Gasconade River Float -- June 5th

FINALLY............ we were able to put our kayaks in the river. Didn't have to go far....... a few miles east to put the truck at the takeout and then a few miles west to the put in. The day was supposed to be hot. We packed drinks, snacks and lunch and were on the river by 9:00 a.m. The Gasconade (this part) is a very quiet river....... it makes you work ........ But the river was up (not dangerously). Here is a link to Missouri Rivers http://www.missouricanoe.org/river-maps/gasconade.html We started off and within a mile or so found an eagles nest. There were a few people who were doing yard work. And a few river boats but for the most part jeff and I had the river to ourselves. Some cows joined us at lunch. We stop at a gravel bar and light a fire to roast hot dogs. There were lots of trees that had been pushed down the river. Not so much debris. We saw a bald eagle sitting in a tree. It saw us too -- it is a bit disconcerting to have a bird of prey watch you!!! Took us about 4 1/2 hours to do about 10 miles of river. Usually that same stretch takes about 6 hours but the water was high enough that it kept good current for the most part.

If you would like to see the pictures of the trip you can view them at my facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2113873169088.125875.1313448490&l=e29ca53d4d

 

Memorial Day Weekend 27-31 May 2011 White Buffalo Resort

We were looking forward to this weekend for a few months. The White River runs along the campground and the confluence of the Buffalo & White is not far away. We were planning to float in our kayaks both this weekend. Due to the flooding we couldn't go on either river. I was calling the campground to be sure they weren't flooded. The dam floodgates were opened on both Bull Shoals & Norfolk......... Not to mention Table Rock. They had some cancellations so we were able to get a full hook-up!!!!!So, since we were off on Friday we loaded (to include the scooters) Friday morning and left home about 9:00........... On the interstate only for about 30 miles and then we headed south on Missouri 5 heading toward Arkansas. The sun was trying to peek out. The drive was beautiful. THEN............ both Google directions and the GPS'er told us to take a county road...... Jeff turned and I called the campground.

 This was the back way in and ALL gravel. Nope had to turn around. Removed the sway bar and got turned around. And we were on the way again. I took pictures of the highways and clouds on the way down........ I am not a great photographer but like to take pictures and then share them. So we turned off the main road....... WOOHOO still on pavement. It is beautiful down there. Came to a 4 way stop about  5-6 miles down the road and there is a sign still 7 miles to go. Windy... hilly.... no shoulders!!!! Came up to a sign that said the road ends.......... and it did ... at the campground. We checked in and went to choose which campsite we wanted. The sites were very nice. The White River was roaring. We were high up on a bank. Only complaint was that the fire ring was a tractor trailer rim so it was a bit small. Began setting up and ate lunch. Had satellite so fast it was amazing. I turned around and Jeff grabbed the signal. The trash cans said bear proof. After setting up we took a scooter ride to the public access. Had dinner of steak, corn on the cob & 1 piece of bread. Went to bed (it was beautiful so we left the windows all open) and about midnight there were people outside of the Pod talking and carrying on. They soon went on their way. Suddenly there was this LOUD NOISE some kind of metal noise. My first thought was a bear was trapped in the trash can. After hearing the screech of metal and wood on second and much more reasonable thought  was that the upper dock broke loose. Looking at my cell phone (good for a clock because didn't have ANY SIGNAL) it was 5:15 a.m. No one else came out to investigate the noise. I was amazed. Had French Toast Casserole for breakfast. Saturday we went into Mountain Home and wandered around the farmers market. Saturday night had pork steak, corn sticks and  brussel sprouts. I made a clafouti (it is a french pastry) with pears and apples in the dutch oven. It really needs a darker fruit (maybe kiwi & strawberry) .. it was wonderful and I will try it again. Sunday we relaxed ............ didn't do a think......... Quality kindle time!!! Monday morning found us not wanting to pack up to come home. But reality was calling. We only have one more camping trip planned until August because we are going to see our daughter in England in July. This is somewhere we will definitely go back to. I will put my yak in both rivers!!!

You can view the rest of the weekends pictures on my facebook at

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2100504354876.125134.1313448490&l=d476b62d48