Winter Wonderland

On a still day, especially if it is frosty the woods are almost
disturbingly quiet. There are no leaves to rustle and no insects
to buzz. The pine and cedar trees are crisp and vivid and the
sprays of scarlet berries shine in the fading sun. Many animals
are now hibernating but you'll see ducks--wood ducks, mallards,
pintail, teal and many more. With binoculars, warm clothes, a
good bird book and a reasonable amount of patience you can
enjoy these splendid creatures carry on their lives and take
flight over the still pools.

Arkansas boasts some of the most beautiful and diverse photographic subjects in the
US . . . from the delta swamp-like areas in the east to the mountainous, forested areas
of the west and northwest. Arkansas is a "natural" for photography. For more photos
by Steve Twaddle and other contributing photographers you are invited to visit:

In the winter Cadron Creek is emptier, lonelier, wilder and even more beautiful. The great,
empty trees no longer shut out the grey sky and obscure our views of the bluffs and
cascading waterwalls that give life to Cadron Creek. Mist rises from the chilly air, curling
among the bare, trailing willows and the water is so clear that it seems transparent and
empty to the touch.

Cadron Creek is like an icebox in the winter.
The bluffs obscure the sun and at night a chilly
breeze frosts the hillsides. The bluffs are
covered in a blanket of glistening ice and needles
of ice drape every ledge. The waterfalls are
transformed into large columns of ice that
cascade down to the waters' edge. And ice
floes make paddling a truly magical wilderness
experience.

Winter paddling offers you a whole new world of adventure. The problem: how do you
stay comfortable--and more important, safe--in the beautiful, strange, and unforgiving
cold. Fortunately with the right preparation and equipment one can easily enjoy this
winter wonderland without fear.

1. Plan A Short Trip. The days are shorter in the winter and everything you do takes
longer. Fingers get cold and disobedient. Cameras jam--and you'll be taking lots of
pictures. Water freezes solid in canteens. Ice floes disrupt paddling. Try the
Pinnacle Springs, Hartwick Mill or lower Batesville Mountain runs for a shorter
adventure that offers spacious wilderness and marvelous scenery.

2. Dress Warmly. Even on the fairest winter day bring clothing suitable for a full-
scale arctic conditions. Cotton is out: wool and synthetic fabrics such as polypro are
in. Keep your feet warm with water proof shoes or neoprene water socks. It is also
important to wear gloves and again neoprene works well. Bring extra clothes in a dry
bag in case you capsize--two sets of dry clothes are even better. Dry bags can be
rented at our store.

3. Bring a Cell Phone. In the case of an emergency give us a call for on-stream
assistance. We'd rather make sure you are safe and quickly returned to your your
car or home than be faced with the prospect of handling a limp, lifeless or shivering
hypothermic body.

4. Enjoy an After-Adventure Bonfire. On Saturdays and Sundays we'll have a campfire
waiting for you at Pinnacle Springs and/or Batesville Mountain campgrounds. There is
nothing like a warm fire, dry clothes and cup of hot chocolate or soup after a winter
paddling adventure.