CURRENT RIVER FLOW AND TOM'S COMMENTARY
Click here for current river flow for our river at the Antlers gauge. Provided by USGS
National Weather Service Info for our river. Flood warnings, etc.
Flow should be 100 cfs or more for canoe trips (2000 cfs is very exciting) but we can still enjoy canoeing in the river right at the camp when water is too low for down river trips.
Check here for other major Oklahoma stream levels.
Click here to read past commentaries and see more of Tom's humor or lack thereof.
MAKE SURE YOUR PETS ARE CURRENT ON SHOTS
Check out these neat gold panning pictures
Monday, January 23, 2012
Nice water level for canoeing.
Soon to have a new bath house for everyone so I am selling the old bathhouses. They are portable so can easily be moved. Also have 1 acre lot up the mountain in the Kiamichi Wilderness that I need to sell. $5000. Email for more info. tom@kriver.com Also have a Polaris 750 jetski, $750.
New lower rates for monthly RV sites. Rate is now $200 per month plus electric.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Plenty of rain a couple of days ago. Our river is running for some exciting canoeing if you dare to try it. River flow is normally good for canoeing from now til July.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Beautiful weather lately. Hope it lasts all winter. The river is running clear and green but getting very low. Very pretty.
Our new recreation building is coming along. We have the roof complete and now working inside on plumbing and electric. This has sure messed up my winter getaway to the gulf coast. Maybe next year.
Friday before Christmas, December 23, 2011
Not much camping going on around here. Can't imagine why. Supposed to get a little snow tomorrow and Christmas Day. The weatherman said it had to be one inch or more to call it a white Christmas. Enjoy your time off. I will.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Recent rain has river running over 10000 cfs. Fun canoeing but a little dangerous.
Monday, November 28, 2011
River running over 1000 cfs but still has some gravel bar showing for gold panners. Just right for canoe trips if you like cold water.
We are having our winter special for camping. Half price for tents and RVs if staying 2 or more nights up to one week. 20% off all cabin rentals. The special lasts til the last day of February.
I need some new entertaining content for my commentary so bring some blondes when you come camping. Tom
Sunday, November 13, 2011
High in the 80's with low in the 60's. It can't last. We have enough water for some neat canoe trips with more rain in the forecast.
November 1, 2011
Beautiful weather here at the campground. The burn ban has been lifted, finally. Now all we need is rain to get the river going again. The water level is very low which makes the river good for gold panning and fishing but not good for canoeing.
Have begun work on a new club house with bathrooms, laundry, office, kitchen and rec room. Will have a pool table, satellite TV, card tables and a wood heater. Lots of fun. I am looking for some old ladies to play bridge with in the new rec room. Might even settle for some young blondes but am not sure they could play bridge but who knows? Tom
Saturday, October 15, 2011
The river is just barely running but only because they are releasing a little water from the Sardis Lake upstream. Beautiful camping weather. Better get out soon before it gets too cold.
Next weekend, October 21, 22, 23 we will be hosts to the "Old Growth 3" TRANSMEDIA ARTS FESTIVAL which features some very unique music and some art events. Should be very interesting. There is an admission fee $20/$30 in addition to our camping fee so come and enjoy. Check it out on Facebook "Old Growth 3". See you here. Tom
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
We have begun work on a new club house which will contain the men's and women's bath houses and also a laundry area. The rest of the building will be the club room with a pool table, kitchen area, card tables, TV and whatever else we can get in there. This will give us a nice meeting room for RV clubs and others that like to gather indoors for potlucks, etc. We will also be having recreation time indoors during nasty weather like we had this past summer. Should be a fun place.
The gold guys found quite a bit of gold this last week. Micah and Don B. found the following good stuff. I am tempted to give it a try myself pretty soon if we don't get more campers. Check out these pictures.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Weather here is perfect. Just right for doing nothing or something even less strenuous. Lots of campers enjoying the campground lately.
We have the NE Texas GPAA gold panners here this weekend. They have found lots of gold flakes. I will post a picture in a day or two after they pan out the rest of their concentrate.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Arrived back at K River Campground today after a couple of months in New Mexico. Nice and cool here today in the 70's. The river is running but only a trickle. Will be having mixed cool and hot for a week or two then fall weather is here. Drought may affect the tree colors this year. Some are brown already but others are nice and green and should turn nicely by the end of October. The next couple of months should be great camping weather after such a hot summer. Come see us.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Still hot and dry at the campground. The river is not running so swimming is not recommended since the water is getting stagnant and may have bad bugs in it. Gold panning is not good either without running water. To top it all off the Governor has issued a statewide burn ban so we can have no fires of any kind. I think I will just stay here in New Mexico for another month or two. The weather and scenery is beautiful here. Too good to miss out on.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Nice and cool here in the mountains of northern New Mexico but not so at the campground. Its been getting over 110 on some days. Too hot for camping. Just send in your camping fee and stay home. That should make both of us feel better. Tom
Thursday, July 28,2011
Too hot. Too dry. Nuthin to do here at the camp but relax in the warm shade and drink cold stuff. Send us some rain.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Its hot!! But not hot where I am here in the mountains of northern New Mexico. Mrs. Tom and I are again in Eagle Nest for the rest of the summer. Low 80's every day after the sun comes over the mountains. Each morning I have to run the heater in the motorhome because it gets down to 40 at night. Real sorry about where you are. Be sure to come camping at our campground and spend lots of money so we can really enjoy our vacation.
Our pet squirrel, Mildred, laid down and died yesterday. She crawled to the edge of her pen where Mrs. Tom could pet her while she died. We think she just died of old age because she was getting thinner and less active for a couple of months. It was an emotional time. She lived nearly 4 years after we rescued her when she was about 4 days old. Pets sure do grow on you. I think our next pet will be an elephant or one of those sea turtles so they will outlive us and we won't have to watch them die. Tom
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Not enough water in the river for canoe trips. Still pretty good for swimming and fishing. Some cool water in the deeper spots. We are finding a little gold under the rocks. For July 4 weekend we still have one cabin and several empty RV sites. Also plenty of room for shady tent camping. Bring a fan. This summer may prove to be the driest and hottest on record for SE Oklahoma.
Check out the Facebook link on the home page and post an entry if you are a Facebookie.
Mrs. Tom and I are headed for the New Mexico mountains again this July. Temperature is low 80's in the daytime and mid 40's at night. That should be worth the $400 it takes to get there in the motorhome.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
These two young folks came to our campground and spent some time panning for gold. This is what they found but it was not without plenty of effort on a very hot day. We have found that you can not find gold in the shade. For some reason its only out there in the hot sun. Guess I won't be doing any prospecting soon. Tom
Thursday, June 16, 2011
No water for canoeing. The river is barely running which makes it good for gold panning, fishing and swimming. Gold guys are finding some really small, almost invisible gold specs. The flakes are hiding somewhere under the rocks. I wish the flakes in Washington would do that.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Kinda hot here. Must be time to head for the NM mountains. No water left for down river canoeing so we just paddle around near the campground.
This weekend we will have GPAA Chapter 21 from Oklahoma City. They will be bringing gold pans, dredges and metal detectors to look for gold in our river. Everyone should find some gold. I'm waiting for the big strike and after they do all the work I'm going to plug 'em and take the gold. No one will find the bodies after the turtles and alligators get through with them.
