Maybe you’ve heard of #OptOutside. It’s a brilliant campaign REI launched five years ago wherein they close all their stores, including the one online, and pay their people to enjoy the outdoors instead of succumbing to the craven insanity that is Black Friday. I don’t work at REI, but opting out seemed like a great idea to me, so I borrowed it! I didn’t figure they’d mind (no blowback from REI’s legal department to date).
I had long planned to spend Black Friday (and the rest of the weekend) outside, but I was staring down the barrel of December and a sketchy forecast had me wondering what my options might be. Still, I held out hope that those puckish weather gods would favor my quest, and by Wednesday things were shaping up for a shot at a beautiful day on the upper Buffalo. Favor indeed! So, I decided to load up the company truck, hook up the raft trailer and make my way to Erbie. You can learn more about Erbie and other Buffalo River campgrounds on our Camp page.
The Road to the Campsites
Erbie is just a hop, skip and a jump from Ozark, another campground on the upper Buff. However, unlike Ozark there are no services (except TP in the vault toilets which this adventurer very much appreciates). This means there’s no running water, no electricity and no trash service. It also means fewer visitors and no fees! Those are two advantages that well outweigh the disadvantages as far as the Arkansas Adventure Guide crew is concerned, but hike your own hike. Speaking of hiking, Erbie is also a splendid base of operations for anyone interested in the Cecil Cove loop, Goat Bluff Overlook, Hideout Hollow and even Buffalo River Trails.
Cedar Glade Picnic Area and Overlook, Buffalo River Trail
I wasn’t there to hike, though. I was there to boat and sit by the fire. Who knows? Perhaps I was still in the clutches of a Tryptophan hangover, but I digress. I arrived at Erbie before dark Friday (a major accomplishment) and chose my home for the weekend. As I stared at the fire that night I pondered the feasibility of getting on the river. The plan had been Steel Creek to Kyles Landing on Sunday, but that was based on Weather Underground’s prediction that Sunday would be the nicest day. However, just prior to departure Saturday had begun to show remorse for its choices and present itself as the better option for a river day. I already knew water levels would be optimal, so I resolved to drive just far enough from camp Saturday morning to find cell service and check the weather.
Decisions Decisions
Saturday dawned cool and cloudy, but after breakfast I set out as planned in search of a forecast and was elated to learn there was indeed an outstanding river day in store with mild temps and abundant sunshine. I arranged a shuttle and headed back to camp to drink more coffee and prepare Blue Steel for his day on the Buff. In addition to launching Saturday instead of Sunday I decided to put in above Steel Creek at Ponca.
This proved to be a very good decision. Stay tuned…
See you out there!
Deuce
- Bears and Bearing Responsibility - October 6, 2025
- Kayaks 101 - August 6, 2023
- Just the Place – Lower Buffalo River - September 20, 2022
we sure had sketchy weather that weekend. Glad it worked out, great area!
Thanks April! ‘Tis the season for sketchy forecasts!