https://www.packtx.org RSS feeds for PACKTX 60 https://www.packtx.org/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/419/trip-report-llano-river-june-28-2014#Comments 0 https://www.packtx.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=56&ModuleID=377&ArticleID=419 https://www.packtx.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=419&PortalID=0&TabID=56 https://www.packtx.org/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/419/trip-report-llano-river-june-28-2014 <p>With light crowds, good weather and fishing that was on fire, the 2014 version of the Llano River Trip occurred this past weekend.  The trip provided an opportunity for all participants to experience a part of Texas very different  the Texas Coast.</p> <p>On Friday, the group launched at around 7:30 a.m.  from the KC 150 bridge and paddled/drifted into the South Llano State Park.  The route was one of some 7-8 miles and took most of the day with the final paddlers arriving in the Park around 6:00 p.m.  As compared to last year the crowd was much lighter as we saw only one group other than ours over the course of the day.  </p> <p>On Saturday, the group launched, once again at around 7:30 a.m., from the second crossing and paddled/drifted up stream to the Llano Falls.  Eli, Paula and Paula's son, John then portaged their kayaks up the banks of the falls and continued paddling up stream.  Some of the others who arrived and the falls chose to wade the water upstream from the falls while others chose to slowly fish their way back down to the launch spot.  Once again, it was near 6:00 p.m. when the group got back to the launch spot but, as the paddle back was down stream, the paddling was much easier. Adding to the pleasure of Saturday was the fact that, over the course of the entire day, we saw only one other paddler than those in our group and that paddler was met as we were almost back to our end of day destination.</p> <p>The weather on both days began with over cast skies and some wind.  As the day progressed, however, the cloud cover cleared and the wind dropped.  The weather was pretty good all weekend.</p> <p>The fishing was spectacular as many, many fish were caught. The species were large mouth bass, Guadalupe bass, sun fish of several varieties, cat fish and the highly sought after Rio Grande Perch.  These fish were caught on both flies and plugs thrown on light spinning rods.</p> <p>As always, the scenery was beautiful.  From beautiful clear, cool, blue water to majestic mountains the group was treated to some of the best scenery the State of Texas has to offer.</p> <p>The bottom line is that this was once again a great trip which seemed to be enjoyed by all participants.</p> <p>Jim Richards</p> <p> </p> Jim R Sun, 29 Jun 2014 19:45:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:419 https://www.packtx.org/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/397/trip-report-south-llano-river-june-22-2013#Comments 2 https://www.packtx.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=56&ModuleID=377&ArticleID=397 https://www.packtx.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=397&PortalID=0&TabID=56 https://www.packtx.org/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/397/trip-report-south-llano-river-june-22-2013 <p>    On Thursday, June 20, 2013 Barry and I left Houston around 9 a.m. and drove to Junction arriving, after a few stops, around 3:30.  After checking in at the Legends Motel we drove to the Flat Rock crossing and fished for a few hours.  We caught a good number of small blue gill and other pan fish species along with a few small Guadalupe Bass.  We then drove back in to Junction, met up with Eli, John S and Garland and had a nice dinner at Isaacs Restaurant.  Later that night Greg C. arrived.</p> <p>    The next morning, Friday, those who had arrived the day before launched at the 2nd crossing at highway 377.  We paddled into a strong headwind, up stream and fished our way up to the Llano Falls. We all caught some fish and Barry caught some very nice Guadalupe Bass.  Although we made it to the falls just fine, it was a pretty tough trip.  In addition to paddling up stream into the wind, it was necessary to portage the kayaks several times but the effort paid off when we got to the falls which were spectacular as always.  We all had a refreshing swim at the base of the falls and then made the trip back to the launch spot, fishing as we drifted; although, we did have to line our kayaks down the rapids on several occasions.  Additionally, Greg, Barry and Eli had their licenses checked by the Game Warden who appeared out of nowhere in a very remote area and was amazed that someone Greg's age was able to be out paddling and fishing (more on this latter).  After a quick stop at our rooms, we met up with Will and his wife Sheryl, Tom Anderson and his wife, Ken Moffett, and Michael and Meridith Harris for dinner.  