Hey folks - what started as a Quad Cities gathering has moved to the Upper Iowa River near Decorah, Iowa, which is up in Northeast Iowa about 20 miles from the MN border October 13th and 14th. If you are reading this, you are invited. We are 2.5 hrs from the Twin Cities, about an hour from LaCrosse, 3 hrs from the Quad Cities. The Upper Iowa is a gorgeous river, and Decorah is a fun town sporting great food, activities, and world class craft beers. There is a long discussion, including folks who are coming, if you are interested, under the Quad Cities Wingnight

We will camp at Chimney Rock Rental and Campground, link at the bottom. Deb has offered a reduced rate as we are just a few days before their fall prices - $15/tent or $7.50/hammock. They have a pavilion by the river, a simple rec-center if the weather is really fowl, and she said it will likely be quiet or we might have the place to ourselves. She doesn't need a reservation, has penciled us in for the 13th/14th of October, she just would like an update on numbers the week before so she knows what to expect. It is a nice spot right on the river, so if folks wanted to paddle we could put in right there and it's about 2hrs to Bluffton, depending on water levels. The bridge is out to the north of her, there are alternative directions on the website, which you should check before coming up.

Plans are shaping up, with a Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning paddle weather permitting. Bring food to share Saturday night. Comment if you plan to come so I can give the campground a heads up.
Here are some links:

Description and route of Upper Iowa River
Chimney Rock Campground - NOTE ALTERNATE ROUTE!

I am in for one, though may change if wife and dog want to come. Prices favor hangers: I knew bhouse had an alternative motive, when he went to hammock camping!

I'll be there, potentially with a friend and for sure my son and at least one of my kids. We will likely bring our pit barrel cooker out and some meat to smoke - if we are lucky in the next few weeks - venison, if we are not lucky, something yummy from the local butcher. My buddy plays a mean guitar and for sure there will be some great times around the campfire, unless you don't like Neil Young, Pink Floyd, classic rock/folk, and great music...

I am going to try and come up for Saturday afternoon for a couple of hours. Depends on my knee.

I’m planning to come, not sure yet about arrival time on Saturday. I’ll bring some smoked Alaska red salmon (sockeye) along with crackers and cheese.

as of today, and i live in decorah, i plan on being there. both nights.

Plan on coming in late Friday but could be delayed picking apples so will show up on Saturday morning. For Saturday potluck I will make a dutch oven peach cobbler and egg/sausage bake that feeds 5-6 for Sunday morning. If I pick apples that may be an apple cobbler.
This thing Plumbbob started seems to be an annual event now. One of the original ideas was to move away from the twincities areas to attract folks in lower parts of Illinois, Iowa and such and to go to the fall to avoid the spring wing in Rockford. I have enjoyed the ability to go to new locations and check out what is there and look forward to continuing that tradition. Perhaps looking farther south, it is October after all, for next year. And if we are going to make it an annual event is setting a dedicated weekend, such as the second weekend of October, workable? And finding a name for this thing, we have some things to discuss at the campfire.
Thanks again Scotttimm for making the connections for this year's get together. Sounds like a great location and with the rains a great year to do a fall visit and float. And thanks to Plumbbob for getting this thing started.

I am pretty sure I can join you all, as long as I can bring my dog and there are trees to hammock camp from.

I might have to work, but will know early in the week if I can make it or not.

We paddled this stretch of river a couple October's ago, and it was spectacular, we had a hard time believing we were in Iowa. I highly recommend paddling the Upper Iowa.

I won't be able to paddle this year, I have a nagging shoulder injury.

I will be there Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning. What time will the paddling begin on Saturday?

Old_salt - we can put canoes in at the campground, so it is just a matter of getting the shuttle done to prepare. I don't know, should we shoot to start a paddle at 3pm, which would mean we would be done in probably under 2 hrs?

BWCAsolo - I also live in Decorah, we should grab a cup of coffee sometime.

sounds good, i am heading north sat early am. will catch up with you when i return, shoot me an email.

Sounds good here, also. I'll be camping Saturday, maybe Friday also. Ray T.

Sounds good to me. I’m not sure if I’m paddling yet. Good to know.

Two weeks out, and the Bluffton gauge is at around 800cfs, dropping slowly. Thinking there should be good paddling? Obviously, it can jump pretty quick with rains. Feels more like fall, just now, in Iowa City.

