Re: [Paddlewise] PaddleWise kayaking with portable toilets?

Subject: [Paddlewise] Lake Powell: kayaking with portable toilets?

Hello,
Yes, the groover requirement has been in effect for ~ 2 years.  Rangers
have been checking.  They are looking for a "washable, reusable toilet
system".  It's typical of western rivers.  There is a "boom box" toilet
that's small and works well.  It can be used  without the  seat.   The
idea is that they don't want you pitching the whole thing into the
nearest dumpster on landing, since the EPA doesn't allow human waste in
landfills-don't ask about diapers!  

There are dump station/barges moored at the Escalante Arm, and I think
one is in Bullfrog Bay someplace. 

For an upcoming Middle Fork Salmon self-support whitewater kayak trip we
will be allowed to use a 4" PVC pipe, with a cap on one end and a plug
on the other end. Maybe that will work for Lake Powell, ask them.   It
may take putting the crap into the pipe with a trowel or something,
unless you are skilled.  Requirements for things like fire pans and
groovers vary.

These aren't really chemical toilets, just holding tanks.  You can add
some RV toilet liquid to cut odor or turn the stuff into a slurry for
dumping with an RV hose and water connection, as in the Boom Box. 

It's not just here.  I saw commercial groups with Boom Boxes strapped
onto the back of doubles around Loreto last winter, as we got to the end
of a San Felipe>Loreto trip.  The new marine park there is requiring
commercials  to do that. 

The smaller model of Boom Box will go in ahead of the footpegs in some
boats. Maybe one of the bigger boats in your group will have room, or a
smaller alternative will work.

Also, while paddling on "Lake" Powell, you may want to recall that
Seldom Seen Smith in the _Monkey Wrench Gang_ was praying for a
"pree-cision earthquake" under Glen Canyon Dam. If that happens, you may
be able to test  the low/high  bracing contorversy on breaking waves.  


Cheers,
Jay Gingrich
Alma, CO

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