Thru-Paddle Of Stockton - First Leg Camping Near Hawker Point?

[Woodland Artisan]

Thanks, Lead Head. I think I have that covered as a friend is going to drop me off and wife is (supposed) to pick me up. However, if that falls through, I may be taking you up on that. I got a gas tank lock several years ago when gas got too high (>$1.50) and was in the cities working quite a bit at the time. Never had gas stolen since, except when hiking in rural Wisconsin.

[Woodland Artisan]

Confirmed by COE-KC. Hawker Point will be re-opened on the 12th. So, that doesn't affect my paddle.

[Lead Head]

Woodland, Just let me know if I can be of any help and your trip sounds like it will be fun.

Lead Head

[Wayne SW/MO]

He'll have all the solitude that he wants at Hawker's. I doubt anyone else will be there. Cedar Ridge and Rouark East get the shoulder season guests.

But he can pick and choose on the flood plain. I would agree if he needed something civilized.

[Dutch]

Wayne with Stockton being 4' over pool there are a lot more banks with brush out in the water than there are clear banks. I for one would go to Hawker and pick a nice flat spot to camp instead of busting brush just to find a place to sleep.

[Woodland Artisan]

I'd be all for doing that, Wayne. I MUCH prefer to camp in solitude and have no problem doing a little work to find a suitable place to hang the hammock or a tarp. But, this time at least, I'm going to have to go the campground method. And, really, I guess it works out really well that the campgrounds are spaced out the distance I'd planned on doing each day (~10 miles). And, being late Fall, there shouldn't be too many people around (????). I just need a place to pull the kayak up, pitch the tarp, heat up some supper and fall asleep. Then do it again the next day a little further down stream (so to speak).

Thank you Lead Head and everyone else for the information and advice. I'm sure I'll be asking more next week. Leaving in the morning to go up to northern Missouri to do some muskie fishing and get used to the cold water for a few days. Till then ...

[wtr dogs]

Woodland: Next Tuesday and Wedensday are forecast with lows 20 and highs in the 30's. Winds forecast out of east at 15 on Tuesday. Dress warm and good luck!