Discovering Houston

$199 per adult | 5 hours stream geomorphology guided kayak field trip on Texas Colorado River around historical town of Columbus, TX | Small group size: minimum 4 | Includes geologic field trip lecture with geology professor, sharing historical facts, use of high-end touring kayaking equipment, certified instruction and pictures.

Duration: 5-7 hours
Paddling Time: 3-4 hours
Paddling Distance: 7 miles
Requires 30 minutes shuttle

THIS TOUR CAN BE RE-SCHEDULED AT A DATE CONVINIENT TO YOU.
PRIVATE EVENT, PREPAID REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
WE TAKE APPOINTMENTS.

TOUR SIGNIFICANCE: On this stretch of the Texas Colorado River, we will see a mix of gently-sloping to steep sandy banks, flat flood plains, and tree-lined ridges with mature trees. We will take a couple of stops on gravel bars to look at riverbanks morphology, channel shape and dimensions, analyze bedrock and geomorphologic features associated with stream and floods.

More than 850 miles long, the Texas Colorado River is the longest river to start and end in the same state and is the lifeblood of our state’s economy, our environment, our industry, our agriculture, and especially our lives as Texans.

In addition to kayaking and geology, we will discuss Texas history. Our river float will end at a place where the Texas Army under the leadership of General Sam Houston and the Mexican Army under the leadership of General Santa Ana crossed the Colorado River before their clash at San Jacinto.

This eco-tour is ideal for families with kids and for beginner paddlers that want to take their skills up a notch and experience a grander setting.

Awesome trip for those that enjoy history, geology, nature, serenity and adventures.

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Outstanding geology & history learning opportunity. Experienced trip leader. Awesome destination.

Equipment: We use professional grade kayaks designed for touring. They have sit-inside cockpit seat, with long and narrow hull. We do not use sit-on-top kayaks.

Requirements: Good balance skills and reasonable fitness level is advisable. Our sit-inside cockpit touring kayaks can accommodate paddlers only up to 250 lbs. or less. Best for outdoor enthusiasts without motion or sea sickness, comfortable with vigorous exercise. No previous paddling or swimming experience required - instruction provided!

Itinerary tailored to guests' desire, fitness level, group dynamics, weather conditions, etc.

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Sign up early!!
A RSVP “Yes” on Meetup merely states your interest.
Seats fill up quickly - the tour is cross posted on several platforms.

***TO SIGN UP & CONFIRM LOGISTICS CALL 832-686-3231 ***

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GEAR PROVIDED WITH REGISTRATION:
Single seat OR tandem touring kayak
Lightweight paddle
Adjustable life jacket
Small size dry bag for car keys, wallet, phone
Group first aid kit, safety and recue kit (bilge pump, paddle float, tow rope, lights, VHF radio, etc)

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WHAT TO BRING/HOW TO DRESS:

Bring 2 water bottles and pack a snack to take with you in the kayak. Bring with you a towel and a set of dry clothing to change at the end for a comfortable ride home.

Dress only with synthetic clothing. Wear outdoor, fast drying, non-cotton/synthetic clothing like hiking pants and shirts. Long sleeve shirts and long pants prevent sunburn and insect bites.

Bring water shoes/closed toed sandals; old sneakers work great. No crocs, no flip-flops, no rain boots. Wear paddling gloves or cycling/ workout gloves to prevent blisters and sunburn on hands.

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UNDECIDED? Check out our photo album:

With inflation, AI and wars, life can feel uncertain. What does it mean to find happiness in times such as these? What do psychologists have to say about happiness? Are you looking for a community where you can be honest about your thoughts/opinions on the big questions of life?
Welcome to a non-judgmental safe listening community designed to foster conversation, build connection and explore questions about life, meaning and spirituality. We value diverse opinions. We value listening. We value community!

Everyone is welcome in this safe discussion space - we usually have a very diverse group including atheists, agnostics, spiritualists, people of all faiths, the skeptics, the curious. We also especially welcome anyone with major doubts or hurts, anyone wanting to have honest conversations about real issues, and anyone looking for community in these difficult times. Try out the one week to see if you like it, no pressure to come back if this isn't your cup of tea!

What we will do:
1)We will meet at the 5300 Main St at 7pm and have fajitas for dinner (free).
2)We will watch videos about mental health and also exploring the question of happiness, community and the Gospel spirituality.
3)Then we will and open and honest discuss in small breakout groups grappling with our reflections and questions of life. We value diverse opinions. All questions and opinions expressed respectfully are most welcome!