Lots of folks camping now that school's out. The river is just right for the kids to swim and play and lots of shade trees and some tree swings to play on. Bring your bicycle.
Saturday, June 1, 2011
Its getting hot. Must be summer time. Sure is better than that nasty, cold, 80 degree weather we've been having. The river is getting very low for this time of year. Need more rain soon.
Memorial Weekend was a blast. Had between 200 and 300 campers. I lost count after 10. We had gold prospectors in the river and treasure hunters all over the campground and just regular ole family folks having a good time.
Friday, May 27, 2011
The campground is filling up very fast. Still room for a few RVs and tents. We will be having a hot food booth after all. Some really good cooks have shown up to help and I will offer my expert advice so everything will taste good. Looks like sausage, eggs and pancakes for breakfast, hamburgers for lunch and brisket for supper. All this on Saturday and for Sunday we haven't decided yet. Coffee every morning about 6:30.
Looks like the river will be dropping rapidly by Saturday morning. They have closed the gate on the lake upriver. Canoeing should still be pretty good but no fast water. Gold panning will be good. Come on in. Tom
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Really big weekend coming up. Still have a few RV sites and tent sites. Canoeing should be pretty good but water will be low by Saturday without more rain. Gold panning and treasure hunting will be the big events for Saturday and Sunday. Our food provider had a family problem and had to cancel for this weekend. I have tried to find a replacement but have had no luck. Be sure to bring some vienna sausage and pork 'n' beans. Goes real good with crackers and cheese. The rest of us will be cooking steaks and such. Might share but only if we have lots extra which ain't likely. Be here to enjoy the fun.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Lots of rain yesterday brought the river up quick for some exciting canoeing. Running about 2000 cfs. May last several days since more rain is expected for the next few days.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
The river has dropped from 4000 cfs to about 130 cfs in just 4 days. The Corp of Engineers was letting water out of Sardis Lake but have closed the gate. Now we need rain to get the river going again for decent canoeing. Rain is forecast for the next few days so that should help. In the meantime we are really enjoying the outdoors with cool weather and lots of little varmints running around and bees active in the flowers.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Very exciting weekend with about 150 folks canoeing down the river. It was running about 5000 cfs and created some challenges for several of the folks. We ended the weekend with 4 canoes wrapped around various obstacles in the river. Today we are going down the river recovering those canoes. Its not too bad today because the water level has dropped to 700 cfs which still has a few rapids but not nearly as difficult to maneuver through them. A lot of treasure was lost in the river this weekend due to turnovers. Maybe it will wash down to the campground. By the way, everyone survived.
Fishing is good now with crappie, bass and catfish ready to bite your worm. Gold panning should be good also since there is a lot of beach area showing. We recently found a good quantity of gold specs right at the bank where sand collects when water runs deep after rain.
This is the best time for canoeing because water levels are the best this time of year. Some folks are going upriver and canoeing 3 days back to the campground. Others choose the 3 hour trip.
Camping is very good now due to cool weather and not bugs yet.
Come see us. Tom
Saturday, May 7, 2011
The river is continuing to run about 5000 cfs because they are releasing water upriver at the Sardis Lake at the rate of 3500 cfs. This will continue for a couple of weeks at least until they get the lake level down to normal level. This will make for very good canoeing for families or groups. You may turn over but it will feel good when you dry out.
Fishing should really be good if you have a motorboat so you can find the crappie and sandbass. You can also fish off the bank for spotted bass or catfish. Kids are catching mudcat in our fishing pond. Not good to eat but fun to catch.
The weather is just too good to pass up a good camping trip so pack up and get here quick. Besides, we need the money.
See you soon. Tom
Thursday, May 5, 2011
The river is down to about 5000 cfs today. Very exciting canoe level. Looks like it will continue going down because there is no rain in the near forecast. The weather is just perfect for outdoor activity. A lot of church and scout groups are coming this month to enjoy the water levels and cool weather. No bugs yet. Plenty of room for everyone to enjoy our campground.
Gold panners can probably get to the gravel areas in a few days.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Our river is moving along at 3000 cfs. This is probably the best level to get some wild rapids that may turn you over and cause you to say things you normally wouldn't. Leave your mother at home. We have a few gold prospectors here today that are having trouble getting to the river bottom to scratch up some gold. The river level is going down pretty fast though and leaving some beach area exposed for them. Maybe the high water washed in some flakes for them to find. I bought one of those Desert Fox machines that will spin out the smallest pieces of gold. We will try it out soon to see how it works. I will very soon be a millionaire.
Beautiful camping weather. We must have 200 squirrels that have taken over every tree in the campground. Be sure to bring some expensive pecans to feed them. They also like whole corn. We still have our pet squirrel, Mildred, that we found when cutting down a dead tree three years ago.
Its a perfect time to take an overnight canoe trip if you're in to that adventure. We take you upriver for 20 or 40 miles and you can camp along the way. That's the best way to really enjoy outdoor nature (along with all the varmints).
Come see us. Its difficult to catch the weather and river in such good condition for an outing.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Plenty of water in the river after last nights big thunderstorm. I slept right through it. River is running around 3000 cfs which is pretty rough in spots. It should stay up nicely for a week or two. Overnight trips would work well right now. Plenty of room for camping here at the campground.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Still no rain. The river is running about 50 cfs and is clear and really pretty. Gold panning is real easy right now but the recent prospectors have had very little success at finding gold of any size. Mostly just finding very fine flour gold. Camping is very good due to nice weather and trees blooming and fish are biting.
Be sure to make early reservations for Memorial Weekend.
Tom
Sunday, March 27, 2011
The river is still very low and not good for canoeing. Driest winter we have ever had I think. Texas and Oklahoma are suffering from lack of rain. Its going to be a long, hot, dry summer me thinks. Fishing, swimming and gold panning is still very good. We are finding some very fine gold flakes but not much luck for bigger stuff. Need some dredges to show up and give it a try.
We will be having a big Memorial Day Weekend event here at K River. The Greenville, TX, GPAA chapter and other GPAA members will be prospecting for gold and showing others how to do it. Also, Keith Wills will be putting on a big WWATS treasure hunt for the metal detector gang. Check out www.wwats.org to see more. Everyone is welcome that weekend. It will be a little crowded but that makes it more fun. We will try to hold the noise down. I usually have to shoot a couple of radios and CD players but pretty soon thereafter everyone seems to get the message. Our cook, Kris, will be here with her good food for those that don't want to cook every meal. Not sure yet but we may be having outdoor church services each night like we had last year.
In the meantime, don't wait for Memorial Day to come camping. We have lots of fun between now and then. Beautiful weather and plenty of room.
See you soon. Tom
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Beautiful Sunday afternoon here at the campground. Canoe paddlers are beginning to try the river. Its a little chilly if you turn over but no pain, no gain. No fun either. Crappie and sand bass will be running the river soon. Crappie are probably the best tasting fresh water fish in this area. Ours get around 2 pounds each. Lots of fun when you find a hole full of them.
Recently had a family stop by for a short visit. They had the whitest teeth I have ever seen. They said they wanted to park their RV for a few months while working on their property nearby. They asked if our well water would stain their teeth so I gave them a big grin. They left and haven't been back. Personally I think your teeth should match your eye color. Not sure I would feel that way about that green eyed girl I used to know.
