Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 01:07:11 -0500
From: Lee Deviney <Lee.Deviney@mail.capnet.state.tx.us>
Subject: Trip Reports: Medina
Medina River from Medina, TX to Tarpley Bridge (Hwy 470)
Discharge at Bandera Gauge - 310 CFS
Distance - about 12 miles
When it's flowing, the Medina has some of the clearest water in the
Texas Hill Country. It's a pleasant trip, scenic with some class I-II rapids
and small waterfalls, but the adjacent highway noises
are a reminder that you aren't in a particuarly remote location. Debris
along the way was a reminder of a flash flood in mid-March.
While the Medina can be navigated at lower levels. 300 CFS is about
the minimum level to avoid dragging the shallow spots.
The only hazards along the way are low water bridges and a few
waterfalls and "S" turns that require a quick scout before running.
Take some caution after floods that can create logjams.
One other thing to think about. When the wind is blowing strong out
of the Southeast, there are some long straight sections that run
upwind. Fooling around and drinking beer my group made up two hours
on three newfangled whitewater canoes (you know, the kind with 12" of
rocker and enough airbags to double as a blimp) as they foundered in
the wind. This same group bailed out early and hitchhiked to avoid
being caught in darkness.
The Medina is a good river for general purpose recreational canoes
and kayaks that can track and turn reasonably well. Leave the foam
core racing boats and Class V whitewater stuff at home.
Fred Collins ("The Workshop") is still renting and running shuttles
although he plans to sell the Workshop but hopes to stay in the river
business. Fred was more enthusiastic about the flow than I.
It's all a matter of perspective I guess...the Medina is a small
river.