Floating the Frio - 2007

Dale and I arrived at Concan, unpacked and waited on Tim and Pam to arrive. We waited, and waited, and waited, finally calling them-------they got a late start and would arrive later than we had planned. We took off to rent some tubes so we would be ready to hit the river when they arrived.
Once they arrived, unpacked, put up the groceries and put on their swimsuits we took off for the river for a 1 1/2 hour float. The river was great, no dragging bottom this year. We pretty much sailed along, no problems, having a great time. We crossed a low water crossing and Tim managed to get caught, and Pam made her first water rescue. We made Frio Country and headed back to our cabin. We decided to enjoy Pam's casserole for supper, it was YUMMO!
The next day we decided to go up river and do a longer float, suppose to be about 3 1/2 hours. We all piled into the truck and set off to the river. Today we decided to take an ice chest with snacks and drinks to enjoy on our float, it did come in handy. Pam spotted a rope hanging from a huge Cypress tree and decided to try to swing out over the river, bad idea-Tarzan she ain't! She crashed, luckily she didn't kill herself. We floated and we floated, finally taking a snack break on the banks of the Frio, after changing tubes, mine had a slow leak, we headed out again

We approached a dam, the water was pretty swift, we surveyed the situation and decided to walk around it. Smart decision! We floated and floated, knowing our take out was just around the bend. No such luck! Tim had a tuff time, he seemed to be able to find the only place in the river with NO CURRENT. Time passed and we had already spent 3 1/2 hours on the river, but still no take out. The river widened and there was NO current, so it was either paddle or walk. We walked the last part of the trip and finally made it back to our take out. Everyone was tired, sunburned and a few had rocks in their shoes. After cleaning up we headed out to find a restaurant, no luck it was Sunday and Leakey rolls up the streets. We finally found a little local place and had a good supper.
The next day we decided a short float was all we could take, plus Pam and Tim had to hit the road after lunch. So Pam, Dale and I did the 1 1/2 float and Tim stayed at the cabin to play his guitar. It was a good float and we had the whole river to ourselves. Tim picked us up and we headed back to our cabin. Dale grilled hamburgers for lunch-YUMMO! Tim and Pam packed up and headed back North. Dale and I spent the rest of the day relaxing down at the river.
Tuesday morning we packed up and headed home, another "Floating on the Frio" trip in the books.

Floating on the Frio

We are getting ready for a great weekend at Seven Bluff Cabins in Concan with friends, Pam and Tim. Hope the river is flowing, no dragging bottom this year with all the rain. We plan on going out to eat at Horse Pasture Cattle Co., good food and good music! We leave early Saturday morning for a long weekend.

Swimming with Whale Sharks

Dale and I are back from our trip to Holbox, Mexico where we had the experience of a lifetime- swimming with the gentle giants of the ocean - Whale Sharks. Our group of six left Victoria and headed to Cancun, Mexico on July 28, 2007. A van picked us up at the airport and we had a two hour ride to the port of Chilquila were we caught a boat to Holbox. After a couple days to unwind and relax we were off on our first Whale Shark Tour. We boarded the boat early, the sea was smooth as glass, for the hour ride out to find these giant creatures.
Dale and I were the first two to enter the water, after gearing up in our snorkel gear we sat on the edge of the boat waiting for the guide to give the okay to enter the water. The boat pulled along side, and we slipped into the water, after surfacing we swam closer to the whale shark for a better look. I had my camera, but taking individual shots was hopeless, only videos would work in the water. My heart was pounding as I swam like crazy to keep up with this massive creature. Finally the shark dove into deeper depths and we lost sight.
On our second try, I had the camera set for videos. Once again we entered the water and the race was on. This time I found myself almost on top of this big fish, he seem to come up under me, slowly and gently. I got some pretty good video. Although it was against the rules, I did touch the whale shark in an attempt to move away from him.
On another attempt Dale and I got very close, almost to close, as I received a gentle nudge from his tail. Wow, this was awesome! A real adrenaline high!
I had the chance to go out a second time, only this time we didn't see as many as the first, but it was still great. I tried to get some videos, but it was really hard.
Holbox was quaint, pretty laid back. Not much else to do, except the Whale Sharks.
We had a great week and left Holbox with a big smile, a new shirt stating we had swam with the Whale Sharks.