A large group of Haystackers gathered at the Bogue Chitto Choo Choo for a leisurely day trip on the upper Bogue Chitto river near McComb, Mississippi on Saturday July 18. After one of the smoothest loading of boats & gear operations I’ve ever seen in such a large group we were on the river in an hour. This 6 ½ mile stretch between Holmesville & the Bogue Chitto Waterpark is winding with a nice current and enough obstacles to make it interesting but still relaxing. Also, most important in a Mississippi mid-July paddle, there is some shade canopy alternating with sandbars and ample swimming holes. The couple of pullovers were easily negotiated.

The hallmark of this trip was a wonderful laid back sociability ---folks just chatted, caught up on news, swam, joked, discussed the virtues & defects of various boats & gear (a constant subject on all our trips) or just paddled in peaceful solitude enjoying the balmy day and the lovely river. Hoyt & Woody as lead & sweep did a great job of pacing the large group.

The Hwy 98 bridge 2 miles above our takeout is  the main put in for tubers so instead of logs we had to maneuver through floating groups of folks but even that was ok. Alcohol is outlawed on the river now so the really rowdy groups and floating beer cans aren’t there anymore.

The crowded takeout was no problem since once again the group all pitched in, got our boats up & loaded with the efficient help of the Choo Choo crew & back to our cars. Though some headed home, a group of us capped off the trip with a delicious supper at the Old River Steakhouse.

Trip Info: Shuttle done by Bogue Chitto Choo Choo, 2017 Dogwood Trail, McComb, Ms. 39648    6.64 mile trip. on river 10:30, off 3:50 with 1 1/2 hour lunch & another very long afternoon break before the Hwy 98 bridge. Water level low.  

THE INSTRUCTORS

Ms. Ann Hager

Mr. Bill

The Paddling Skills Clinic is designed to help everyone control their canoe/kayak on moving water. On recent club river trips, I noticed that many of the new paddlers and some old paddlers were having problems putting their boat into the correct alignments.

The one day Paddling Skills Clinic will help you understand the use of your paddle and how to correct your canoe/kayak’s alignment.

We will work on:

1. Sizing a paddle to you.
2. Different paddle correction strokes.
3. How to stop your canoe/kayak in moving water.
4. How to read the current.
5. How to judge the correct path to take and how to put your canoe/kayak into it.

The PSC will begin at 10 AM Saturday morning. We will start at the Canoe & Trail Outpost takeout beach and break for lunch at noon. Be ready to load up your boats & gear for 1 PM. We will be going to the drops/falls on the Bogue Chitto, just up stream of the Stalling Bridge. At the drops/falls we will work on eddy turns, ferries, stopping your boat in a current, adjusting the alignment of your boat, and reading the water to best get you down the river.

We should be back at the Outpost for 5 PM and begin the PARTY!!!!!!!

Your instructors will be PADDLE - PADDLE - PADDLE Bill Hager and Ms Ann Hager