Summer Delight On The Big Piney River

We were in a heat wave the first week of July in Missouri. However, the onset of summer and the cool waters of the Big Piney River were calling. 

A friendly flow eased our paddling as we moved down the river. After a few hours, we were fortunate to find a gravel bar with plenty of shade and a scenic view. We're calling this place home.

After camp is set up, time to refresh. Sitting in the riffles

or unfolding my lounger in the shallows, sipping a cold ale

Counting the frog and toad species we already heard:

 Bullfrogs, Cricket Frogs, Green Frogs, Tree Frogs and American Toads. They continued their calls throughout the night, joining the choir of katydids and tree crickets up in the trees. A scintillating summer night that I had long awaited...  

Even after a hot day, having a small fire still inspires. It sparks meditations and ignites imagination. 

Who might join us around the fire this night?  

John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival, singing songs about rivers, catfish under logs, and girls by the river dancing in the moonlight.

Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, worked on steamboats for four years, fancied himself rafting down the river with Jim and Huck, and swam in the muddy Mississippi in his youth. I'm guessing he never laid eyes on a Missouri  Ozarks River. 

But if he had, he'd be sharing his excitement about clear, cool spring-fed waters and praising Fogerty for all his joyous river songs. and for taking us "Up Around The Bend."   

See you round the bend - Next post, more photos from the archives. Meanwhile, have a listen to a classic...

                                      CCR - Up Around The Bend