Since the wife has been pretty sick off and on for the last few years and lots of our older friends have similar issues I have been suggesting that us older guys need to have a spare in case something bad happens. Just like I do for our other equipment around here. So far I haven't had much acceptance for the idea especially from the women. It just seemed like common sense to me but I could be wrong.
Come see us. Tom
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Snowing today but warming up tomorrow for a week or so. Spring may be here but I won't be making any bets. We are getting reservations for Spring Break and Memorial Day. Should be a good camping season coming up. We need it because things have been a little slow for the past 8 months and have only had one donation for the needy.
Mrs. Tom finally got to come home last Thursday. She is eating well and learning how to walk again. When she ate 2 catfish filets I knew she was going to be okay. I guess I'll get to keep the old girl for a while longer. Its sure nice and comfy getting to stay home instead of in the hospital.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
We are gearing up for spring time camping and canoeing. I have to stock up on canoe paddles and PFDs (life jackets) to have enough for large groups that come in the spring when water level is high. We can put over 100 folks out there at one time. This is the first winter that we haven't had flood level rainfall to get the river rolling. I still expect some heavy rains soon to get the water level up for good canoe levels.
Mrs. Tom is still in the hospital but is recovering very well from surgery that is supposed to correct all her problems. We may get out of here in a week or so. She is now eating some soft foods and has all her hoses disconnected. She still has to regain enough strength to walk on her own.
I want to see all of my regulars and some new folks at the campground this spring so get with it. Check out all the new pictures I put on the web recently. Click on "pictures" button.
Tom
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Its just plumb cold out there. Nice day to stay in the house by the fire if you ask me. Had about 6 inches of snow in the last couple of days. Just right for camping. Probably won't see most of you til spring.
Mrs. Tom doing fairly well after some more major surgery to reconnect intestines and do some other repairs in her abdomen. If she recovers from all the surgery she will be somewhat back to normal. The doc says she may not live over the surgery but we are hopeful. So far she has made it 4 days and seems to be healing properly. That's all for now. Tom
Monday, December 27, 2010
Cold today. Must be getting close to winter. We are open all year though so come try staying warm while camping. Its a good test for your endurance and also to see how intelligent you are. Personally, I plan to wait for spring.
Mrs. Tom still in the hospital trying to recover from a botched gall bladder surgery. The doctors keep trying the same medicines on her but she is not improving. I moved her to another hospital which may help. They have more specialists there.
Didn't have much Christmas this year. Was by myself and ate at the hospital cafeteria. Yuk! Later Mrs. Tom and I opened a couple of gifts each in her room. Oh well, maybe next year.
Happy New Year. Tom
Friday, December 3, 2010
Not much going on at the campground. Camping has really slowed this fall over what we have had in past years. Anyone want to buy a campground?
Mrs. Tom not doing well lately. She had a routine gall bladder operation that turned into an abdominal infection. She has been in and out of the hospital for a month and is going back in tomorrow morning. Praying for soon recovery.
Need more campers to come blow a little cash. Bills keep stacking up. Guess I will have to start panning gold soon. Tom
Friday, November 12, 2010
Gold prospecting old timer, Al McWilliams, has passed away and will have funeral services Saturday, Nov 13, in Quitman, TX. Al was a good friend to my family and to the K River Campground. He was always jolly and brought happy times to all around him. We will miss Al.
A while back we also lost another old timer, Leon, from the OKC area. A true gentleman and also a gold prospector. A really great guy. Leon always had a smile for you. We miss Leon also.
Business is really down this fall. This is probably the slowest October since we started the campground. Not even our regulars are showing up or even contacting us. The economy must be worse elsewhere than here. Everyone around here is so used to having no money that we wouldn't even know if there was an economic problem. I read recently where the average home sale price around here is $25,000. Is that cheap or what? Of course, you probably haven't seen the houses in this area. At least we don't have to pay high property taxes.
The tree colors are beautiful right now and for a few days. It would be a great time to visit our part of the country.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Voting day. Lots of fun to watch those really close elections. Its amazing how life threatening it is for some of those politicians and what they will do to win re-election. Life is basically over for the loser. Being a politician is the only job I know of where you can spend 2 million to win a 200, 000 dollar job and still come out 3 or 4 million ahead.
I was reading about our campground on http://www.rvparkreviews.com/regions/Oklahoma/Moyers.html and some guy gave us a 1 star rating. He found so many things wrong with our campground its amazing we can stay in business. The kicker was his comment on our 1 bathroom and how filthy it was. The fact is we have 2 near new bath houses for men and women and they are kept very clean. He apparently wandered into the old employee bath house which is now used as storage. The door is clearly labeled "private". Seems to me that anyone who rates a campground should be a little more observative and maybe ask a few questions. I invite some of my regulars to post their comments on the review link above.
We need more campers soon. My refrigerator is half empty and I need another vacation. If you can help just load up, bring a bunch of money and come see us. We'll take care of the rest.
Monday, October 18, 2010
No rain recently to bring the river up so we are not doing any canoe trips. Beautiful camping weather. The Garrett family campout came and went without any noticeable damage to people or property. Still having some success at gold panning. Mostly you need a dredge to find the good stuff but just panning can usually come up with a few flakes. Gold panning won't last much longer this year if normal rainfall begins soon. Our river usually runs pretty deep from now til June. Good for fishing and canoeing but not good for gold panning.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Beautiful weather lately. Just right for camping and having a fire in the evening. The water level in the river is still low. Where is the rain? Still just right for fishing and gold panning.
I bought a new 4-wheeler today so I need a few wealthy campers to stop by for a few days. I think helping out here at the campground may be better than sending money to politicians. At least you get something for your money. We now have 7 4-wheelers and luckily 4 of them are still running. Our mechanics need a little training me thinks. I'm the head mechanic so I'm having a little trouble passing the blame. The only immediate answer I could come up with was just to buy a new one. Helps save my reputation.
Annual Garrett family campout coming on Oct 15, 16, 17. Still a few of us left. We all enjoy eating and telling lies.
Stay tuned. Tom G
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Mrs. Tom and I are back home from our extended summer getaway. Just in time to pack up for our winter getaway.
About the only excitement at the campground recently is gold panning. A group of gold prospectors came and operated their 4" dredge for 5 days and dug a big hole in the river bottom. After having very little reward for their effort they left a little disappointed. Another guy, Allen H. , came along and decided to dig in the same hole. After a short time he found the good stuff. He will be back.
Come give it a try.
Sunday, Aug 29, 2010
Labor Day coming up. Come out and enjoy the long weekend. Choctaw Labor Day Festival is just up the road about 35 miles. Lots of big name entertainment there this year. Admission, entertainment and midway rides are all free. Travis Tritt and Neal McCoy and others will be there. I normally sing there each year (behind the stage, not on it) but I am still suffering in the cold weather of New Mexico mountains. See http://www.choctawnation.com/news-room/events/2010-labor-day-festival for all the details.
Saturday, Aug 14, 2010
Not much going on at the campground. Anyway, that's what they tell me when I call. Be sure to reserve for Labor Day.