After explaining how grueling the trip up stream had been, most everyone decided an easier float would be preferable for Saturday.</p> <p>    Saturday morning the group, having now been joined by Glenn and Candice, met at the Legends, had a short meeting and then traveled to the bridge at KC 150 to view what would be the take out spot.  Eli, Michael, Meridith and Ken decided to make the trip back up to the falls.  After viewing the take out spot at the bridge, the group headed to the first bridge and launched the kayaks.  Everyone eventually made it down to the take out spot at the KC150 bridge and Will and Sheryl were able to make the float twice.  Everyone seemed to catch fish as they floated.  Although, we had a nice drift down the river there seemed to be more traffic on the river than usual.  There were several groups of canoes and several very large groups of kayaks which passed through members of our group as they were fishing.  During the float down, I met up with the Game Warden who told me he had been amazed at Greg's age when he checked Greg's license the day before. He asked me how old Greg is and I gave him an estimated age which the game warden said did not match up with Greg's license.  He suggested Greg check his license to confirm his birthday.</p> <p>    Saturday night we all met for dinner; although, Glenn and Candice had left for San Antonio.  At dinner, I suggested Greg check his fishing license as the game warden suggested and when he did he found his birthday to be 1914!  No wonder the game warden was so impressed with Greg-he probably does not come across too may 99 year olds paddling down the river!</p> <p>    Sunday morning the group got up and began the drive home.  Will and Sheryl stayed to float the river from the State Park to Flat Rock Crossing.</p> <p>    Once again we say great scenery but the canoe, kayak traffic on the river on Saturday was unpleasant to me.  We caught plenty of fish but the numbers were down some than in previous years in my opinion possibly due to recent rains and/or increased traffic on the river. The group also broke several rods and at least one was lost entirely in one of the rapids. Nevertheless, we made the best of the somewhat disappointing hand we had been dealt, all came back in fairly good shape and had another fine trip to the Texas Hill Country.</p> Jim R Thu, 27 Jun 2013 18:03:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:397 https://www.packtx.org/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/369/trip-report-llano-river-june-23-2012#Comments 0 https://www.packtx.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=56&ModuleID=377&ArticleID=369 https://www.packtx.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=369&PortalID=0&TabID=56 https://www.packtx.org/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/369/trip-report-llano-river-june-23-2012 <br /> <p style="text-align: center;">TRIP REPORT<br /> LLANO RIVER<br /> JUNE23, 2012</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The PACK outting to the LLano River this year consisted of four participants from<br /> the 70+ division and two participants from the under 20 division.  The under 20 participants<br /> were Paula's son, John and Greg and Rene's grand-daughter, Julia. We were glad to have them both.<br /> Additionally, on Saturday, we were joined by Stew's son Wick and it was also good to have him along.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Sixteen participants drove up Thursday and were ready to paddle Friday morning.<br /> On Friday, the group shuttled up to the second crossing, launched and begin<br /> a down stream paddle on a beautiful river.  Although the river was somewhat stained in places<br /> due to recent rains, the fish were in the typical places which were under shade trees<br /> and, at times, in the deeper water.  Within minutes, Gary Z was hooked up in a battle<br /> with what turned out to be a large cat fish.  Gary caught the cat fish on a small plug<br /> while using a spinning rod.  Not to be outdone, Stew, was shortly hooked up with not one<br /> but two nice fish on the same lure and on the same cast.  Yes, it's true, he caught <br /> two fish on the same lure on the same cast.  However, Gary said he was not too impressed<br /> as neither of Stew's fish had whiskers. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">As the day progressed everyone caught fish, consisting primarily of bass and pan fish and enjoyed the day which included a nice shore lunch. Fish were caught on both flies and light spinning tackle.<br /> The group paddled down the river and eventually exited at the KC150 crossing to head<br /> back to the motel/camp to clean up for dinner. About 7:30, we all met at a local restaurant <br /> for a nice dinner.  