Shuttle Service At Mason Bridge?

[405z06]

BTW, and FYI, Rich's Last Resort has been going downhill without brakes for awhile. The owners (or managers) have some gambling issues I think. You have to wonder when a store is absolutely bare and the grounds appear neglected. Then again, they shuttled me without incident. Yet... caveat emptor.

I stayed at Rich's this past Saturday night after floating 6x back to their place. They didn't have anything...no ice, the cooler that in the past had soda and gatorade was empty and turned off. The grounds weren't cut in some areas right near the office and behind my cabin. I kinda chalked it up to it still being a couple of weeks away from their prime season, but I definately noticed what you mentioned.

[stream stalker]

I used Rich's once summer before last and the campground and facilities were in very poor condition and the store was basically empty. They were fine as far as the canoe rental went, but not a place I would recommend. -SS

[KCRIVERRAT]

Give Wilderness Ridge Resort a holler. They're located next to Rich's. They can take care of you I'd think.

[caseysmith14]

Per the recommendations, I called Wilderness Ridge and we're planning on camping there Thursday night, then shuttling up to Mason Bridge Friday morning and floating back to Wilderness Ridge sometime Sunday. Seemed like a very nice lady working there.

[Jack Jones]

Been following this thread and it answered my question about Rich's that I'd set up a separate thread for. Don't forget to give a report Casey. I'd love to know how Wilderness Ridge checks out.

[caseysmith14]

You bet, going next weekend (not this coming weekend) so you can expect a TR soon after.

[The Kayak Kid]

I'll be interested to hear how your experience with Wilderness Ridge goes, Casey. I'd like to have another option for that "lower" stretch. I used RLR a few years ago...sketchy, at best. Ever since then, I've used Boiling Springs upstream, and couldn't be happier. Very nice couple there - always accommodating.

joeD is right, there is productive water above 6x. Caught a 3+lb'r above Slabtown last year, and plenty of nice ones above/below during other trips. Good water throughout. From my trips on the BP, I have definitely learned to trim back my mileage for 2-3 day floats. Some of those "lakes" will wear out an Olympic athlete!

Best of luck!

[caseysmith14]

Thanks for the advise; but you posted as i was on the phone with Rich's so it's too late! So there is a change in plans. Wilderness Ridge called me back and said they cannot help with a shuttle because of personal conflicts, sounds like something with kids still in school and some surgery that the ladies husband just had... So I just called Rich's; super nice guy for sure, he's more than willing to make it work for us; so now we're shuttling with him. Curious to see just how sketchy it turns out because atleast on the phone he seemed friendly and very much on top of things. Still going Mason to Rich's, got a few guys going that aren't big into fishing so I suppose we'll end up covering more milage than I would on my own pace; plan is to get one of the none fishing guys in my canoe and then they paddle as i fish allll day long!

[Jack Jones]

Good luck with getting a designated paddler! Oh how I wish we could all have one. Shame these outfitters don't rent them out, LOL.

Be interested to know how it's looking at RLR.

[The Kayak Kid]

Thanks for the advise; but you posted as i was on the phone with Rich's so it's too late! So there is a change in plans. Wilderness Ridge called me back and said they cannot help with a shuttle because of personal conflicts, sounds like something with kids still in school and some surgery that the ladies husband just had... So I just called Rich's; super nice guy for sure, he's more than willing to make it work for us; so now we're shuttling with him. Curious to see just how sketchy it turns out because atleast on the phone he seemed friendly and very much on top of things. Still going Mason to Rich's, got a few guys going that aren't big into fishing so I suppose we'll end up covering more milage than I would on my own pace; plan is to get one of the none fishing guys in my canoe and then they paddle as i fish allll day long!

Drama in Duke, huh? Who knows - maybe there's been a change in ownership at RLR. At least it's a "end at the outfitter" itinerary. One less logistical item.

Gotta convert those non-fishing floaters! I know just what you mean - GloryDaze (before his conversion) would cruise past a nice hole while I tried to throw out a last cast. That's where the kayaks come in handy, of course. Go at your own pace, stay at a hole, then catch up to your friends downstream.