UAC update: 36 degrees and we're still at it
It's been awhile since our web site was updated, but that's not to say that Up a Creek has stagnated in these autumn months. While we're not currently scheduling any group floats, that hasn't kept us off the river. Just because most of our summer crowd had enough sense to end the river season before you could see your breath outside, don't assume you can project that common sense onto Up a Creek!
Since our end-of-the-year campout, Craig and Shannon have made a few kayak-only floats from Perry to Lawrence, in addition to one trip from Topeka to Perry with Kassie and Bob (by the way Kassie, I'm now completely hooked on those wasabi beans you brought along). And as the weather has begun to feel less like Autumn and more like Winter, we have had to make some adjustments to our former river routines. For example, shorts and t-shirts have been replaced by wet suits, the kayaks are properly skirted to keep the wind and water out, and the mini-coolers of beer have been replaced with a thermos of coffee. (okay, there is still the occasional beer). Most importantly, we are far more vigilant about staying upright than we were in our 95-degree days of July.
One thing we have noticed is that we're seeing much more wildlife at this time of year. Lots of beavers, gulls, more fly-by visits from our bald eagle friends, and even an aquatic squirrel (don't ask; it's a long story). Let's see, what else is new? Craig and Uncle Ron waited until Black Friday when all the holiday sales were in full force, braved the throngs of people at Dick's Sporting Goods, and both walked out with new kayaks (not that Ron's has seen the water yet). Oh, and one final piece of UAC trivia for those who joined us for the overnight campout on the sandbar. You remember that storm that kicked up 60-mph winds that evening and the raft that blew away? Well, guess what we found on the riverbank halfway to Lawrence?
It's seen better days, but we're pretty sure that's "the one that got away". I guess that's all for now. Craig and I will be playing hookey from work on Friday to test our kayaks in rougher waters at the foot of the Bowerstock dam in Lawrence. So, if you hear sirens wailing in that general area sometime late Friday morning, that's probably not a good sign. There's lots more to say, but it will have to wait for another day. In the meantime, we're itching for next season and hope you are too. Until then, if you have a bad time... it's your own fault!
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