Terri, however, was unable to make it as she had a flat tire<br /> in San Antonio and was busy getting that situation resolved.  Terri eventually made it <br /> to Junction and arrived late Friday night. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Saturday morning, the group met at 8:30 a.m. to begin the official PACK outting on the river and<br /> after a short safety meeting, the group headed to the second crossing which is further up<br /> the river from the location of the Friday launch.  The kayaks were unloaded and the trip<br /> began by going up stream against the current. The water on this day and at this location was much more clear.  This was a new route for our group and the target destination was the LLano River Water Falls which is the water fall featured on the Pearl Beer can.  Some of the group paddled, fished and eventually returned to the launch spot without going all the way up to the water falls.  Along the way, Terri showed the group a nice peacock she caught and everyone had a nice shore luch in the middle of stunning scenery.  For those who made it to the Falls, they saw a spectacular scene and most<br /> stood in awe just taking in the magnificant scenery. It was just incredible to have paddled<br /> to such a spectacular destination.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">At the end of the day on Saturday, the group got together at a restaurant in Junction for dinner<br /> and then enjoyed a social hour before heading to bed. On Sunday everyone had a nice leisurely<br /> morning and then headed back home.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">As has been the case with past trips to the South LLano River, everyone seemed to enjoy the fishing, the spectacular scenery and comradrie of being outdoors with good friends.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Jim Richards</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </p> Jim R Sun, 01 Jul 2012 01:56:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:369 https://www.packtx.org/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/341/trip-report-south-llano-river-2011#Comments 2 https://www.packtx.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=56&ModuleID=377&ArticleID=341 https://www.packtx.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=341&PortalID=0&TabID=56 https://www.packtx.org/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/341/trip-report-south-llano-river-2011 <p style="text-align: left;">TRIP REPORT-South Llano River 2011                          <br /> <br /> The trip to the South Llano River this year brought another round of fine fishing, kayaking/canoeing and fellowship.  Approximately 16 members and guests attended this year's outting.<br /> <br /> About half of the group drove up on Thursday.  Some did some wade fishing in the river near the State Park and others slipped their yaks and canoes in the cool clear water for some paddling and fishing with everyone catching fish and enjoying the afternoon. <br /> <br /> Friday morning Ron R, Greg, Rick and son Justin, Ron, Rene and grand-daughter Julia, Gary, Stew, Eli, Bob S, Barry and myself launched around 9:00 a.m. from KC 150 and began the approximately 8 mile float to the State Park.  A good number of fish were caught in the morning and we all stopped for a nice shore lunch around noon.  At that point, we realized we had been having such a nice calm float that we still had many miles to go. Nevertheless, everyone continued to paddle and fish at their own pace with some coming in later than 7:30 p.m.  Throughout the day, Gary was having a spectacular day of fishing while using a new and very productive plug.  Although Stew did not catch as many fish as Gary it was only because he was always busy taking pictures of Gary's fish.  While all of this paddling and fishing was going on, a good number of members and guests were arriving with some doing some wade fishing near the Park.  Indeed, Milton landed a nice fish in that area within minutes of getting in the water.  After loading the boats, most everyone headed to a local barbeque restaurant in Junction for dinner.  After dinner, some returned to their motel room while those staying in the park were able to enjoy a fine, relatively cool night under a sky filled with stars.<br /> <br /> Saturday morning we met at the State Park and welcomed newly arrived members and guests.  Joining us on this trip was Pecos Jack Richardson and Stew's son, Wick, who lives in Kerville.  After a safety meeting and general discussion it was decided that this would be a day,  as Ron R put it, of "all skate".  Three options of different length river paddles were offered to the group so that everyone could choose a trip suitable to their energy level.  