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Mid November 2009 our destination was Lake Ouachita Arkansas, about 40 minutes outside of Hot Springs, to enjoy 4 days of diverse paddling conditions and to explore unique geological features. But first we needed to pack an awful lot of camping gear and food into our boats. It was a planning challenge requiring creative execution on the lake shore.
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Jeff, our geologist, knows all the great places on Lake Ouachita which has nearly 700 miles of shoreline, lots of islands and hidden coves. He planned a course that would take us past many of the geo floats - marked rock formations - and to his favorite camping spots.
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Each morning we were greeted by different paddling conditions from glassy mirrors to choppy waves and gusty winds to eerie fog.
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Each evening, just before sunset, we landed on a different island to set up camp and do some exploring.
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Cutter Aquatics Silver Platter gourmet meals included Chocolate Mousse around the evening campfire.
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Many of the geo floats showed us how ancient sea beds lifted, shifted and folded to expose layers of sandstone on shale.
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All the rock features delighted, intrigued or inspired us.
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Our compatible group of paddlers formed friendships on and off the water.
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We had time to play and practice skills.
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Just before heading home we had time to visit Checkerboard Island.
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We look forward to going back to Lake Ouachita to explore more of her mysteries
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