Kings River Tubing Weekend!

 

Cost: $64 (+ $30 for Sunday’s optional Tour & Singing Lunch)

(the trip Cost does not include the Shuttle Bus, Life Vests, Rafts/Tubes or Inflation Station)

There will be a registration form, waiver, and a payment due in advance.

 

Alrighty folks! My late June trip is THE most relaxing vacation you can possibly have outdoors! We’re going to float down a gorgeous portion of the Kings River on an inner tube with our ice chests full of refreshments floating right there beside us (along with 30 of your new buddies from Great Outdoors … and probably a bunch of other peeps doing the same thing)! Leave the city and all your worries behind and join me for a weekend of soaking your ass in the river and burying your toes in the sand. 

 

The Kings River flows through the heart of the San Joaquin Valley’s lush agricultural farmland. Winding past orchards and vineyards, the river finds its way to our campsite where shade trees, green grass and a sandy shoreline create a family vacation paradise. Camping and picnic facilities include lighting throughout the camp, BBQ’s, picnic tables, running well water, modern bathrooms and hot showers.

 

The River: The refreshingly cool, clean and clear water is about 6’ deep, 55 F and flows gently.

 

The Shuttle: A bus departs our campsite about every hour from 9am to 2pm and takes passengers to ‘put-in’ points at either ‘Goodfellow’ (a three hour float) or at ‘Annadale’ (a four hour float). It costs $15/person and includes a trailer for hauling inner-tubes and other floating gear. 

 

They have a camp store that sells everything from sodas, ice and snacks to 1-2-3-4 & 5-man rafts ($15.95-$190.95). You can rent a Life Jacket for $4 with $15 refundable deposit. They have an air inflation station which costs $0.50 for inner tubes (if you bring your own) and $1.00 for rafts.

 

Tidbits: There is no lifeguard on duty; swimming is at your own risk. Do not swim while intoxicated. Do not grab, swim or float into wooded river banks; underwater obstructions are present. Know your capabilities while in the water. Swim with a partner or at least with supervision. Pay attention to your body: the combination of air temperature and water temperature may cause cramping, fainting or hypothermia. Don’t tie more than two rafts or inner-tubes together. Stay in the middle of the river; avoid the riverbanks. Respect the river: DO NOT LITTER.

 

Bring: Something to float on (or buy a raft from their store) and something for your cooler to float on. Styrofoam coolers are NOT allowed.  For the River: Snacks, Drinks and Ice, Net Trash Bag, Towel, Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Hat, Water Toys, Dry Bag or Baggies, Camera. The ground is hot, so bring sandals or shoes. For Camp: Bring one bundle of firewood and an item for the potluck which serves 4-6 people.

 

Carpooling is FUN!   Carpoolers split the cost of Gas!!  So, I’ll help facilitate connections with 2-3 people/car. 

 

We have a limited number of spaces available (30), so there will be no refunds on cancellations unless a suitable replacement is found. This trip is being offered to both GREATOutdoorsLA.org members and here on Gay Outdoors.

 

Itinerary

     Friday: Arrive after 1:00pm

          6:00pm Welcome Tea (till the last person arrives or until we run out of snacks!)

          (Dinner is on your own)

          8:00pm campfire or night Frisbee or evening swim

     Saturday:

          8:00am Breakfast/Coffee

          9:00 or 10:00am Shuttle Bus to Annadale

         1:00 or 2:00pm Back at Camp for Lunch on your own and a lazy afternoon in the shade at camp

          7:00pm Potluck Picnic!

          9:00pm Campfire and Board Games (or night Frisbee!)

     Sunday:

          9:00am Relaxing morning .. Breakfast/Coffee/Shower ..

          11:00am Get showered and packed-up

          12:00pm Tour, Songs and Sandwiches at the Reedley Opera House*

          2:00pm head home

 

*At the foot of the twin silver cylindrical water towers, at 1720 10^th St, stands the Reedley Opera House. Built in 1903 by Danish sea captain Jesse Jensen, it served as music hall, gymnasium, and even church. Restored in 1986, the Opera House is now the home of Reedley’s River City Theatre Company. The Opera House has been featured in Sunset Magazine and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Our tour of the historic Opera House includes entertainment by River City Theatre and a delightful lunch. ($30.00 includes tour, lunch, entertainment, tax & gratuity)