Dad's gotta brag

[Randy Dodson]

Many of you know my 12 year old son Craig. Last Tuesday he had his personal 1st descent of the Piney at a level around 4 ft. He paddled an 8' 4" open boat (the Dagger Aftershock) and had 0 swims. He even made Surfing rapid and the Mother look like a walk in the park. Surfing rapid stopped him cold for a second but he dug in and pulled himself on thru. Mike Byrum and Billy Williams kept a close eye on him as I was rowing Mike's raft with my wife and daughter in it. What a perfect day. No clouds, perfect temps., and no wind.

The next day we found ourselves up at Haw Creek Falls. I pulled the Aftershock off of the van long enough to run the falls. It was fun but really needed to be a little higher.

Now if I can just keep Craig away from Cowper for at least a couple more years.

[DeBo]

You certainly have a right to be proud in more ways than one! Craig is an excellent young man. Congrats on the Big Piney solo. He is also going to make an excellent open boater. As for keeping him away from Cowper, I understand, but you are on your own.

[Jeremy M]

Congrats indeed...if he can do that in an open boat...Just imagine what he could do in a kayak Way to go Craig!!!

[Roger]

Way to go Craig! Bet Emily's feeling a little right now, too!

[Mike B]

Craig should be very proud. He did a great job and looked confident and comfortable. At the end of the day I felt like I was shaking hands with a good paddler, a new friend and a young man instead of a twelve year old.

Randy and Emily should also be very proud as they have raised a great family and are great examples of excellent parents. It was one of the most enjoyable days of paddling I've ever had.

[KimL]

Wow, great news, Randy and Emily! Congrats, Craig! I also heard that sister Alyssa oared on the Ouachita for govt. day. I'm thinking that you don't just need to keep Craig away from Cowper but Alyssa away from Hunter Hobbes.

[Renee H]

That is sweet, Craig! I always have fun hanging out with the Dodson family - sorry I missed his first trip on the Piney. Can't wait to see him out on the water again!

[JTarver]

Way to go Craig! And Randy, don't you worry...we will have him in a kayak in no time..and he can really be having some fun..like Jeremy said

How was Haw creek falls..I know I've seen pics of it..but I can't think of what it looks like for the life of me.

Joe

[Randy Dodson]

Joe and Jeremy, you can work on Craig about the kayak thing. I'm just thrilled that both of my kids enjoy time on the river. They can paddle whatever they want, although I am pretty happy that Craig chooses an open mind er uh boat. And even if he ends up in a kayak I'm glad he's learning the single blade first.

Joe, Haw Creek falls was barely runnable when I did it and it kind of lacked any thrill factor. It really needs quite a bit more water. I'm sure if I had gotten on it three days earlier, it woulda been a hoot. You can find a picture of it in the Arkansas Adventure guide or Camping Guide or something like that.

[canoe]

hey Randy ya know we need more open boaters Dr Dale has to be replaced by a young flat belly paddler.. He sounds like the one to do this I;m so proud for you and yours,,,,, hope to see ya at the party Pam

[Randy Dodson]

We'll ALL be there this year Pam. My little GILL is really looking forward to being scared out of her wits.