How wet was the river?

“post backpacking season canoe trips has happened...officially, its now float season. The season opener occured on the 11 Points river in S. Missouri. Me and Khatru soloed for only the 2nd time since meeting the legendary Dutch Oven Dave. It was wonderfully beautiful. Sat morn started out cloudy and not too nice, but while driving the 2.5 hours to the put-in, some blue skies were visible. Being the weather worker that I am, I immediately began working my magic, making the spells to spread the blue and push out the grey of the morning. By the time of arrival at Greer, there was more blue than grey. As I got ready to depart, the ranger came up to me and asked me if I was responsible for the clearing of the skies and I said "yep". He said thanks and took off in his skiff to go apprehend river bad guys. Within 1 hour of departure, there were NO more grey anywhere. The blueness had taken over and I was now able to relax my thoughts and breath in the glorious day that I had created. The water was clear and the fish were everywhere. I saw only a few other humans in motor boats and as they passed they acknowledged the Mage of the River.

At Turners Mill, there was a large group of folks putting in and I waved and wished them a good time and Khatru and I kept on going. To say how wonderful the day was would require me to be a poet, and that I am not. I reached the place where there is a nice "S" curve which once around is my favorite camping spot on the river. There was NO ONE there!!! The place was ours for the duration. I landed the Witch and set foot on hallowed ground which was all to familiar to me and Khatru. I took a break, enjoying the moment and watched Rainbow trout jumping out of the water eating the newly hatched insects. In the morning, I planned on doing some casting with my newly recharged fly fishing skills.

The large group came down the river while I was sittin in my chair out on the sand bar jetty in the river, relaxing and drinking a frozen vodka cranberry beverage slushie. they all marveled at my set up and one adult said that it looked like I just belonged in that place and that he had never seen such a nice looking comfortable camp site. I smiled, thanked him for his kind words and wished him good floating for the remainder of their trip.

I had gathered wood upstream of my camping spot, so I had plenty and had no need to scavenge. I got the fire going, made my pork tenderloin with taters, onions and carrots. Opened my merlot to breath and then began preparing my brownies for desert. Everything turned out perfect and in the evening dusk, lighted my lantern and pulled it up high above the water where I had hung a rope. The lantern lit the entire cove and attracted the insects way up high away from me. I swam a bit in the cove and then dried next to the fire, then turned in and slept peacefully and fully through the night to awaken to the most perfect of mornings. The morning light was cast out over the water with the new morning hatch of midges. I made my coffee and assembled my fly rod and strung a fly to match and tossed it in the eddy at the edge of the fast water. Within minutes I had landed a Rainbow @ 7" long. sweet! I kept it. I cast a few more times and then landed another @ 9" and then took a break and made a sumptious breakfast of more coffee, bloody mary's, taters, eggs and bacon. Khatru and I ate every bite. Then I went back to cast again and within 10 minutes I landed a 14" 2lb trout. It was the largest that I had ever caught and it was a blast to play him and then pull him in. I cleaned all 3 and ziplocked them to take em home for dinner later that day. Man o man...that was awsome and they tasted great, grilled perfectly for dinner sunday evening.

A few people in canoes came passing by and I began to break down camp in my traditional slow, methodical fashion. I was in no hurry to do anything and took periodic breaks to sit at the rivers edge and watch other boaters come up to the hole and catch trout. It really was a perfect day, and a perfect birthday. Eventually, everything was stowed in the bags, then placed in the boat. I said my thanks and farewells to my favorite camping spot and slid gently down into the blue/green waters and glided down river. Time had not started ticking so, there was no rush to do anything. After a bit, I decided to take a nap and closed my eyes and just drifted down river till my eyes opened again. Khatru was running and swimming along and I could hear the tinkle of his bell, even while my eyes were closed. He's a great dog and I am so glad that he has this opportunity to actually be a dog and run free to his hearts content. This being only his 2nd trip out in 6 weeks, and the first of the true season opener, he tired and wanted in the boat, so, I hauled him in and he promptly found a spot curled up and went to sleep. He didn't make any noise for quite some time, but eventually wanted back in the water, and he jumped in after a bit of whining. For near 3 hours, I saw not another person. I guess it was 3 hours, but not sure, other than it was a LONG time. Towards mid-afternoon, I saw other boaters (not floaters). I had no difficulties, no incidents and no mishaps. It was a perfect float, only getting the paddle wet when I had to. I made Halls Bay look easy and then caught up with some other floaters moving even slower than I was. It was now apparent that I was not going to the last one off of the river this day. These people have been spotted by Dave and myself before and they had the same attitude that we have when rounding the final corner and seeing the Riverton bridge, which marks the end of the trip. It is the worst site on the river as it signifies "trip over".

This was the first of many river trips to come this year, and I invite any and all to come along and see what has so completely captured my passion and imagination.

Hope you enjoyed the tale.

Oh yeah...the river was real wet.”

“sounds pretty sweet man. Glad you got the paddle wet.”

“sounds awesome....enjoyed the part about the fly fishing, nothing beats the deception of the fish with a self tied fly and good presentation...”

“glad you had a good birthday :D”

“Ja Mon!!!”

“What a great TR! Can't think of abetter way to enjoy your birthday. I hope the next year is full of days just as perfect. Happy Birthday Stik. =)


Saturady marks the first day our canoe will be in the water this year. Can't wait!”

“I'm heading out again tomorrow night to the Grand Opening of Friday's Bar&Grill (first gravel bar after the put in). Should be fun floating into the fading sun.”

“stikmon, did you take any extra days off after memorial day? a float trip sounds great but i can't get out til sun afternoon. i know you'll be in your canoe that weekend. are there shuttles running that river?”

“there are shuttles...$25.00 for outlanders. A nominal fee for the convenience of just getting on and off without spending time to move the vehicles.

No, I have not taken any additional days beyond Mem Day monday. Call me though and we can maybe cook something up for another time.”

“and the Dragon's breath is upon the land and I have lost the memory of the wetness of my beloved 11 Points. I must recharge that memory, and will do so this evening.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh...”