Mrs. Tom and I are still hangin here in Eagle Nest, NM. This morning I was in bed and kept hearing the heater come on. I thought maybe a window was open so I got up earlier than normal to check it out. I found the problem. The temperature outside was 34. Its getting real close to time to head south. We've got our eye on Sierra Bonita campground down toward Mora on Coyote Creek. Its owned by friends Dave and Donna Denning and their 10 or 15 kids. It will be a little warmer there. Mrs. Tom can fish all she wants and I can do the usual - - - nothing. Trouble is, I can't do nothing for very long so I'll probably just sit around a lot. I could fish but I'm too cheap to buy a license. Tom
Monday, Aug 4, 2010
Won first place last week and 3rd place this week at the Red River bridge tournament. Things are lookin' up. I always play to lose and then when I am unlucky I win. Works pretty good.
Seems that gold panning is the most popular activity at the campground during the hot, dry weather. The water is clear and the gravel bars are exposed for lots of panning opportunities. I'm going to watch and wait til someone finds lots of gold then I'm going to whack 'em and get their gold. I tried it one day but found the amount of gold they had was just not worth the effort.
Come see us. Plenty of shade trees and still some good fishing and swimming in the river.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Not much happening at the campground. Just hot and dry. Need some campers to enjoy the shade and swimming.
Nice and cool here in Eagle Nest, NM. Mrs. Tom and I are camping right beside the Eagle Nest lake at 8300 feet. Mrs. Tom caught 3 large trout yesterday while I played bridge in Red River. I actually won some of the prize money. It's nice that they give money for the lowest score. I played 3 hours and had only 2 hands that had over 10 point count. A thunder and lightning show happens every day in the mountains nearby. Really a neat place to come in July and August if you are retired and enjoy just sitting around soaking up the sunshine and cool weather. In fact, since I retired I don't do anything and I don't start that til noon.
I am working (no money) again this year at the Angel's Attic donation center. They pay me with stuff I want to take home with me. Last year I loaded a 16 foot covered trailer and had stuff hanging on the sides also.
Hope all are having a fun summer. See you soon. Tom
Thursday, July 1, 2010
We survived June 2010. Its nice and warm here. Campfires are nice if you stay back about 20 feet. Plenty of shade for camping and relaxing. Don't bring the old grouch if you really want to enjoy yourself. July 4 is filling up pretty fast but still plenty of RV and tent sites available. We are having pretty good fun fishing and swimming. The river is down to a trickle.
Gold panning is pretty good if you can find the stuff. The GPAA guys reported finding some gold. The following picture was sent to me with a report that it was found on Memorial Day Weekend here at K River Campground. Good luck if you try it.
June 10, 2010
Nothing exciting happened today. I need a few blondes to come around and liven the place up a little. Maybe there will be a few this Sunday. We are having about 700 bicyclists stopping by for lunch on their way to NE Oklahoma. It will take them several days to complete the trip. Fortunately, I am not the one who provides the food but I am pretty sure they will leave the trash cans plenty full of trash. Should be a fun time.
June 4, 2010
We had a very interesting and crowded Memorial Weekend. Treasure hunts, dredging for gold, canoeing, swimming, fishing and just relaxing in the shade seemed to keep everyone busy.
Plenty warm today for camping and swimming. Supposed to be in high 90's for a few days. Not getting enough rain lately to keep water level up in the river. If you are planning a canoe trip you should wait until it rains again.
Mrs. Tom is still recovering from lung cancer surgery. The doc said he removed all the existing cancer and there would be no need for further treatment as of now. We are now planning a summer trip to New Mexico and Colorado.
We are getting a lot of interest in our river for gold prospecting. Most everyone finds a small amount of gold when they try hard enough. I'm waiting til one of them finds the mother lode and then I'm going to plug 'em and take the gold. The river will hide all the evidence.
Don't miss the chance to enjoy the best private owned campground in Oklahoma. The wife and I voted and our campground won. Come see us soon. Tom
BIG MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND.
The campground is filling up fast for this special annual event. All the cabins are taken already and about one third of the RV sites. Still plenty of room for more RV and tent campers. We'll be panning and dredging for gold, hunting treasure with metal detectors and eating, drinking and telling lots of lies or just stretching the truth a little. We've got lots of gold and treasure stories. We will also be doing a lot of canoeing, kayaking, fishing and swimming. Everyone is welcome to come whether participating in the events or not. Just camping and relaxing will also be one of our main events. Be sure to visit the food booth for some very good home cooking by Chris, one of the area's best cooks. She has done our cooking for the past 2 years for this event. Food booth is open for breakfast, lunch and supper. Our preacher (baptist) just told me we are also having a 3 night revival here at the campground on Memorial Weekend. Services won't last too long so attend if you like. We have the revival here every year and its always a neat event. It will be down at the far end of the campground area.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Its raining really nice today. Our river has been low for too long but will be good for canoeing and kayaking for a week or more. Some large groups coming this weekend. Canoeing will be pretty exciting for them. Not supposed to rain any after today for another week making this weekend the perfect time to come camping. Plenty of room for campers this weekend. Getting pretty full for next weekend (Memorial Day Weekend) but we can always find room for more. Call or email before coming for Memorial Weekend.
Mrs. Tom is home now and is recovering nicely from cancer surgery.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Getting a little rain today and maybe for the rest of the week. I am in Paris, TX waiting for Mrs. Tom to get out of surgery for a growth in the lung. They say it is cancer. Maybe they can get it all out but life will be shortened anyway. We shall hope for the best and enjoy what we have left.
The next three weeks will keep us really busy with church groups coming to camp and canoe. Always lots of fun and excitement. I hope they bring plenty of food for me and our 8 camp dogs. Plenty of room for the rest of you. Be sure to make a reservation if coming for Memorial Weekend. Tom
Monday, May 2, 2010
Our river needs rain badly for canoeing to be any fun. It does not need rain for the gold panners. Who do you think should win? We normally have plenty of water this time of year so it will surely rain soon. We are catching a few fish and finding a few very small gold flakes. Weather is perfect for camping and just lazin around.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Our river is running near 700 cfs today. A little too high for gold panning and again just right for a peaceful canoe trip down the river. Pretty busy around here this time of year. Beautiful weather and beautiful trees. Lots of birds singing and little varmints making nests everywhere.
Our new guy, Ed, is taking over Paul's responsibilities. He has a really good personality and will fit in just right. For all you single middle age girls, Ed is in the market for a wife. I probably will have to buy one for him but that's okay cause they are pretty cheap around this area.
Come join us for the best camping of the year that will only last about one more month before the hot stuff gets here. Better make reservations soon if you have a group or you plan to come Memorial Weekend. Tom
Monday, April 10, 2010
The river is running about 400 cfs. Just right for some peaceful canoeing down the river. Lots of wildlife to see this time of year. Bring your fishing pole and fish on your way down the river. Can also get to a few spots where gold panning is good. Gold panning is best when flow is less than 200 cfs.
