Jack's Fork of the Current River October 12, 2019
Submitted by Leanne Logan
The annual October Bluff City Canoe Club (BCCC) trip to Eminence Missouri to paddle the Jack’s Fork of the Current River drew a fun assortment of paddlers, hikers, campers and friends.
AJ and I were kicking up our heels early in the week knowing there had been some rain in the area, making the paddling even more ideal. A heavy rain Thursday night/Friday morning kept away a few tent campers, but Friday turned into a pretty fall day in the Mark Twain National Forest.
Saturday morning was picture perfect, albeit a bit chilly waking up in a low of 34 degrees. People were busy like beavers unloading boats, loading gear and doing the front-end shuttle. In no time, paddlers begin stripping the layers back and enjoying the day outside on the water.
24 paddlers hopped into 22 boats (2 tandem canoes + 20 solo kayaks) and headed down river. This spring-fed river was crystal-clear with a healthy green tinge, despite the recent rains. The river was also swifter than many years. We fit in a few extra play stops as we travelled downstream to prevent us from getting to the takeout too quickly. A big gravel bar in the sun made a nice lunch stop, while young Cora demonstrated the safe way to body surf with feet first downstream. There were no other takers to float together or do “the train” this trip.
Saturday’s annual potluck was held again at the Lander’s camp (thanks Peggy and Ed!). Fabulous fires by John Adams once again allowed for campfire comradery, hotdogs and smores cooked over an open fire, and warmer souls. 36 introductions took place around the fire when Leanne asked everyone to number off, then share their name, year they joined the BCCC or first paddled, and their favorite river. What fun it was to learn a bit more about the lives of some interesting paddlers on this annual Jack’s Fork trip!
Saturday night some of the group headed across the street to “The Haunting”, the annual National Park Service-sponsored story-telling event from days of old. The magical nighttime walk escorted by 100+ tealights leading up to the red Alley Springs Mill brings awe to all.
Sunday morning started out chilly, leaving behind a layer of thick fog that slowly burned off unveiling the pretty Jack’s Fork river viewed from Alley Springs National Park campground. What a great scene to wake up to on a brisk fall day in the Ozarks! I can’t wait until we return next year. Consider joining in on the fun.