Spectacular September on an Ozark River
Floating in September has blossomed into one of my favorite times to be on the river.
The greens of summer still linger while there’s a surprising display of colors from a cast of late bloomers that are flourishing in brilliance all along the river- just before the fall.
Yet the crisper hints of autumn are falling into place: the water is a bit chillier; the crickets are slurring to a slower cadence, and the temps are mellowing to the mild.
This perfect month of transition is a privileged time to be on the river…
Taller Bluffs on the middle section of the Big Piney River
And this time we floated the middle section of the Big Piney River. It’s an exceptionally scenic stretch along with some of the tallest bluffs on the Piney. It’s been three years since we’ve floated this section of the river.
We’re primed as we head out under sunny skies that deliver a daytime high of 77 to 79 and very low or no humidity.
Classic September weather!
(after the record breaking heat and devastating drought of July and August, I’m really energized by these pleasing temperatures that, dare I say, resemble “normalcy” for this time of year)
We’re only minutes into the float when we paddle by a bank that’s lush in Jerusalem Artichokes. These vivid yellow flowers will adorn almost every stretch of the river.
The yellows with the greens- a radiant scene that feels like summer everlasting…
Jerusalem Artichoke with Morning Glory Vine
And just up ahead, just around the bend, the crown jewel of September…
Cardinal Flower on the Big Piney River/ September 2012
The Cardinal flower(Lobelia Cardinalis).
The most beautiful, brilliant shade of red I think I’ve ever seen.
This float trip would offer some of the best floral scenery that I’ve ever experienced at any time, on any river.
Ahead of us, a glorious afternoon of : gliding through lively riffles;
Lively Riffles are frequent on the middle section of the Big Piney River
paddling by picturesque bluffs;
Paddling into the bluff
and dipping into the cooler waters of September.
After a late lunch on a gravel bar, it’s time to take the first plunge of the day.
I hesitate as I ponder how cold this water might be, but not for long. I dive in and surface with a smile-the water is on the chilly side, but I didn’t feel
“shocked” in the slightest.
I’ve already decided I’ll be in the water at least once or twice more this day.
As we move on down the river, I feel the afternoon waning. With the September sun fading faster, I’m thinking about our campsite.
I’m also feeling eager and nostalgic as we might be staying at the first campsite that I experienced on my very first float trip.
It sits below and across from a tall craggy bluff that kind of resembles
a “cabbage head”(toward the top). And so it takes its name…
As we come upon Cabbage Head Bluff, we can see(across the way) that
the old site has partially washed away and much of it has been taken over by vegetation.
My heart sinks a bit.
But just around the bend, there’s an extensive gravel bar that will still keep us in view of the bluff.
This will be our campsite. And it’s just a little past the original location.
After we set up camp, I’m kickin’ back in my lounger that’s pointed, you guessed it, at Cabbage Head Bluff.
As evening approaches; a shadow curtain will be slowly gently raised to the top of the bluff
Just in time for the “Shadow Play.”
A favorite time on the river.
Peace on the River
(one or two more posts to follow on “Spectacular September”; Hoping to get away for a late October float this year/in the works)