Rain rain rain rain rain. Forecast is showing a wet nex couple of weeks. I would imagine the Upper Iowa will be an easy and great float. Leaves are just starting to turn, evenings are cool, this should be a great weekend to camp and relax. Oh, also, my middle kid, Corina, happened to score a doe on her first morning bowhunting...so...I'll likely be brining some venison to share on Saturday night. Looking forward to it!

Just returned from a week up north... put in a Moose River North. Rain and wind most of the week, then rain/ snow/ ice pellets on Friday. I took lots of photos, but way less than a normal trip.
I still plan to go up on Saturday the 13th... will rent and pair up with someone.
Plan to bring a batch of chili to share, will have the Coleman 2 burner stove.

The Saukenuk Canoe and Kayak Club, from the Quad Cities, will also be camping at Chimney Rock this weekend. I think they are putting in at Kendallville and paddling down to the campground on Saturday.

Looks to be maybe 40's and overcast, but that's a week out forecast...

underground weather warmed it up and put some sum in this afternoon. still too early out, but the colors should be really good show.

Yep, Looking forward to visiting and paddling/ camping, regardless!

It now looks like I will arrive Saturday afternoon and leave after the evening campfire. Always up for good conversation around the fire. Quetico and Alaska are great topics. I doubt if I will paddle, just relax and help with dinner or whatever.

Scotttimm,

I am planning to be there around noon and will be tenting overnight.

I can paddle too but will need to do a solo rental or team up with someone.

I will bring a dish to share.

Me too, around noon on Saturday. Was planning to come up Friday, but family issues came up. Will bring the Bell Magic and decide whether to try paddling that or opt for another craft... It handled OK on the (Wisconsin) Kickapoo in swifts and such, last fall.
Will camp over on Saturday night. Bringing bread and beans to cook; maybe some salad stuff, too. Ray

I'm not sure how many of my family will be coming, but I'm guessing at least me and a few of the kids, maybe my wife. Depending on the weather, some might chicken out. I might try to get out hunting Saturday morning, not sure when we'll arrive at the campground but sounds like we should shoot for around noon. We'll probably bring a big pot of venison stew to warm up over the fire, maybe some hot dogs or something easy to do over the fire too...but I'll bring a bunch of food because there will be a gaggle if my kids come (who are talking about maybe bringing friends). I can also bring firewood.

I'll throw the funyak on the trailer, I remember someone saying they wanted to reserve it. With all the rain we've had (and more coming this week) paddling should be a breeze. Let me know if there is anything else I can help any of you with. I'd recommend, if you like beer, grabbing a growler from either Pulpit Rock or Toppling Goliath on your way out to the campground.

Just talked with Wally 13 a little while ago. Not to throw a damper on plans (pun intended), In my neck of the woods (SE Minnesota) parts could get up to 4” this week. If so, no low water worries, the issue could be high water. Don’t know if flooding is a concern, but if it is, maybe someone close can let us know. Thanks Scotttimm for putting this together. Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Ray,
How similar is this trip report to your and Vern Fishes paddle to Hudson Bay this summer.
This looks like quite the adventure. Wish I could get away from work this weekend to hear about it first hand.

2017 Thlewiaza River Trip Report

Yep, that is Chris Rush's very thorough trip report. They started in a different spot, but other than that our routes were similar. I will try to get up a short trip summary for trip reports on this site, eventually; got one started but then sidetracked with work, etc.

I will bring dessert, in addition to Alaskan salmon appetizer. No other desserts needed.

Just south of Burr Oak, an Ingall's homestead/stay for a year before returning to Plum Creek.

H & D, we hope you can come down. Gonna be a great time.

I have to see with daughter's birthday party/soccer games on Saturday. I've seen picture sof chimney rock and it looks like great canoeing. If we weren't out of trout season, I'd bring my fly fishing gear as well. I'll just have to wait until the weekend gets closer to see what my schedule looks like. You folks will have fun I'm sure! I'm sorry to miss walley13's fishing tales from the summer and probably Rtallent's Wabakimi adventures (both of which I missed out on!).

Improving forecast. Rain ending tomorrow. Dry through Saturday. Some hints of sunshine, whatever that is...

Look what I found in my yard today! I'll have to add some Hen of the Woods to our contribution on Saturday! This sucker is probably 20 some pounds...

Wont be joining you all this weekend. We decided a quick trip to the BW was needed to help our minds cope with winter. Going to be cold, rainy and snowy, but it will be an easy trip and an easy bail if it doesn't go well.

Looks like the weather will be decent in Northern Iowa this weekend! Hopefully the water isn't too high to paddle, we've gotten a lot of rain this week. Have a good get together!

