next section are the last to have sweepers at low water levels. 204 Hwy S9 (Power Plant) 209 Victoria Loop 175 Bridge As the river current slows there is a slight Possibility of log jams in this section, but usually just fallen trees blocking a Portion of the river. 211 Cornfield Cut A sharp cut to the left that leads nowhere. DO NOT TAKE ANY CUTS IN THIS SECTION OF RIVER. 213 Blue Bayou Cut Illegal cut that flows to the left at high water. Cuts are dangerous and congested with loss. TEXAS WATER SAFARI COURSE DESCRIPTION 218 Colatto Crook Confluence Flowing in from the right it is a good landmark for time. It is, the halfway point to Swinging Bridge (Dupont)., 227 Swinging Bridge (Dupont Plant) Checkpoint # 9 Swinging Bridge is owned by Dupont who controls access to the river. It will be open for the race, but for training runs you must check at the guard's gate for permission to put in. The people at E)upon have been friendly and helpful in allowing access, but may not allow access if conditions warrant. Log jams are possible in this next section especially after the railroad bridge. 234 Railroad Crossing This next section has the possibility of some of the largest log jams. Some years as many as seven large jams. At high water there are several cuts flowing off the river to the right. These are legal but considered not worth taking. Any cuts., to the left ,are- not. worth taking either 236 Pipeline Crossing A good landmark to indicate you're getting close to Seadrift Cut. Can be hard to see at night. TEXAS WATER SAFARI COURSE DESCRIPTION 237 Seadrift Cut and Alligator Lake The most used cut out of the river to get to Alligator Lake. it has strong current with fallen trees and sharp turns making it difficult and dangerous to take. Alligator Lake was created by a cut through the levee by Seadrift Cut. It is a couple of miles long and maybe a mile wide at its widest with shallow water. it can be rough under windy conditions and hard to find the exit back into the river. At low water the lake is impassable because of insufficient water flow. These cuts can be a few minutes faster under ideal conditions with log jams in the river but are considered, by some people, not worth the trouble if the river is open.- The river condition will be reported at the race briefing. 244 Salt Water Barrier A dam that is raised at extremely low water to keep salt water out of Port Lavaca water intake just above the dam. it can have logs piled up in front of it that can be portaged right but is usually open and passable with boils around the pilings. TEXAS WATER SAFARI COURSE DESCRIPTION 247 Tivoli Hwy 35 Br Bridge Checkpoint # 10 This section can have small log jams but is usually kept open by fishing boats. This is the last checkpoint. 250 Taylor Cut Marked by a white and green trailer house on the right It's a out to the left that goes to the upper end of the San Antonio Bay, usually not taken because of the increased time in the bay. Take the right channel and stay in the river. 252 Wooden Brides The last public access point. 254 Guadeloupe River and San Antonio Bay Confluence There are several routes to cress the bay. One course to enter the bay turning right after 50-100 yards and follow the r. ht hour line to Foster Point. then angle left to the end of the spoil bank and around the Island turning left to the SeadrIft flagpole and pavilion an the seawall. another course is to come out of the river and cross straight to the opposite shore then turn right and follow the shoreline to end of the spoil bank. There are three cuts the spoil island to the barge canal. Do not enter the canal but continue to the end of the spoil island. left to Seadrift. At the end of the spoil bank you I have to cross the Large canal. Make sure there are barges coming down the canal. Lot any boat pass before attempting to cross. The depth Of the canal can make large waves and be dangerous to cross. 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