Buffalo 2008 Makes the Newton County Times Newspaper

We made the paper, Guys....
http://www.harrisondailytimes.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19507750&BRD=1815&PAG=461&dept_id=516632&rfi=6

Record turnout for annual float
By the Times Staff
04/24/2008
Updated 04/22/2008 04:19:38 PM CDT

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JASPER - This was the 13th year for Camp Tatum's annual father and son float on the Buffalo National River and another record turnout with 267 participants.

The history of this weekend outing goes back to 1994 when founder Danny Tatum of Lake Claiborne, La., began bringing his two sons to Jasper for a father and son weekend on the Buffalo. The boys were five and six years old at the time, he recalled, and as each third weekend of April rolled around they were being joined by friends from the Ruston, La., area.By 1996, the group had grown to include 20 fathers and sons. By word of mouth that group has grown each year. Last year 225 fathers and sons made the trek.It's a new generation of fathers and their sons, Tatum noted. Many now come from different parts of the country, but all have some ties to Ruston.Tatum continues to base the outing in Jasper.With more than 200 people coming to town for a weekend, many local businesses benefit as the visitors look of accommodations and supplies. Many have built relationships with the area businesses.Tatum spends much of his time planning the event. His web site camptatum.com has a newsletter and updated photographs.On Monday, his web site already had photos posted of the weekend's activities.In his blog, Tatum exclaims, "It was glorious ... and now Buffalo 2008 belongs to the ages. We are so glad you and your son could join us this year. What a contrast in weather from Friday to Saturday. That's why we are Iron Men ... We Accept the Challenge ... Face Adversity. Guys, in 13 years that was the coldest we ever had on Friday. We survived ... the wiser about how best to prepare. For historical comparison, Friday's 21 and Saturday's 22 water level was within the top 3 trips for our best water."It was noted that one boy was injured on Saturday and needed medical treatment. Tatum has already begun planning the 2009 weekend.

©Harrison Daily Times 2008

Buffallo 2009 Official Date Set

The 14th Annual Father - Son Buffalo River Adventure Trip Date shall be April 17-19, 2009. Plan now...give your input to those in charge of scheduling competing events...Iron Men want to do it all.....

We hope you can join us for Buffalo 2009.

The Staff & Management of Camp Tatum Travel

Buffalo 2008 - Post Trip Update to Iron Men

Gentlemen,

At 12:10 p.m. yesterday, the Founder arrived home, and the Staff heard him exclaim, "IT WAS GLORIOUS...AND NOW BUFFALO 2008 BELONGS TO THE AGES"

We are so glad you and your son could join us this year. What a contrast in weather from Friday to Saturday. That's why we are Iron Men...We Accept the Challenge...Face Adversity.... I hope there were enough positive memories for our smallest sons...which will outweigh...any permanent negative from Friday. Guys, in thirteen years....that was the coldest...we ever had on Friday. We survived...the wiser about how best to prepare. For historical comparison, Friday's 21 and Saturday's 22 water level was within the top 3 trips for our best water.

The Staff worked hard and late...but I believe they have provided us a fair sampling of memories on http://camptatum.com/ ...... which will allow you to share our Buffalo Experience with your friends and co-workers.

Wasn't it great to have so many sons.....with such a wide age span...enjoying the trip. Thanks for making memories with us....and for allowing us to share them. I will be checking on Tim's son this morning...who from what I was told Saturday evening...hit his head on a rock at the water fall, and sought some medical treatment...I will let you know. Pray for him...and let's be thankful... for what was, at least to my current knowledge a relatively safe trip.

Every year I leave...Ready to do it again. Plan now for Buffalo 2009, our 14th Annual, coming the 3rd weekend in April next year.

It was Glorious!

The Founder

River Tip for Wednesday / Lady Bearcat Playoff Victory

River Tip: Remember we are making memories....not running a race...take your time and enjoy all the river has to offer... it may get lonely watching the river flow should you move faster than the Gordons think you outta...(waiting for pickup and transport back to town) Also, Jasper is really not that exciting when everyone else is still on the river... and just so you know, to my knowledge, the Ozark café has never run out of chicken fried steak.

Lady Bearcats: Congratulations on an important first round playoff victory over Lafayette. Way to go....Catch some of the action on CamptatumSports.com. We wish you continued success...as you defend your State Title.

Iron Men River Tip For Tuesday, April 15

River Tip of the Day: Experience teaches the Iron Man to never let his guard down…because he has learned that it’s not the rapids that will get him…for in those areas he is remains vigilant…but rather it’s the relatively calm waters…where his focus is lost… that his potential for flipping rises… therefore, Iron Men who Stay dry…Stay focused.

River Tip for Monday, April 13

Iron Men, as you head down the river...should you hear banjo music start to play...."PADDLE FASTER".......

Latest River Tips - For the new "wannabe" Iron Men

The Staff of Camp Tatum Travel in an effort to assist our first timers in their transition to Iron Man status have come up with some daily river tips during the week immediately preceding our departure.....the following are some that have already been given:

River Tip: Should you take a tumble....wear something light & quick drying.....

River Tip: When you are approaching a narrow rapid...do not bunch up...Iron Men do not do well together in narrow spaces....generally you will find ... it's every Iron Man for himself...and they will delight in surviving the rapid while watching you tumble...


River Tip: On the River Iron Men will enjoy some beautiful country and have the opportunity of seeing various creatures of God’s creation…but Iron Men learn to contain their excitement and guard their tongue…before exclaiming…”look at that flock of eagles”….because they know their fellow Iron Men will be unforgiving when it comes to “faulty creature identification”…ie. Buzzards rather than eagles…..

River Tip: On the trip to and from the river…should there be a need for conversation…ask your driver about the Elk they released on the ridge several years ago…then sit back and enjoy the ride.

River Tip: Bring a lawn chair…some of our most exciting times...involves counting how many times the local girls pass up and down main street…trying to get a glimpse and interact with our boys…..Nighttime in Jasper, it just doesn’t get any better!

Stay Tuned....more daily postings on the way.

Daily River Tips "another public service provided for aspiring Iron Men" from the Staff of Camp Tatum Travel.