3 Rivers Whitewater Rendezvous (May Long Snofest)

I was lucky enough to scratch that itch last week in Idaho with our
Junior POCC kayak team. Too much fun watching those kids on the Salmon,
Little Salmon, S Fork Clearwater and the Lochsa this year.

If there are some instructors that are interested in teaching novices
this year at the Rendezvous for pay please contact me and let me know.
Last year we had a bunch of brand new novices and we would like to make
arrangements for some instructors to take responsibility for them this
year.

I look forward to seeing you down here this spring. SURF'S COMING UP.

Chuck Lee
3 Rivers Whitewater Rendezvous (May Long Snofest)

The Pinch-o-Crow Creekers are hosting the 9th annual River Rendezvous on May 18-19-20-21, 2007 again this year down in southwest Alberta in the "Centre of Adventure". We will be organizing and leading trips on the Castle, Crowsnest and Oldman Rivers in this area. There will also be opportunities to go paddle Cameron Creek and the Carbondale, Elk, Wigwam, Highwood, Waterton or Belly Rivers while you are down here. Only three days and too many rivers to paddle.

There will be opportunities for beginner groups to get on the water and paddle easier stretches as well as more advanced trips. We have something special planned for this year, including more sun, less snow and lots of water for all you big wave fans. Okay seriously – its always been fun and it will be fun this year too!

Camping is going to be the same as last year. We will be at the Castle River Rodeo Grounds. You may remember it as the takeout for the Upper Castle River run. It is centrally located and easy to find off Highway 507 between Lundbreck/Burmis and Beaver Mines, just south of Highway 3. This site is well sheltered and has more conveniences as well.

Drive west on Highway 3 past Lundbreck Falls till you come to Highway 507. Turn south and head towards Beaver Mines and Castle Mountain Ski Resort. Drive 8 km south, after you cross the Castle River at the top of the hill turn east to the Castle River Rodeo Grounds. The road swings back down to the river and we are camped right there.

We will again offer a bbq-burger and fixings dinner for Saturday night and the Sunday night we will have a chili dinner. There will be vege-burgers and a vege-chili for those who want it. Please let us know in advance so that we can order enough for you.

We are again hosting a full breakfast each morning. Cost is included in the package.

Prizes will be drawn for during the weekend.

We are building a package price for the weekend. This price includes all entries, 3 nights camping, 2 suppers and 3 breakfasts, prizes.

Paddlers - Adult/Junior $60.00
Non-Paddlers $40.00
Non-Paddling Children (under 10) $15.00
Toddlers (3 and under) Free
Families of 3 $105.00
of 4 $115.00
of 5 or more $125 + $10 for each additional adult/junior

Please pre-register this year to help us with figuring out how much food to prepare. If you want to set aside a camping spot with your friends I would appreciate knowing that in advance so we can pencil you in and rope a spot off for your group.

There is no need to prepay, we'll collect when you get here.

Trips planned Advanced Novice
Saturday - Castle Falls to Rodeo grounds Crowsnest River
- Castle Canyon Lee Lake
- Elk

Sunday - Castle Canyon to Reservoir Castle R Rodeo to Canyon
- Carbondale River Crowsnest River
- Upper Oldman Waterton Lake
- Elk

Monday - Oldman River Gap to Oldman River Dennis Ranch
Dennis Ranch to Bob Creek

Snowpack in the mountains is well above average this year north of Highway 3 and well below average south of Highway 3, which is surprising given the nice spring we have had. So with some warmer weather we should be well above normal for lots of water this year on the Oldman and below normal on the Castle.

For up to date info on water levels and snowpack go to:
http://www3.gov.ab.ca/env/water/basins/BasinForm.cfm
go to Oldman River Basin - River Data - and then check out the Castle and Oldman Rivers.

So we are building on our very successful long weekend event. In 2006 we had 107 paddlers down here, so it was a great gathering and still with so many locations there was lots of space for everyone. We hope to see you down here and look forward to paddling with you. Please pass this message along to your club members.


Chuck Lee
Pinch-O-Crow Creekers
Box 162, Lundbreck, Alberta
403-628-2336 evenings 403-627-3020 days

P.S. If you are a brand new novice paddler, still dry behind the ears, and would like to receive a 3 day pool-lake-river beginner kayak course. We are making special arrangements for you this year. There will be an additional cost to the weekend for you but we can make this a great deal for 3 days all inclusive, camping, meals, equipment and instruction. Contact me if you are interested. THIS HAS TO BE PRE-REGISTERED AND PREPAID.