One group, including leader Ron R, lanuched from the Telegraph crossing and floated to the second bridge, one group of experienced paddlers, inclcuding, Eli, Gary, Stew and Wick, launched from KC 150 and floated the 8 miles to the Park as they had done Friday and a third group launched from the Second Crossing and floated to KC 150.  Everyone seemed to enjoy the spectacular scenery and fishing.<br /> <br /> After winding up the day on Saturday, we all went into Junction for dinner and then gathered at the Legends Inn, where some of the members were staying for a very nice social gathering.  Eventually, everyone returned to their rooms at the motel or to the Park where the campers experienced another cool night under the clear, star filled sky and were Barry was paid a visit by a skunk as he sat admiring the star filled sky.  Throughout the trip we saw a great deal of wildlife, including turkeys, deer, rabbits and colorful birds.  The South Llano truly is a spectacular place which once again seemed to bring a great deal of enjoyment to all of those in attendance.</p> Jim R Thu, 04 Aug 2011 09:27:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:341 https://www.packtx.org/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/340/trip-report-south-llano-river-2011#Comments 0 https://www.packtx.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=56&ModuleID=377&ArticleID=340 https://www.packtx.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=340&PortalID=0&TabID=56 https://www.packtx.org/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/340/trip-report-south-llano-river-2011     The trip to the South Llano River this year brought another round of fine fishing, kayaking/canoeing and fellowship.  Approximately 16 members and guests attended this year's outting.<br />     About half of the group drove up on Thursday.  Some did some wade fishing in the river near the State Park and others slipped their yaks and canoes in the cool clear water for some paddling and fishing with everyone catching fish and enjoying the afternoon. <br />     Friday morning Ron R, Greg, Rick and son Justin, Ron, Rene and grand-daughter Julia, Gary, Stew, Eli, Bob S, Barry and myself launched around 9:00 a.m. from KC 150 and began the approximately 8 mile float to the State Park.  A good number of fish were caught in the morning and we all stopped for a nice shore lunch around noon.  At that point, we realized we had been having such a nice calm float that we still had many miles to go. Nevertheless, everyone continued to paddle and fish at their own pace with some coming in later than 7:30 p.m.  Throughout the day, Gary was having a spectacular day of fishing while using a new and very productive plug.  Although Stew did not catch as many fish as Gary it was only because he was always busy taking pictures of Gary's fish.  While all of this paddling and fishing was going on, a good number of members and guests were arriving with some doing some wade fishing near the Park.  Indeed, Milton landed a nice fish in that area within minutes of getting in the water.  After loading the boats, most everyone headed to a local barbeque restaurant in Junction for dinner.  After dinner, some returned to their motel room while those staying in the park were able to enjoy a fine, relatively cool night under a sky filled with stars.<br />     Saturday morning we met at the State Park and welcomed newly arrived members and guests.  Joining us on this trip was Pecos Jack Richardson and Stew's son, Wick, who lives in Kerville.  After a safety meeting and general discussion it was decided that this would be a day,  as Ron R put it, of "all skate".  Three options of different length river paddles were offered to the group so that everyone could choose a trip suitable to their energy level.  One group, including leader Ron R, lanuched from the Telegraph crossing and floated to the second bridge, one group of experienced paddlers, inclcuding, Eli, Gary, Stew and Wick, launched from KC 150 and floated the 8 miles to the Park as they had done Friday and a third group launched from the Second Crossing and floated to KC 150.  Everyone seemed to enjoy the spectacular scenery and fishing.<br />     After winding up the day on Saturday, we all went into Junction for dinner and then gathered at the Legends Inn, where some of the members were staying for a very nice social gathering.  Eventually, everyone returned to their rooms at the motel or to the Park where the campers experienced another cool night under the clear, star filled sky and were Barry was paid a visit by a skunk as he sat admiring the star filled sky.  Throughout the trip we saw a great deal of wildlife, including turkeys, deer, rabbits and colorful birds.  The South Llano truly is a spectacular place which once again seemed to bring a great deal of enjoyment to all of those in attendance.<br />     <br />     Jim R Wed, 03 Aug 2011 10:44:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:340