Canoe The Ozarks

It’s August 12 and a customer is asking me a question that is very slowly penetrating my wish scheming daydreamin’ state of consciousness.  The next moment finds me abruptly cognizant and agitated that  “I’m NOT on the river anymore!”

I must have been “Piney dreamin’.”  It’s a condition that has no cure nor does it require one, thankfully.
It’s the best place I know, when I can’t go.

Only hours ago I was softly paddling through paradise on my favorite river in the Ozarks.

Peaceful stretch on the Big Piney River / Aug. 2011

And the River Gods were kind to us on this midsummer trip.  When we first hit the river, we had some concerns about the weather as dubious clouds loomed above, but our discouragement soon disappeared as the clouds decidedly parted, not entirely, but just enough to feel that solar blast of warmth on our backs.
It’s only a few moments before both of us belt out a few lines from that song, yeah, you know the one, warm shoulders and all.
(that song is sort of a sacrament on the river that serves us well when we feel particularly grateful for fair weather; River Gods make no demands for gratitude; but they sure appreciate it)

We were also favored with exceptional water levels for this time of year; there wasn’t much scraping on this trip.  Trees and vegetation looked greener than usual.  More evidence that this part of the Ozarks has received generous amounts of rain.

The sun dodged clouds all afternoon as we basked in the pleasant range of the mid 80’s.  The water temperature was a perfect “cool.”  Not cold enough to shock, but cool enough to refresh.

It was still early afternoon when we got out and snorkeled in what proved to be some very strong riffles.  The current was too swift  for us to secure a foothold for very long; but it was still a lot of fun to drift back a bit and stand in these rushing waters.  Feel the force of the current and watch the waves roll and kick up their own version of white caps on the river.  Exhilarating!

White Caps on the River

We spent the rest of the afternoon fishing as we had ample time to arrive at our campsite.  The Smallies were bitin’ and so was just about every species in the river.  By the end of the trip, my species tally would include:  Smallie; Largemouth; Green Sunfish; Bluegill; Goggleye; and a Longear.

And I only used one lure on this trip, my favorite, the Rebel Crickhopper.
I went with the tan version this time.

Wonderful afternoon!  Fishing, snorkeling, swimming, paddling on a scenic stretch of the Big Piney River on a classic summer day in August!

Can it get better than this?  Oh Yeah.  Just around the bend is a favorite campsite with plenty of firewood and a reservation for “teriyaki venison” grilled to perfection!

And this was just the first day of the trip…(another Piney post proceeds)

Peace on the River

by William Hughes.