This year’s San Marcos River Clean-up, sponsored by the Texas Rivers protection Association, will be Saturday, March 3rd. HCC will have its usual section of the river, from Tom Goynes’ San Marcos River Retreat to Scull’s Crossing.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/San+Marcos+River+Scout+Camp/@29.8601156,-97.8877565,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x865ca96bef2d9cb9:0x954fa731b89a04ce!8m2!3d29.8584361!4d-97.8893873
There will be, as usual, free camping at Tom’s Friday and Saturday nights. There will be free breakfast tacos Saturday morning, courtesy of Tom and Paula, and hot showers afterwards. There will be more than you can eat at Spencer’s campground Saturday evening. BYOB. For those who want to stay over, the TRPA will have its annual meeting on Sunday, also at the SMRR.
This is a big part of the HCC’s river stewardship, essentially in our own backyard. It’s a long-time HCC tradition, a great way to give back to the river, and a good deed in general. We need everyone to come out for it, and, if there isn’t that much trash, we can all have a nice paddle. (You’ll also get credit for about 3 miles in the HCC mileage log!)
I’ll give a talk about it at the February club meeting, but the short version is: the San Marcos is mostly flat, but has two or three class II rapids; canoes are best for stashing bags full of cans and crap, but kayaks work, too; dress for the weather, and have another layer, in case; wear shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy; gloves can help with grabbing stuff that’s icky; bring a lunch, and something to grab or snag trash. Trash bags will be provided.
I know some of you have done it plenty, but the river still needs protecting. For you newer members, it’s a great way to get involved and meet some other paddlers. I hope to see you there.