Shortleaf » rivers

Sugar Creek Kayaking

Ryan — Mon, 07 May 2012 20:31:03 +0000

This weekend I went on a man-kayaking trip down Big Sugar Creek from Powell to Deep Ford just east of Pineville, MO. We did a similar route a couple years ago and once again had a fantastic time. Sugar Creek features exceptionally clear water that is mostly calm with a few scattered rapids. Some parts are quick and shallow, while others are deep blue pools.

Here is a trailer loaded with fun!

Rollin down the river enjoying the deep blue water and mossy limestone bluff.

We found a nice rope swing, the first of many.

We stopped for a break on this nice gravel bar and realized it was 4pm and we were only halfway to our camp.

Here is our group getting ready for day 2

This is one of my favorite spots on Big Sugar. The water is very deep and the south bank features a steep bluff with giant boulders. This one has a nice rope swing.

Looking down at Atnip from the edge of a boulder.

This was probably the best rope swing we found until it snapped, sending Jason face first into the water. We all had a big laugh at his expense.

We stopped for lunch and Atnip caught a fish. I thought maybe he was going to make a fish sandwich but he didn’t.

Casually drifting with the current towards the end of our journey.

Here is how you load 3 kayaks on top of a car.

Going to CJ

Ryan — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:46:31 +0000

Another week, another post about kayaking. Sunday a few of us loaded up and floated from my house to Carl Junction… which I estimate to be about 10 miles. This was only the second time i’ve floated downstream from the farm, but once again it was very nice. It’s been über dry lately so the water was probably a good foot lower than a couple weeks ago – a bit slower, but a great float and a great day nonetheless.

I was also on a mission to trim various branches that hang into the river from recent storms… which was a good idea in theory but I should have known it wasn’t a good idea to try and trim branches while standing in a kayak that was tied to a paddle being held by a friend standing on the shore. Good thing I bought that water proof camera case.

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Here is one of my new favorite spots along the river. It’s just a ways down from the western boundary of the farm.

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Grant and Matt enjoying a sack lunch on the cool rocks.

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In this slow spot we stumbled across a cool rope swing hanging over the river. So we each had a go at it.

Party on the River

Ryan — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:48:11 +0000

I read in the Joplin Globe that someone in the Missouri legislature has submitted a bill that would ban various types of party/drinking paraphernalia including kegs, beer bongs, and mardi-gras beads on rivers in Missouri. I can’t imagine that legislation will get much traction in a state where so many people value their rights to be a redneck more than protecting natural resources like rivers. But if it did I have to admit that I would be glad. Mainly because the way I like to enjoy Missouri rivers is in total contrast to the way many Ozarkers do these days…loud, drunk, and obnoxious. This type of behavior is not allowed in city parks, state parks, or really anywhere in public, so I don’t really get why it has become acceptable to degrade a public river in such a way in the first place.

Truth be told, I honestly wouldn’t care if they banned alcohol outright because this would leave the river to those who want to actually enjoy the river itself. The rednecks and college kids can party in their trailers or frat houses to their hearts content as far as I’m concerned. Maybe a reasonable compromise where you get a maximum of say, a six pack for every 1 person on the river. It just seems unfortunate to me that the river is more about drinking than it is about the river to so many people.

Realistically I know how Missourians love their cigarettes and beer, so I think it would be unlikely to ever pass such a measure. It’s one of those things where if it hadn’t become such a mainstay for so many people, it may almost seem logical that these types of items and activities would be prohibited on rivers. But try and take it away and I’m sure rednecks will come out in droves in support of “their rights” to be irresponsible and inconsiderate. I’m just thankful that the river I most frequent does not have this problem whatsoever – probably because there are no canoe rental facilities.