I decided to leave leisurely on Thursday mid morning. We stopped at 1000 Palms In n Out off the 10 for lunch and arrived at Walter's Camp south of Blythe around 3 pm. We packed everything we needed on and into the kayaks. Used 2 of the Jackson Coolers that are comparable to Engels or yeti. I used frozen water bottles and a gel pack in each, started with frozen meat and everything kept perfectly for the 3 days.
http://www.walterscamp.com/
Set up camp, had the whole camping area to ourselves. Broke camp and made breakfast burritos and coffee before paddling off. Originally I had e mailed Walters Camp in regards to shuttling my truck and was told that they do not but the couple that runs the store does off this on their days off Thurs or Fri. Robert and May came by and headed off in my truck with their car following. They were going to leave my truck behind the store at Fishers Landing with the keys in the console and me with a spare pair.
Camp fees were Walters $25, they have a store, full restroom with showers, water but not potable. 4-S is self pay $25 and Taylor $20 self pay. No water and pit toilets
The river moved a long at a pretty leisure pace so we paddled more than I had expected and did not even fish on day one covering the 14 miles to the 4-S Camp. We originally were going to check out the Outpost Camp, but it looked a little steep to leave the kayaks on the landing and somebody already had the prime camp spot.
I started getting a little nervous about what we would find at the 4-S Camp as I had not expected to see anyone at the Outpost Camp. When we paddled up a couple of hikers were swimming but nobody set up in the 4 camp spots. We had the place all to ourselves for a couple hours, set up camp and went for a swim in the river. Truck pulled up and a couple guys took one spot and then right after sunset a couple canoes and kayak pulled into the beach and took a spot. Wild burros and coyotes were making their presence known as the sky got darker. After more french pressed coffee we went for a quick hike before packing up for the shorter 7 mile day to Taylor. The plan was to make camp, then fish the sunset.
Getting more nervous with the holiday weekend and finding available sites. We got super lucky at Taylor. It looked like every site was taken when we rolled in. Tents in all but the closest site a woman in an SUV looked to be packing up and I asked and she said she was leaving. SCORE! While we were setting up the tent 2 trucks rolled through looking for camp sites. Purdy evening fishing mostly big carp blow ups but some bass I had one roll on my topwater, but not to be. 100 of swallows chasing bugs over the lake. big ol moon in the sky, we paddled in at dark and made dinner. Smores and coffee were dessert every night. Next morning we decided to get on the river and look for any fishy areas to work along the way. 12 miles to go on the last day. We landed about 1 pm and packed up for the long ride home.
Holiday weekend traffic turned the 5 hour drive into almost 7, but worth the effort. I would add a day if doing it again and camp one last night at Ferguson after getting ice and supplies. They will also shuttle your vehicle to Squaw Lake as well
some of the maps I found when researching this trip.
