I have lived in Coppell for 20 years and have crossed Denton Creek thousands of times and almost every single time I drove across one of the bridges I thought - I would love to paddle that! Today I finally got everything together and completed my quest. As an added bonus - I created a series of caches for those adventure seekers that are looking for more than the typical lamp post cache and to provide you with a little motivation to get out and do this yourself This series will challenge you!
**************************** PLEASE BE CAREFUL ************************************
Typically Denton Creek is a lazy little creek that starts at lake Grapevine and winds its way down to the Elm Fork River near Sandy Lake and the Bush in Carrolton. The route is approx. 10.5 miles long. BUT - conditions can vary dramatically from day to day please use this link to check the water levels and flow before you attempt to float this creek.
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/dv?referred_module=sw&cb_00060=on&cb_00065=on&format=html&site_no=08055000
As a point of reference - here are three different dates and water levels/flow rates over the last month:
- On 4/9/16 - When I placed the caches west of MacArthur the release rate was 1780 cu ft per second and water levels were 14.33 ft the water flow was 3.5 mph.
- On 4/18/16 - When I placed the caches east of MacArthur (and #10 & #12) the release rate was 1750 cu ft per sec and water level was at 10.83 ft and the water flow was 2.8 mph
- On 4/26/16 - when one group attempted the caches the release rate was 916 cu ft per sec and water level was 6.43 and some of the caches could not be reached without standing up in the kayak and some couldn't be reached at all
All caches are cammo'd pill bottles attached by wire to trees in the creek unless otherwise noted - the only way to retrieve these caches is via canoe/kayak. Almost all of these caches were placed while I sat in my kayak unless otherwise noted. But, understand that the water levels will determine what you will have to do to retrieve the cache - some might be higher, some might be lower (e.g., under water etc.). Once water levels change it wil be interesting to see if these caches are easier or harder to retrieve!
I started my journey where 2499 (Long Prairie Rd) crosses Denton Creek and took out at McInnish Park in Carrollton almost 4 hours later after placing the first 10 - I would add an hour or more to your timeline depending on how long you have to look for each of these. There is not a good place to leave a car at the drop off point - so, you will need to make some kind of plan there. The park on Sandy Lake is a great place to leave your car to take out your canoe/kayak once you are completed. The Park is about 5 miles away by road.
***** This is not a series for kids - and can be dangerous be prepared and follow standard safety guidelines when going after these caches. Four groups have attempted some of these caches and 3 of the 4 groups have had at least one person end up in the creek. There are a number of risks to be aware of when undertaking this series. *****
- Snags - there are all kinds of things under the water that you might not be able to see that can cause you to dump or get hung up
- Current - the current can be very tricky if you end up sideways against an object the current will swamp your kayak/canoe in a matter of seconds
- Current II - if you end up out of your boat in the current and get pinned against an obstruction that crosses the creek you run the risk to get pulled under with no escape
- Banks - if you end up in the water and depending on the flow rate and water level - you may have to float for quite a while until you can stand up and/or get out of the water and you might not be able to keep a hold of your kayak and paddle
- Make sure you have the appropriate gear and skill for the creek and conditions - specifically a life vest!
- Wear appropriate clothes - including a hat
- Bring plenty of water to drink, sun screen and bug spray
- Make sure people know where you are and what you are doing
- Make sure you have a way to keep your electronics dry
- Watch for dangerous critters and plant life
- Be careful on all your climbs
As a side note, a good laugh at my expense, and a safety reminder - In attempting to place one of the caches I capsized my kayak and spent about 30 minutes in the water before I could get to a place where I could stand up and get the water out of the kayak - be prepared!
Take pictures!