Lots of campers and canoe paddlers coming out for the nice spring weather. Trees are leafing out and are getting really pretty. Birds are building nests and the cats bellies are swelling up. We have a baby squirrel, Lester, which is about ready to turn loose into the wild. Not sure I can convince Mrs. Tom to let him go. We also still have a 2 year old squirrel, Mildred, which wouldn't know what to do out in the wild. We find the little boogers when we cut down dead trees each year. They travel with us in our motorhome when we go traveling along with our 5 Chihuahuas. We have a really nice motorhome which gets us in to some nice RV parks. They don't know we are rednecks until we turn the dogs loose and put up our clothesline. Its shortly after that when we are usually asked to leave. Enjoy your spring. Tom
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Lots of excitement about gold panning in the river this year. We are for the first time listed in the GPAA Field Guide for gold prospecting. Many folks are coming to try to find gold. Not much luck yet because the water level is just too high this time of year. No way to get into the deeper water where most gold has been found. Best to wait until late June for guaranteed low water levels. Sometimes the river gets shallow before then.
We are having a "really big" GPAA gold prospector meeting on Memorial Weekend and will be accompanied by a treasure hunt sponsored by WWATS and Keith Wills. Lots of activities that weekend and we invite everyone to attend. We will be having a food booth and canoe float trips also. A good time for your first visit to our campground. Make sure to get a reservation.
The river is running over 4000 cfs today. Pretty exciting canoe water. Just don't turn over and freeze your tucus.
Fishing is getting good. Sand bass are running and crappie are moving into deeper holes of water. Catfish and bass fishing is always good. Weather is shaping up for spring. Trees are blooming. Birds are singing.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
We buried Paul on Wednesday the 10th of March. He left me with several dogs and cats to care for. They are longing his return but I guess they will adapt. I have lots more work to do without Paul around and just when the camping, canoe season is getting in to full bloom. Oh well, I'm too young to retire. Sure will hinder my extended vacations though.
River is running nicely for canoeing and fishing and swimming if you like cold water.
Tom
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Paul had a turn for the worse yesterday and sad to say he died today about 9:30 AM. His heart just quit on him after so many surgeries and drugs to try and fix his ruptured intestine. The docs kept saying he was going to be alright so his death came as a shock to all of us. I am extremely saddened by my loss of such a great friend and helper. I miss him terribly already. The campground will never be the same without him. He was so loyal. He was my buddy. Tom
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Bring your motorboat and catch some crappie. This is the time of year when they start gathering up in large numbers in various spots on the river. Your job is to find them and then catching them is easy.
Weather is warming up nicely for some good camping. Several folks are doing the canoe thing on the river. It is running just right for cruising down the river without having to paddle too much.
Paul is still in ICU in Tulsa. They have had a tough time getting all the infection removed from his abdomen. They said yesterday that they now think he will be healing enough to go home in about a week. Running this place is a little more than I want to do without Paul. I am retired you know.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Two days and I will be 65 years old. I am currently now too old to die young. Funny thing, I don't feel any older than I did say 20, 25 days ago. Life is good.
Paul has had another setback. They have now operated 3 times to fix the same problem. This time they left the incision unstitched so they won't have to keep whacking him open. Poor guy. He's sick of that place. You know what they call the med student that graduated with the worst grades in his class? DOCTOR. I think that's the guy that Paul got. Looks like at least another week in the hospital for him. For those who pray, he needs it. Thanks. Seriously though, I suppose he is getting very good treatment. Its just that he waited too long to see the doc. A good lesson for all of us. Tom
Monday, February 15, 2010
Can you believe we all lived to see the year 2010! This is very exciting. I am assuming all of you that are reading this are still living although I probably have a few fans that have passed on. Who knows?
Friend Paul is doing lots better in the St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa. He has recovered somewhat from a surgery and several days in the hospital ICU. He is now in a regular hospital room and may be home before the weekend. He has requested that rather than send flowers and gifts that you send money to me here at the campground to use as I desire. Make it a large check if you would. Its been a long winter.
Our river is running just right for fishing from a motorboat. Its deep enough to run up and down with the motor not hitting rocks. Also just right for canoeing but not for me. I turned over one time in early March and learned my lesson about canoeing when water is cold. Probably shortened my life by 10 years. I froze my tucus off. Tom
Friday, February 5, 2010
Mrs. Tom and I are back at the campground for the spring season. I will be sending out a reminder for all campers to get here soon before hot weather sets in. We have enough canoes for groups up to 120 to canoe at one time. Spring is the best canoe water. It is pretty exciting when the river is up from winter rains. Just talked to the horse rancher. He says he will be providing horse rides for our campers this summer. Plenty of shade for everyone.
Our caretaker, Paul, is in ICU at Tulsa. When I got here from our winter break I found Paul to be very sick. He is one of those tough guys who thinks they don't need doctors. I was the same way until I got hemorrhoids. I couldn't quite see the problem good enough to fix it myself. Anyway, I got Paul to the emergency room where they determined he needed immediate surgery to fix a tear in his intestine. So he will be down for a while it looks like but hopefully back to work by March.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Still wintering on the gulf coast. I think its about time to head back to Oklahoma. The weather is better there than here and I hear the sheriff down here is looking for me. I didn't do nuthin wrong and even if I did I don't plan on getting caught. I may run for public office. Seems I would make a really good politician.
Fishing is only fair in the gulf this year. Mrs. Tom caught several redfish. The legal size is 20 inches long. I had to stretch a couple of them but they turned out to be legal. Haven't eaten them yet but they taste very good.
Spring is soon and we are already getting reservations for camp and canoe groups for our exciting canoe water which occurs every spring up until late June. After that the river is usually too low for good canoeing but is just right for swimming and fishing.
Hope to see lots of new folks at the campground this year. Tom
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Too cold for camping. Too cold for canoeing. Stay home.
Mrs. Tom and I are parked right beside the Gulf of Mexico at Palacios, TX. Its a little warmer here but will get to 20 by Friday and then nice and warm the rest of the winter ??? We'll be fishing and boating and relaxing in the warm sunshine. Hope the same for all you folks.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
On the road again. Mrs. Tom and I are camping out in East Texas waiting for Jan 2 when we have a family gathering at sister's house in Midlothian, TX. After that we head for the gulf coast for a month or so. We parked our RV at the Scenic View Marina RV park in Lone Star, TX for a few days. A very good spot to spend a few days of your life if you have an RV or you can stay in their motel. Beautiful view and park right beside the Lone Star Lake. Very reasonable rates also. www.scenicviewmarina.com
Our river is really humping. A good time to try your new kayak you got for Christmas
Mrs. Tom recently asked me who was playing football that night. I said "Tennessee and some other team". She replied "I don't like either one of them". I have determined that being blonde and turning gray are closely related.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Merry Christmas to everyone. Getting a few hardy campers this time of year. Weather is a little iffy. Just right for Yankees.
Mrs. Tom and I just traded our older motorhome for a modern newer one. Now we can get in to those uppity RV resorts. They won't have a clue that we are rednecks until we open the door and let the 5 dogs out and put Mildred the squirrel out on the picnic table. Then we tie the clothesline from the RV to the fence post nearby and hang up a few undies. Shortly afterwards is when the manager seems to show up. Even when I show them my money, my college degree and my new black church shoes they still seem offended. Anyway, we are going to head out this week and give it a try. Will probably end up on the Texas coast somewhere very warm. Have a nice winter wherever you are. Tom
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Cold here today. Just right for watching football and other indoor activities. Cabins will be 20% off during the winter up until March 1, 2010. They all have heat. Swimming will be free. Come see us. Tom
Monday, November 30, 2009
Thanksgiving was good again this year. Mrs. Tom did a good job. Too much food as usual. Dallas Down River Club was also here for their annual Thanksgiving outing. I had to help them eat their food on Saturday evening. Pretty good. Almost as good as store bought.
