June 3, 2012 Spoon River Bernadotte to Elrod

[Karen]

This is a 6 1/2 mile paddle on a section of the Spoon river fine for anyone who wants a short pretty paddle or beginners. It usually has just a mild current, plenty of sandbars, and little in the way of obstructions. It's about 1 hr 15 min west of Peoria. From what I hear the fishing at Elrod is pretty good also. How long the trip takes depends alot on if we float it or really paddle. Probably 3 to 4 1/2 hours in length including a lunch stop on a sandbar although I'm guessing with serious straight paddling it might be done in 2 hours or less if there is a nice current with experienced paddlers. Put in is off a wooden ramp in Bernadotte below the dam and the takeout is at a private camp but an easy takeout. (No clear markers like a bridge for the takeout though so people should not paddle ahead without knowing the takeout and potentially miss it). Email me if you are interested at KMKyle60@gmail.com.

Here is the link for put in (A) and take-out (B). Again we will meet at the dam and I will lead to takeout. http://goo.gl/maps/js9b
When you drive into Bernadotte DO NOT take Bridge road (it's awful) - use tarters ferry road just like it shows on the shuttle. Just look at the river and the you will see the dam. There is parking at the dam. Bring a change of clothes or swimsuit if you want. If the water is not too muddy and we want to - there is a spot to swim at the end of the trip by Elrod. Bring lunch or snacks and your pdf.

Email me if you are interested at KMKyle60@gmail.com.