Barrens Fork and Collins River Kayak

We had 13 paddlers to kayak 6 miles from the Pepper Branch Park in McMinnville to the take out on Highway 70 in the old VFW parking lot. Due to all the rain lately we had a nice flow on the Barren Fork with some fun ripples to paddle through. We stopped for lunch before meeting the Collins River to continue our journey to the takeout. It was a hot day with temperatures in the 90's but the water felt great. Paddlers were Jim Barritt, Ron Dunn, Wendy Fish, Nancy Franz, Joan Hartvigsen, Nancy Juodenas, Craig McBride, Lora McBride, Cynthia Meinerding, Sara Pollard, Kathy Stutts, Brian and Ruth Wolford. 

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Barren Fork Collins TTA

Wayne Yancey led 10 kayakers down the Barren Fork & Collins River in McMinnville. There was a chance of thunderstorms later in the day so we got off the river before the rains came. The water was refreshing and we made several stops along the way for folks to cool off. We saw several turtles, cows and a herring. Also, some pretty wildflowers on the banks. We had a few ripples to guide our kayaks through but nothing challenging. Kayakers were Jim Barritt, Joan Hartvigsen, Tony Jones, Nancy Juodenas, Gary Kimbrell, Craig McBride, Lora McBride, Sara Pollard, Jan Safavi, Cindy Watson, and Wayne Yancey

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Collins/Barren Fork Rivers TTA

 

We put in at the boat ramp in Pepper Branch Park in McMinville and took out at the old VFW boat ramp on 70. It was a great overcast day for being on the rivers and we had good current. It was about six river miles total. Wayne was our leader and did a good job, even showing us where not to go through the rapids. Jim did a wonderful job of providing entertainment by going under a bush. It was a great time with good folks.

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Collins/Barren Fork Rivers

I met Craig in McMinnville at 127 boat ramp. It has a nice parking area, but you have to carry your boat a little way to the water. The current was too strong for paddling upstream. So plan B. We consulted the river map book and the TWRA site to find some other ramps. The VFW was the next one. It was crowded with kayaks and people that didn't know the rules of using the ramp. Craig did a great job maneuvering the trailer down between all the boats and gear.

We headed upstream fighting the current occasionally. Saw about a thousand turtles. We didn't see anyone until the confluence of the Barren Fork. We decided to paddle on the Barren Fork for a break in strenuous paddling. Found a shallow spot for lunch out of the sprinkles, then paddled as far as we could. Turned around and met the TWRA officers in their motorboat. They were cheating, anyone could go upstream with a motor. Started a faster trip back, no paddling, just steering, listening to the birds sing.

Got back to the VFW ramp and had the same issue with kayakers not knowing the rules of sharing a ramp, but they moved when the TWRA officers pulled in with their boat. We got out of the river just ahead of the rain.

About 6 miles round trip

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