I took my recently purchased water scooter out to the river for a trial run. It was my first time on a jet ski. How did I know the thing has no reverse or neutral. We put it in the water and I cranked it up and ran right into the river bank. Some of my wards were brave enough to laugh. I didn't have my gun. After a little repositioning I cranked it up again and took off up the river. That thing goes like a wild mountain goat. I'm not going to try again until warm water comes back.
Our river is up and down this time of year according to rainfall. Right now it is down very low but still passable with a canoe. Also good for gold panning if you don't mind the cold water. The water level has to be pretty low to have access to the good spots for gold flakes. Tom
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
No news this week. Nothing happened. Thanksgiving next week. Come to the campground for Thanksgiving and we will treat you like family. In other words, you bring the food and we will help you eat it. We will be having our annual Thanksgiving party next Saturday night with the Dallas Down River Club. I know I can sucker those guys out of some free food. They don't watch the leftovers very well. I tell them the dogs got it. They fall for it every time.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Beautiful weather for this time of year. It can't be long til cold sets in. That's when I pack up and pull out. The rest of you folks can stay here and enjoy winter. Me, Mrs. Tom, the 5 Chihuahuas and Mildred the squirrel will be somewhere warm. Will be going to South Texas or South Louisiana this year. Can't go to the same place twice because they might remember me.
I bought me a water scooter the other day. Some call them jet skis. When spring comes I'm going to try it on the river. I may not be with you much longer but it will be fun til then.
The river is still running just right for some nice canoeing.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Beautiful weather this time of year. Just right for camping outdoors. We have plenty of firewood. Water level in the river is just right for some peaceful canoeing down the river on a balmy afternoon. Sardis Lake is dumping 1200 cfs into the river and will continue to do so for about 1 more week unless we get more rain.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Some good rain has brought our river up for some really exciting canoeing. More rain expected tonight but stopping before the weekend. Don't plan to canoe unless very experienced.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Sardis lake has stopped releasing into our river so the level is going down to barely running unless we get immediate rain. It is raining right now but very lightly. Supposed to come some thunderstorms late today.
Our 5 Chihuahuas are really enjoying living with us and we enjoy them most of the time. However, they tend to doodle in the floor a little too often. Mrs. Tom has put me on permanent "doodle duty".
Gold panning in the river starts tomorrow. Don't miss it.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Our annual Garrett family reunion is just weekend after next. I got my gun all cleaned and oiled. Didn't have to use it last year but you never know. In any case I don't want to be caught off guard.
Had my VA medical checkup last week. I asked the doc if I would make it to 100. He said that would be a little too fast for a wheelchair. What do you call the med student that graduated with the lowest grades in his class?...................You call him Doctor! Scary isn't it? Still be kinda hard to get along without them.
Beautiful weather the last few days. This is the best time of year for camping. Fishing is pretty good. Water is still warm enough for swimming. Gold panners coming this weekend. Room for you. Been eating too much. Life is good. See you soon. Tom
Monday, September 14, 2009
Good rains upriver are bringing the river levels up for some neat canoeing. Weather is perfect.
Monday, September 7, 2009 - Labor Day
Everyone has left the campground after a really nice weekend. Mrs. Tom and I are back from our summer break in New Mexico. Lots of work was waiting for me here at the camp. Might be time for my autumn getaway.
Our river is too low for canoeing but is really nice fishing and swimming.
Make plans to be here on the first weekend in October. The GPAA gold panners from Greenville, TX will be here along with other big events in the area. On Friday and Saturday, Oct 2 and 3, the Bigfoot Festival will be in Honobia, OK and the Deer Festival and Outdoor Show will be in Antlers. Both are exciting and entertaining and well worth seeing.
Get ready for fall foliage. The best time is first or second week in November. Be sure to visit the Talimena Scenic Highway for the best scenery. Its just up the road.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Our river is running very slow and low. Not at all good for canoeing. Maybe it will come back by mid September. Sometimes it does. Camping is still good and the Labor Day weekend is coming soon. Plan to stay with us and visit the Choctaw Labor Day Festival at Tuskahoma just 35 miles up the road. Free big name entertainment. Its a really big deal for this area of the country. Wynonna Judd is on Friday Sep 4 and Neal McCoy is Saturday Sep 5 along with other popular singers. Check out http://www.choctawnation.com/Events/dsp_LaborDay.cfm Free carnival rides along with crafts, activities and Indian stuff.
I played bridge yesterday with the grouchy old ladies at Red River, NM. I had a ball. Ended up in first place in a group of 24. That'll teach them. Being grouchy does not make you a better bridge player. Just makes you grow old faster. Tom
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Still raining today at the campground. May bring the river up for decent canoeing. Call or check the river levels before planning a canoe trip.
Mrs. Tom and I are still hanging here in the mountains of New Mexico. It's a little cold here each morning with temps near 30 but warms up as soon as sun comes up. We plan to stay here until its gets cool in Oklahoma. May be a few years. We also plan to go home if it snows here. That will probably happen first. In the meantime we shall continue to enjoy the scenery and weather and fishing and playing bridge and eating out and visiting friends and . . . .
Friday, July 31, 2009
Good rain upriver bringing water level up for some neat canoeing in our river. Should be over 500 cfs for this weekend. Just right for peaceful canoeing with a few fast spots. No dragging the canoe. Weather has cooled a little making camping pretty good fun under our giant shade trees right on the bank of the Kiamichi River. Local fisherman, Allen, has caught some catfish lately that weigh over 20 pounds. Come see us.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Hope you made it to church today. Mrs Tom and I went to the Eagle Nest Community Church. Nice folks. The preacher had a good message for all them other folks. I don't need much preaching. I have a wife.
We parked our RV this year behind the Angel's Attic, a used resale shop that sells nice stuff really cheap. They moved into this location about 2 months ago and so far none of their toilets were working. I volunteered to try and fix the problem. The sewer was stopped up outside the building. Anyway, I got it fixed pretty quickly and was fixin to leave when the manager lady asked if I would fix this and that and do this and that and on and on and on. So I now have a permanent job for a few weeks. The only trouble is that they don't pay anything. (My life story). They do let me select a few choice items from the store to keep for myself. I'm collecting stuff to build a new bath house there at the K River Campground.
We are going to try and do some canoe trips in the Lower Mountain Fork River near Broken Bow, Oklahoma. They have really good canoe water all summer due to the generators running every day at the lake that feeds the river. It's about 1.5 hours from the campground to the canoeing spot. They have several canoe outfitters over there but they are completely booked up for the next 3 months, especially on weekends. We will be charging more than they do because of the travel expense but at least you folks that must go canoeing will have another option to try. I hear the float trip is very exciting and very cold water. Not for me but some folks really like that. So give us a call a few days before your planned trip so we can prepare. We can take a group of 6 or more over there or we can meet your group at the canoe spot.
