[ Return to UUCLR Home Page ]

UUCLR Memorial Day Float Trip

May 23 - 25, 2008


buffalomap1.jpg (56925 bytes)
Highway Map

bufallomap2.jpg (76062 bytes)
Buffalo Point Group Camping Area

buffalomap3.jpg (113916 bytes)
 Buffalo Point
Campground


Buffalo River
 
Reservation Form
Deadline May 15th!!!
What You Need to Bring
Weekend Schedule
Additional Information

Dear UUCLR Members and Friends:

We have reserved the group camping sites and pavilion at Buffalo Point (see maps on website at top of this page or in church office) for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. With the pavilion rental, campers will have adequate shelter to weather broad-range (but not all) conditions. Liz Mackenzie & Karen Walls (501-562-6877) are the organizers this year -- they have extra registration forms for the canoe rental and camping.   

Canoeing

Group floats are planned for Saturday and Sunday, and a campfire will be held Saturday night. The fee for camping this year will be $7.50 per person per night. The cost of canoeing is set by the vendor and is approx $42 per boat per day. We have reserved 40 canoes for Saturday and 20 canoes for Sunday, so register early to hold your boat. We can get more boats if you register early. The deadline for registration is Friday May 15.

We will leave for the float trip on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. from Highway 14 Bridge with takeout at 4:00 p.m. at Rush. On Sunday, we will catch a shuttle at 9:00 or 9:30 from the Highway 14 bridge and head to Upper Maumee, where our float begins. Takeout is at the bridge.  Questions should be directed to the float trip coordinator, Liz Mackenzie & Karen Walls (501-562-6877). We will have a Forum on May 11 where we will discuss planning, orientation, and equipment loaners.

We typically stop multiple times during the float so that we can swim, visit, eat, and then repeat. If you need a canoe partner, indicate this on your registration form -- we will try to match you with someone (no guarantees). Life jackets are provided by the canoe rental place. Bring your own if you prefer. Talk to the organizers or others who have done this before if you are worried about handling young children on this outing. They have encouraging stories to tell. There are no glass bottles allowed on the river. This is state law - and if anyone has a beverage on a boat, it must be tied ( attached) to the person whose drink it is. 
 

Weekend Activities

Friday night, May 23
 Bring your own dinner and S'more "fixings" for the pavilion and enjoy the fellowship.  Gather at the Campfire later in the evening.

Saturday afternoon, May 24
Activities will be planned with the help of volunteers.  Please contact Liz and Karen if you would like to help.

Saturday night, May 2
There will be a "Saturday Night Potluck at the Buffalo" with the main course grilled by Paul Clifford (including veggie). Each family should bring a side dish or dessert item to share! (A-F: Breads, G-L: Vegetables, M-R: Potatoes/Rice/Pasta, S-Z: Desserts) We will collect money ($5.00 per adult, $3 per child) meat/veggie main course and paper goods (plates, napkins, knives, forks and spoons).  Gathering at the Campfire later in the evening.

Sunday morning, May 25
 Another newer tradition is that on Sunday morning there will be an intergenerational Worship service. Check with Linda Van Blaricom on this.
 

Additional Information
One of the many great traditions at the Buffalo is the Friday and Saturday night campfires. Please bring instruments (guitars, banjoes, drums, etc.), song books, chairs, flashlights and insect repellant for this activity. Also, you might bring some firewood from home. There is a separate gear list available on the our web site and at church. Don't let a lack of anything stop you from coming. Let us know what you need and we will help you find it. Many folks canoe both days but a one day float is also perfectly legitimate. You can do Saturday or Sunday.

This trip is one of the best events of the year. We want everyone to feel welcome and join us. Please contact Liz and Karen with any questions. With our new potluck system, the food preparation is easy and you don't even have to cook at the campsite. One could fix their potluck dish at home, take cold cereals, milk, sandwich fixings, fruit, snacks, drinks and just have an easy time with little fuss. Or one could go all out and fix pancakes, bacon, coffee and tantalize your camping neighbors. 

Typically the biggest chore of the day is to get up in time to get breakfast and then pack your lunch. The campsite has potable water and grills. There is tons of space for the kids to play. Be sure to not leave food out or the raccoons will eat it. The river is typically very mild and can be fun for all ages. The rangers watch the water levels closely and shut the river down if the water levels are too high (this has happened occasionally). There are wonderful hiking trails nearby that have a 'natural' bathtub, an Indian cave and gorgeous scenery. Also, bring other play things. There is often a volleyball net. Chess games, croquet set, balls -- you use your imagination and bring it. The drive takes about 2 1/2 hours (again, see map). It is doable as a day trip if you just can't imagine the camping piece. Whatever it takes, we want you to join us. Also, if you are NOT a camper, there are nearby cabins and bed and breakfast places and there are several good nearby restaurants.

We promise, this trip will float your boat!