Raining quite a bit here in the quad cities. Mississippi River is about 2 feet over flood stage now looking to go higher.
How are the rivers up there doing.

I just got off the phone with Wally13 who described a yummy baked bean dish. And the thought the sun and watching the colors turn in front of our eyes, pretty exciting. I plan on showing up Friday afternoon, unsure when due to apple picking options.
We also wondered about water levels, the gauge at Bluffton is reading over 4000 this morning. Can anyone with experience on the river give us some feedback on what to expect, ie. rapids, stringers, current and mostly safety. Thanks.

Trout season never closes in Iowa. Bring your fly rod.

The river is pretty high right now, but if it indeed the rain has passed, it will go down the next few days. The stretch we talked about (campground to Bluffton) is easy to navigate. I would still pack a ditch bag, as the water is cold, and the temps will be in the 50's for high's and 30's for lows.

Packed and mostly loaded, heading out soon. I am bringing my warbonnet blackbird with tarp and underquilt if anyone decides it is a good time to try getting up off a wet ground to sleep. I will be hanging in my ridgerunner setup. Watching the gauge at Bluffton the water is dropping steadily. And the weather is going to be fabulous. Looking forward to a great time this weekend.

Packed mostly and aiming to be up before noon on Saturday. Looking forward to the get-together (and paddling, as conditions allow).

Doesn't look like I am going to be able to make. The 3 and half hours drive is going to be much for me to handle. Right now I can barely handle the half hour drive into town. I hope that you all have a great time and safe paddling to all.

I'm opening the shop for the students today, but if I can get out this afternoon, think I'll come over for awhile if that's okay. Won't be camping out but would like to visit if that's alright with you all.

KevinL: "I'm opening the shop for the students today, but if I can get out this afternoon, think I'll come over for awhile if that's okay. Won't be camping out but would like to visit if that's alright with you all. "

Absolutely. Come.

My son and I will be paddling today, we'll be over sometime between 12 and 1 - we have a big white trailer and black suburban. I'll have an extra canoe and I'll throw the funyak on also. The girls will join us for dinner, I've got a big venison stew with hen of the woods. We'll see who sleeps over tonight...the boys for sure and maybe one or two of the girls ;)

I won't make it but I hope that someone takes a picture or two and posts them. I think this is a great idea and I've put it on my calendar...maybe there will be a spring repeat?

Thanks everyone for the good food, talk, and campfire last night. I had an almost lighted way home last night from all of the combines in the fields.

Woke this morning to sleet and snow, hope that everyone stays warm and dry until you all head home.

I enjoyed getting together and visiting with everyone. Sorry I had to leave early. ‘Twas a lot of fun.

That was fun, delicious, and just what I needed! Thanks, guys for a great time.

Another report of a good time, but who can not have a good time with folks from BWCA.com. Thanks to Scott for locating a beautiful site. The river was a little high and fast for me, but others had a 2 hour run in just under an hour. Great food and time around the fire. We woke up to a little rain on the tarp that broke long enough for breakfast and getting gear stowed for the trip home.
ghamer will likely post some photos, you gotta watch those guys with cameras....

Great time. Super site along Upper Iowa River. Delicious food and great conversation around the campfire.

And many thanks for the surprise Happy “64th” Birthday cake and ice cream.

Looking forward seeing ghamer’s pics of our TriState Wing Night.

I agree, great time! After we broke camp around 10:30 today, I continued to Malanaphy Springs, Dunnngs Springs, Yellow River Forest and am now sitting in the snow by the fire at Pikes Peak. When I get home tomorrow, I will post some photos from the wing night and paddle. May also be a few shots of our guys assisting some scouts to land in the quick river conditions.

Yes, Thank you Scott for handling the logistics, and it was great to see the folks who were able to make this one. Quite the symphony along the river at night: fox, coyotes, barred own, etc. Some pics (including Scott and his son, Grant):

Here are a few more photos from the (wingless) wing night in NE Iowa... lots of great food and conversation!
Group shot, back row, left to right: RTallent, Kevin L, bhouse46, Wally13, Grant (Scotttimm's son), Scotttimm, old_salt, ghamer
Front row: Isis (Scotttimm's daughter), Emily (Scotttimm's wife), Korina (Scotttimm's daughter)

Ghamer,

Thanks for posting the pics of our Tri State Wing Night. Professional grade quality for sure.

Mike

Excellent pics!
And many thanks to Scott for setting this up!

Looks like lots of fun. Sure wish I could have visited with everyone.