Current River Trip Report – 07/13/2023-07/16/2023
Submitted by Lisa Pugh
Bluff City Canoe Club Members gathered at Flying W Campground in Jadwin, MO on July 13th. We should have known this was going to be a memorable weekend when President Sandy Stacks showed up after having survived torrential rains and road floodings to join in the fun. As we unpacked Sandy’s tent in the dark, it looked as if she had just returned from a trip to the Sahara Desert. The amount of sand that poured out was impressive to say the least. Several members camped at the campground, and several stayed in various cabins.
On 7/14 the group met at Sandy’s campsite at 8:00 am to shuttle down to Akers Ferry for the put in. We had a few old friends, and one new friend joined us on this day. The shuttle ran smoothly, our new friend was very helpful during the entire weekend due to having a truck and, as always, we could count on Susan and her trailer. We were on the water by 9:40 am. Most of the day was overcast, which was a huge blessing because it was hot. We had 12 paddlers and one Becky. The river level was 0.82, just high enough to not drag very much and give us a few chutes to enjoy. The scenery was gorgeous as always. Larry Veasy was point and Lisa was sweep. As the sun decided to peak out of the clouds and it started getting hot, many members decided it was time to play in the water. It did not disappoint. No trip down this section would be complete without a visit to the 140-foot-deep Cave Spring. It was a treat to watch the swallows swoop in and out of their nests they had built inside the cave’s holes. Take out at Pulltite was memorable to say the least.
After returning to camp and getting cleaned up, members went for dinner at the Echo Bluff Lodge. While waiting for dinner, several members went to the balcony outside to enjoy the view and look for the wild horses. Laughter and the days events were shared, even if we couldn’t hear one another due to the artist that was performing live. He sounded and played nice and was entertaining. Upon leaving the lodge, Sandy, Susan, Lisa, and Veronika decided to drive 20 minutes to Eminence for ice cream at the Dairy Shack and were treated to a special surprise. They saw the wild horses that Echo Bluffs is famous for. The only thing that made this day complete was Susan being able to FINALLY getting her black raspberry syrup sundae that she has been wanting for two years. The rest of our group arrived and were ready to paddle the next day.
07/15, once again the group met at Sandy’s campsite at 8:00 and shuttled down to the upper section of the Current. Put in was at Baptist Camp where 19 members and Becky would enjoy another beautiful day on the river. This was a great section due to its scenery, “wildness” and lack of crowds. Only a handful of fishermen were seen the entire day. Frank was point and Lisa was sweep. The weather was hot and there were no clouds to give us shade. Every chance we had, we would stop and play in the water. The lunch stop was great fun as Sandy led the mini-train and several members decided to spray one another with water guns. Otters, mink, turtles, and one Nope Rope were seen. We also stopped at a beautiful beach to enjoy the day before finishing the paddle. The bluff across from the beach was amazing and an experience to be able to swim next to it.
We also employed our newly acquired radios, which proved to be very beneficial for a group of this size. We were able to communicate with the point when there was a slowdown due to portage, dragging or swimmers and were better able to keep the group together.
Take out was at Cedar Grove just above the roadway. After many of the members left, a Park Ranger approached the members left and asked about the condition and maneuverability of the section was.
After a great float and cleaning up, time for food and fellowship. Members were treated to Santa Fe chicken with tortillas and guacamole. It was a surprise to all that Sandy had some stories to tell. After sunset, stargazing was a must.
On 7/16, several members left the group to return home or visit family, so we had 13 members and a Becky. When we arrived at Cedar Grove to put in, the day was already getting warm and seemed to turn out to be the hottest day of the entire trip. Although we don’t have the water level for this paddle, it is the consensus that it was lower than the previous days since we had more dragging, more swimmers, and more portages. The shuttle to Akers Ferry ran smoothly and we were able to get on the water in a reasonable time. It was the most crowded that we had experienced the entire weekend. Frank was point and Lisa was sweep. The lunch spot was at Welch Spring. Where plenty of memorable pictures were taken and a possible ghost was seen and photographed. Several members decided to paddle into the spring rapid and rest there.
Even though we had a great time, the last day is always a little sad. We took out at Akers Ferry, loaded up, and said our goodbyes until next time. Another great trip with an incredible Club.