Bogue Chitto River/Magee's Creek near Tylertown, MS
Three Days of Paddling and Two Nights of Campgrounds Camping
September 3-5, 2011 - Labor Day Weekend

Splashing in a cool clear stream. Floating past a panorama of mature forests and scattered beaches. Paddling feverishly for a few seconds to avoid broaching on a stump. Sitting around a campfire listening to stories filled with details that seem unlikely. Noting the first quarter moon in the evening sky. Looking for lighting bugs flashing against the dark woods. Hoping that the bull frog will croak again. Rising early to witness the dawn mist over the flowing waters. Relishing the hot showers and flush toilets of the campgrounds. Enjoying meeting new people who also enjoy the outdoors.

Description of the outing: We will set up a base camp at the Canoe and Trail Outpost which is located two miles north of the LA-MS state line on the Bogue Chitto River. During the first two days, we will paddle, cool off in the streams and enjoy our lunches. We will conclude the day’s experience by paddling downstream to our base camp at the campgrounds. After showers, the evenings will feature streamside meals, campfires and conversations with new found friends. Listening to tale tales and embellished accounts of past outings will be optional.

The plan for the three days is that on Saturday, we will paddle on Magee’s Creek which is the largest tributary of the Bogue Chitto River. The creek features high banks, in places a canopy of overhanging branches and a very meandering course. On Sunday, our crew will paddle on the Bogue Chitto itself on a stretch upstream of the campgrounds. There will be pools and “swifts” plus wide sweeping beaches that will be used for swim breaks. On Monday, Labor Day, our intrepid crew of paddlers will convoy to Franklinton, LA. The day’s paddle will be from Franklinton to the Bogue Chitto State Park which is north of Folsom. This is in effect a new section of the river that is now accessible because there is a public take out in the state park. At the conclusion of the day’s paddle, everyone will continue on home with memories of a notable Labor Day outing.

Leader will be Byron Almquist who will represent Canoe and Trail as the senior guide and outdoor skills instructor. He will be assisted by Tom Kane who has had years of experience in leading outings. Furnished will be Royalex canoes, paddles, life vests, dry bags and group gear. The trip fee will include the expenses of the campgrounds and the shuttles.

Individuals are to furnish rain gear, river appropriate clothes and footwear, evening camping wear and a tent plus a sheet and pillow. Also each paddler is to furnish three river lunches and transportation to and from the base camp. For campers without a tent, there are three person tents available for rent for $25.00 for the two nights of use. For a detailed checklist of what to bring, refer to www.canoeandtrail.com and click on "resources" and then the checklist for overnight canoeing.

Meals will be prepared streamside. Breakfasts will be custom made omelets one morning and pancakes with sausages the second. The two dinners will have multiple courses including appetizers, salad, an entrée, hot buttered toast and desert.

The trip fee for the three day and two night outing for the guide service, canoes and paddling equipment, the shuttles, camping fees and the breakfasts and dinners will be $195 per paddler or $375 for two paddlers. A child as a passenger will be $25. If you provide your own canoe or kayak, there is a $50 credit per paddler

After Saturday August 19th, there is a $25 late fee for each paddler. To sign up for the Labor Day outing, refer to www.canoeandtrail.com/joinus. Payment can also be made on line. Once you are signed up more information will be sent including driving directions and a meeting time

The outing is suitable for first time paddlers and campers. Paddling and camping instructions will be provided when necessary. (Everyone has to start their outdoor recreational career at some point so this outing would be a good time to do so.)

The Labor Day adventure represents an opportunity to be outdoors for three days and to sleep under the stars for two nights, to meet new people and to have new experiences. I hope you can join us.

Photo Courtesy of Mark McClain
http://www.canoe-camping.org