Medina River / 1FreemanCrossingPutIn Ed Travis 5/19/01

Here's Brad at the put-in. We drove to Medina from Kerriville on 16?, stopping at a very small Cafe/BBQ (yes!) shop for comments and a phone. They recommended the stretch of river flowing from Freeman's Crossing into Medina. The locals know it as Wallace Creek, despite its name after a settler, Freeman, from many years past. Freeman Crossing is almost exactly 5 miles before Medina. We were able to 'purchase' a shuttle to the put-in from a woman working at the Cafe -- very friendly folks with a decent brisket sandwich for $3. They also have designated (and covered) parking for Harleys- a nice touch. The creek offered lots of twists and turns with only short breaks in between. I would not attempt in a tandem -- unless very experienced. I would not recommend this stretch for a novice even in a solo. We spent ~3 to 31/2 hours on the river. Shortly before the take-out, Wallace Creek is joined by a second significant creek, thus forming the Medina River. We were told that we could 'tube' this second creek - as the BBQ woman told of doing so many a time while growing up. Take out is at Paterson Street. Paterson Street is about 1 or 2 blocks after a Bar-B-Q place on the right/South side of the road coming from Kerrville. The take-out adjoins a small park on the right side for easy access to the River. A couple of families were enjoying the afternoon in the slight rapids by the park.