I see some clouds moving in and hear the thunder. It rains every day here in the mountains nearby and sometimes here where we are parked. Temperature is about 45 at night and 82 daytime. A little hard to take when I could be staying a lot warmer there at the K River Campground. Don't waste your money coming out here. Just go to K River Campground and sit in a bucket of ice in the shade and enjoy. It don't get no better than that. I don't know why I even come here.
Tom
Friday, July 10, 2009
Mrs. Tom and I are enjoying the cool mountains of Eagle Nest, New Mexico. Sorry we can't be in Oklahoma to enjoy the nicer weather you are having there. The campground is still open so come and have fun. Tom
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Our river is down to a trickle but is really pretty and clear. Good swimming and fishing and gold panning. Not good for canoeing until the next big rain. Getting booked up for the 4th but still plenty of room for more. We have one small cabin left and lots of RV and tent sites. Bring your swim suits and sit in the river late in the afternoon when the trees are shading the swimming hole. Let the running water flow over you and forget your troubles. By the way, all our camping and RV sites are in the shade of giant trees and right on the river bank.
Mrs. Tom and I are leaving for the cool mountains of New Mexico some time next week. Its really good that most of you guys are full time workers so maybe the mountains won't be very crowded. The weather there is the main attraction. Gets about 80 every day along with a thunderstorm in the nearby mountains most afternoons. Very scenic and good trout fishing. We see lots of friends that we have met the past few summers. Maybe the old ladies will let me play bridge with them this year but probably not since I don't match up to their standards for bridge etiquette. It seems that I am not allowed to hum, whistle, chew a toothpick or sing while playing. They just don't know how to enjoy life. If they wudn't bigger than me I would show them a thing or two.
Paul will be running the campground while we are gone. He does a really good job but I don't brag on him to his face or he may think he should make more money. Steve and Chuck will also be here to help out. See you soon.
Tom
Monday, June 22, 2009
The Corps of Engineers misled me. They have already closed the gates on our river flow. By tomorrow we will be down to a trickle in our river. Canoeing is over until the next heavy rainfall. My apologies to all who planned to canoe this week. Still good swimming and camping and good times for all who come camping. We have plenty of shade to share and our beach and swimming area is really good. I will probably sing and dance as some additional entertainment. Tom
Friday, June 19, 2009
Just spoke with the Corps of Engineers at Sardis Lake. They are releasing water into our river at the rate of 1000 cfs. They told me this flow would continue for 1 week from today. This means we have really good canoeing for at least another week. Come see us. Tom
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Nice warm weather. Just right. We are setting new records every week for number of canoe trips and campers. Guess everyone has the camp out bug. The river has been just about perfect since mid May due to lots of rain. The lake upriver has been dumping about 600 cfs for more than a month but its about to stop. The lake level is just about down to normal so the water dumping is soon over. I expect a very low running river by Monday, June 22 so this weekend is probably our last for good canoeing unless we get more rain. Sad, sad, sad. Watch the link above to see the river water level. Make sure it is running at least 100cfs if planning to canoe. Otherwise it is "get out and pull the canoe" listen to the wife complain, "get out and pull the canoe" list to the wife ............
Still lots of good camping, fishing, horseback riding, swimming, gold panning, etc, etc, etc, and of course I'll be here to entertain or harass. However you want to look at it. Tom
Tuesday, June 11, 2009
Not likely to get any rain here for the coming weekend. Make your plans to come camping and canoeing.
Getting lots of scouts and church groups this year for camping and canoeing. Sometimes they go to Mountain Fork river near Broken Bow, OK but that river is running too high for safe canoeing this year. Our river is getting kinda low but is still pretty good canoeing. May get more rain this week. Bring your group but call first to make sure we have available canoes.
Last week we had the Moyers Baptist Church revival here every night at 8 p.m. I really enjoyed the speakers and the music. Will probably be an annual event. There were lots of us sinners there for the revival. I learned a lot about the bible and I think I may start a church for blonds. Can you imagine???
Still room for more here at the campground. Plenty of shade, the water is warm, the folks are friendly, life is good. See you soon. Tom G
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Beautiful Memorial Weekend here at K River Campground. Weather was near perfect and the river was running just right for exciting canoeing. Our campground was completely full up. We had about 300 nice folks here to enjoy treasure hunting, camping, canoeing, horseback riding, gold panning, fishing, relaxing and just enjoying the outdoors. Thanks to WWATS, Keith Wills and members for the treasure hunts. Thanks to GPAA, Don Brisendine and members for the gold prospecting events. Gold panning wasn't very good due to high water. Everyone seemed to have a very good time. There was a real shortage of blonds but I'm willing to wait. (But not too long).
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Beautiful sunny days with perfect outdoor temperature. River running just right for exciting canoeing or kayaking. Scouts had a ball this past weekend camping and canoeing on the river. Had to rescue the Scout Master but all the kids did fine.
The campground is filling up fast for the Memorial Weekend. No cabins left but a few RV and tent sites for late planners. Lots of fun activities for all - - metal detector treasure hunts, gold prospecting, swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, horseback rides, campfires, drink any beverage, relaxing, hot food booth with lots of goodies, camp store open with unique items, more...
Bring enough steaks for me. Mrs. Tom is getting a little iffy lately when it comes to cooking.
Tom
Monday, May 11, 2009
Still raining off and on. The river is pretty exciting. Not up to flood stage yet but running fast. Good canoeing for some.
Mrs. Tom and I went camping this past week at Beaver's Bend. She took her squirrel, Mildred, along for the ride. While there she decided it was time for Mildred to return to the wild because there were lots other gray squirrels there. We opened the cage and Mildred jumped out and started playing in the dirt and then climbing trees. She played all day long with the other squirrels. At dark she jumped back in her cage, got a drink and went to bed. We brought her back home. Oh well.
Business is brisk for the Memorial Weekend. We are basically full already but are preparing some temporary spots for any last minute guests. The gold prospectors and metal detector guys and gals are filling the place up. If you are coming be sure to call ahead for a reservation. Its going to be a fun weekend, rain or shine. Lots of activities and some really good food serving area this year. Gold and metal detector equipment will be on display and some for sale. It will be a good time to learn about these hobbies. Everyone will be friendly and helpful or they will face the firing squad. Come see us and bring the kids. Tom
Thursday, May 7, 2009
River is still up to very high level. Should be down to good canoe level soon. Its actually running high enough to smooth out all the rapids. I'm thinking about floating down on a nice sunny day. Won't have to paddle much. I fell in one time when it was like this. Could not get the canoe to the bank due to strong current. It was a blonde moment. I now know why blondes have more fun. It was very exciting.
Allen is running his fishing boat up and down the river. Just right for that. No rocks to hit. Yesterday he caught a few catfish. One weight 20 lbs he says. I saw it and it looks more like about 12 lbs. Fish stories are really good around here.
Our big groups are waiting for water levels to go down. That's probably a good idea.
