Devil's River: Day 1

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A while back my friend Jeremy began kicking around the idea of a float down Devil's River in southwest Texas. I told him I was all in but didn't think much about it until two months ago Jeremy emailed me that he had found an outfitter to rent kayaks from and provide transport, researched permitting and trip logistics and devised an itinerary.  All he needed was to find five other interested persons and nail down a date. I volunteered.

A little background information. Devil's River is spring fed river in southwest Texas that feeds into the Rio Grande. It is remote. It is very natural. Rivers in Texas tend to be very developed with lots of riverfront homes and low water dams.

We met up at Steve, Jeremy and Bryan's homestead Thursday morning. All six of us decided to pile into Jeremy's SUV for the four hour trip to the outfitter. Here Jerry, Steve, and Jeremy are making the final packing arrangements

Jeremy showing some dog love to Bruiser. Defend the homestead while we're away.

Speaking of dog love, this guy in front was taking four of his dogs out for a ride . The dogs seemed to enjoy vying for a treasured(yet precarious) spot on top of the tool box.
Speaking of precarious, a four hour car ride with a bunch of guys might quite possibly lead to an in depth Star Wars discussion. Jerry takes the opportunity for some nap time.

The first outfitter only had three kayaks so Jeremy had found another outfitter to rent another three kayaks from.
Loading up the first three kayaks we squeezed into the outfitter's(Darren's) truck and drove the 45 minutes to the next outfitter. Three in front. Four in the back.
Loading the other three kayaks at the second outfitter.


45 minutes later we arrived at the put in spot in late afternoon.

Ready to put in. Introductions from left to right, Jeff(my college room mate, Jeremy's brother), Aaron(me), Steve (Jeremy's father-in-law), Bryan (Jeremy's father-in-law), Bryan (Jeremy's brother-in-law, Steve's son-in-laws), Jerry (Steve's brother-in-law), Jeremy (my college roommate, Jeff's brother). Lots of in-laws there. In fact five of the people on the trip were some form of family but only two were blood related. Sounds like the beginning of a riddle. 
First views of Devil's river. Me likey! We paddled half a mile up stream from the put in point to Finegan springs to camp out.

Setting up camp at Finegan Springs
Making dinner in front of my coffin-esque tent.

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