Events - Event View

Although I (Chris Arceneaux) am the HASK Trip Leader for this event, I ask that you contact Willie Younger for camping specifics.  If you don't have his contact information please use the HASK Member database to search for it, under [Membership]

I will lead this this event, but in case I must withdraw, I will ask another HASK Trip Leader to step in.  Willie is prime coordinator of this event.   All the information below is supplied by Willie.    Thank you, Chris

 

• Background: December 21 is the shortest day of the year (i.e., the winter solstice).  And, this year, for the first time in almost 800 years, Jupiter and Saturn will be so close together that, to the naked eye, they will appear as one giant heavenly body.  Assuming none of us will be around the next time this epic event happens, it was felt that sky watching kayaking persons (aka  passionate planet-peeping paddlers) and loyal horoscope believers (aka  ardent astrological alignment advocates) would want to be out where viewing is measurably enhanced by the scarcity of city lights?  Thus, the following outing is hereby proposed.

• Camping Potential:  The Lavaca-Navidad River Authority operates two well-accessorized and enchanting campgrounds on Lake Texana near Edna, Texas.  These are Lake Texana and Brackenridge Plantation Campgrounds which are located directly across FM 111 from each other.  In the past, HASK and other aqua-minded groups have overnighted at both facilities.

It is proposed that any and all night sky worshippers, especially those with paddling capabilities and/or interest, should gather to enjoy one another’s company, camp out lakeside (but, only if so inclined) and paddle (or not) as described in this briefing document.

In optimistically assuming there will be clear skies on Monday evening (12-21) for the sky gazing activity, three optional opportunities come to mind:

1. Come to the selected campground before noon on Sunday (12-20), prepared to camp and potentially paddle the lake that afternoon and then camp out Sunday night (12-20)…or, if not a an outdoor sleeper, eat with the pod, then mount up and return home after this exploration of the reservoir (so, be involved as one desires).

2. If a Sunday night camping guy or gal, plan to stay over until Monday night (12-21) to:

 

1. Kayaking:  Partake of a Monday morning/early afternoon (12-21) paddle up the Navidad River, just north of the lake (for about 10 miles roundtrip),

2. • Navidad River going upriver from Lake Texana.  The boat ramp is immediately off of Highway 59 right after the bridge that goes over Lake Texana as you are going south on HIghway 59.  We'll do 8-10 miles round-trip on the Navidad River, hoping to find a place to get out.

     There are no facilities anywhere except for bushes off the parking area, but there is a RV/truck stop just before Ganado at the first exit for the town. It has a good small town restaurant. It's the TA Truck Stop.

      

     Directions: Highway 59 just past Ganado. The boat launch is on the south- west side of the bridge immediately after it goes over Lake Texana off a short gravel feeder road.   There is a boat ramp sign indicating the exit.

3. Then engage in the evening’s sky-focused gawking party.  

4. Perhaps, we might spy on these illuminated planets from the water that evening, where there are no trees or park lights to hinder our vision (if necessary or preferred)

5. If a non-camper, just come for superb alfresco dining before dark on Sunday evening (12-21), followed by the early evening viewing of the magically aligned planets (i.e., with or without the aid of a kayak and/or telescopic devices) and then return home.

Pertinent Info:  These are details you might find useful in determining if this is an event in which you’d prospectively like to engage (of course, with your preferred options duly selected):

• Adhering to CDC Covid-protocols, on and off the water, is strongly encouraged!

• I encourage those opting to camp to “almost immediately” (ASAP) signify which nights they will be staying and the type of shelter you will utilize (i.e., RV, tent, bivy sack, etc.)!  I will then book a satisfactory number of campsites and we can settle up on your prorated share there or by Internet, if a no-show cancellation.

• PLEASE note that you have the option of coming out and engaging as desired on one or both days (Sunday and/or Monday; 12-20 &/or 12-21).  Camping will not be a requirement for eagerly attending to paddle, planet gaze (by land or water) and/or enjoy the communal dining on Sunday or Monday or both (e.g., 12-20 or 12-21)!

Keep an eye on this space for information updates.

This is an ACA sanctioned event. Every participant must wear a PFD.

 

Waivers - 1.)  Please complete our easy to use online Smart waiver if you are a HASK member who has not signed a waiver within the last 12 months or a non- HASK participant. Read the waiver carefully.  You give up substantial rights when you sign it.

2.)  COVID-19 Waivers.

Use the link HASK COVID-19 Waiver  to open the waiver in PDF form.  Print off the form, sign it and either bring it to the event or scan and email to me at bill@ohsiesworld.net as an attachment.  Other options are to take a photo of your waiver on your phone or scan using the Adobe Scan app and emailing or Text to Chris Arceneaux.
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• Add Smartwaiver with email address “noreply@smartwaiver.com” to your address book to ensure emails do not go to junk/spam.
• Select a link below to complete the online waiver. 

 

   ACA-HASK Adult WaiverACA-HASK Minor Waiver

Trip Leader	Chris Arceneaux
Trip Assistants HASK Trip Rating	Willie Younger 2
Ready to Launch at	10:00 AM
Navidad River Duration (hours)	5 Hours
Paddling Miles	11  Miles
Emergency Initiator
Emergency Phone Numbers Latest Expected Return Date/Time	911 Emergency Non-Emergency (361) 782-3541 Jackson County Sheriff
Auto Description/License# Contact at Launch Site (opt) Distance from Downtown Houston	Blue Ford Explorer DWP-2182 ~115 Miles
3rdParty fees (camping, etc.)	See Willie Younger

 

 

Guests – You are welcome to join us for a couple of paddle trips.  HASK will cover the $5 ACA event membership for non-ACA members. Hopefully you will then join HASK and continue paddling with us.