Canoe this weekend if you are brave enough.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Plenty of rain. River is running about 20,000 cfs. A little too fast for safe canoeing but will be going down to a really fun level very soon. Lots of canoeing planned for May. Am having to get another outfitter to bring us a few more canoes to borrow for the busy season. May is always the favorite time for group canoe trips. Nice weather and the river is usually just right for exciting canoeing. Still have room for more during the week and maybe on one or two weekends this month. Fishing will also be really good after water level goes down. Tom
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Beautiful weather. Just the right amount of rain to keep river running at an exciting level. Come out and catch some sun, some fish and some natural scenery. Hummingbirds are here for the summer.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
River is running just right for exciting canoeing. We had 3 nice fellers come and canoe last weekend. They went about 45 miles upriver and stayed 2 nights along the way back. Said they had a ball. They saw 2 elk, 5 deer swimming across the river, some bald eagles and various other varmints which may have been some of our locals.
Several coming this weekend to try their luck at not turning over. The water is still a little cool in my opinion but can't slow those adventurous types. My adventure has slowed to chasing the wife around the kitchen table and trying to find where I left my eyeglasses. Usually I spot them when I look in the mirror.
Allen the fisherman is ready to guide folks up the river for some exciting and rewarding crappie fishing. Water is just right.
Tom
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Things have gotten quieter now that Spring Break is over. Weather was really good for several families who stayed with us throughout the week. Not so this week with lots of rain and getting cooler. Typical for this time of year. Should make for some really good canoeing if that's your thing. I have just about given up on canoeing until the water gets to bath temperature since I tend to turn over a lot.
Time to make your camping plans. One nice cabin left for Memorial Weekend. Gasoline is cheap and we have no depression here in SE Oklahoma. In fact, if a depression were to come we wouldn't know about it for at least 6 months. Not much changes here except the weather and the leaves on the trees. Just the way I like it. Tom
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Recently returned from South Louisiana to Oklahoma and our campground. Lots of memories from being there this winter but also happy to be home. We are getting ready for the spring camping season with lots of reservations coming in already. We need some rain to keep the river flowing. Lots of fun times ahead. Some scouts, church groups and reunions headed our way. Also having a "really big" Memorial Weekend with the WWATS (World Wide Association of Treasure Seekers) metal detector club and GPAA (Gold Prospectors Association of America) gold panners having a fun event here at the campground. Should have plenty of room for everyone to come and participate or just watch. May run out of trees for outdoor toilets.
If ever near Morgan City, LA be sure to go north up to the Cypress Bayou Casino for dinner. Best Cajun food in the state and huge quantities. Could probably split 1 plate 3 ways and still get full. Also if you want an RV site or motel down on the Louisiana coast you can try my favorite place - the "Port Fourchon Marina and RV Park". That's where I worked this winter. Some neat folks and unique area. Great fishing, sightseeing and restaurants.
We are an authorized Garrett Metal Detector dealer if you have any such interest. Haven't advertised it much but we are beginning to get a good bit of interest in the detectors and accessories, including gold hunting gadgets. Check it out.
Make your spring camping plans soon. If you have money to spend we will take it with no questions asked about where you got it. See you soon.
Tom
Sunday, February 1, 2009 SUPER BOWL SUNDAY
A beautiful Sunday here on the gulf coast of Louisiana. Already about 60 degrees at 7 am. Mrs. Tom caught another drum yesterday. About 30 pounds. I've got pictures to prove it. I will show them for a quarter.
We plan to leave here this week and meander back toward the K River Campground. I've been working too hard here so I think I will take a small vacation. While here to relax I have worked about 50 hours every week helping to rebuild this campground after Hurricane Gustav wiped it out. Its been kinda fun but I'm getting antsy to get on down the road. I managed to rebuild one mobile home back to livable condition. Its really been fun working with the five women who keep the place operating. They have a motel, a cottage, a marina, several mobile homes and an RV park to manage. I would not want their job.
A little quiet at the K River Campground. Good canoeing water right now and should remain until hot summer. Spring is coming soon. We are having a Memorial Day get together for the GPAA gold prospectors and some treasure hunters. Will be a really fun time for everyone at the camp. Get your reservation soon.
Gotta go. Have to borrow a connection to the cable TV so I can watch the Super Bowl later today.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Great weather here in south Louisiana. Mrs. Tom caught a 25 pound salt water drum yesterday. She had a tough time getting him up on the bank. Too big to eat so we put him back. Locals say drum are about the best tasting fish. She fishes right beside the motorhome.
Cabins are booking up already for spring and summer. Should be a good camping year. See you soon. Tom
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year! Mrs. Tom and I are still hanging in South Louisiana. Wonderful weather here. Gets about 75 every day and it hasn't rained in 3 weeks. Very strange place. We are the only winter RVers in the area. Not much to do other than fish, eat and relax in the warm weather. Just right for a winter getaway for us old timers. For the rest of you I recommend K River Campground. Tom
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Too cold for camping. Too cold for canoeing. Just send your money and stay home. Tom
Mrs. Tom and I are at the south end of Louisiana at a place called Port Fourchon. We are camped in our little motorhome along with 5 chihuahuas and Mildred the squirrel. Nice place with ocean fishing right across the street.
This RV park and motel complex is run by 5 women. When I arrived they asked me if I was a handyman. Wellll, I don't like to brag but there is very little I don't know how to do. Especially around a RV park. So they put me to work the same day. I am working on mobile homes that were basically destroyed by Hurricane Gustav. Water got about 2 feet deep in the trailers and destroyed the floors, walls, appliances and everything under the trailer. If they were mine I would bury them out back but they rent them for $1800 per month so they are worth repairing I guess.
At least the weather is nice here. Around 70 everyday and around 60 at night. The warm temperature is what we were seeking for a couple of months so we can avoid the cold stuff at K River Campground. Very unique part of the world. All the stories you hear about Cajuns and South Louisiana seem to be true. Very friendly folks.
Friday, December 5, 2008
A very pretty day with lots of sunshine. High temp about 45. Lows in the 20's. No tent campers coming this weekend. Can't understand why. Guess they wouldn't be happy without shade.
Mrs. Tom and I are pulling out for the warmer weather in the deep south. Not sure where yet. Just plan on laying low where the sheriff and our kids can't find us. Might do a little fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. We will be back by the end of February for the spring camping season. We are already getting reservations for reunions in May, June and July 4 weekend.
Make reservations now for the Christmas Holidays.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Cold and cloudy outside. A really good excuse to stay indoors and watch football. Might even get the wife to fix me a snack.
Thanksgiving is this week. Hope its a great time for everyone. Don't let the economy nightmare mess up your annual event. Just consider any setback a challenge to overcome.
Several hardy campers planning to be here for the Thanksgiving weekend. The Dallas Down River Club will be making their annual appearance. I enjoy helping them eat their food. Other miscellaneous campers will also be here. If you want to be a miscellaneous camper come join us.
Mrs. Tom and I are planning a getaway to the deep south for a month or two. Just after Thanksgiving is the plan. Our 5 Chihuahuas and Mildred the squirrel are anxious to go with us. Lord help us
How to keep toilet paper use to a minimum. Click here.. Try it at home for the wife and daughters.
Tom G
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Mrs. Tom and I just got back from a fall foliage tour of SE Oklahoma. It don't get no better than that. Weather and tree colors were perfect. The mountains and landscape are something you just wouldn't expect to see in Oklahoma unless you've been here. Come check it out.
Our river is running very low due to no rain in several weeks. We are still skinny dipping in the river. You would have to be skinny to get wet in 2 inches of water.
Tom G