Had a great kayak trip on Monday, and moved up the river about 40 miles on Tues. I am camped here at the Tyler Bend campground on the Buffalo River with about 20 friends, and having a great time. This river is said to be one of the best in the country for kayaks and canoes..... OK, maybe the best for our kind of kayaking...... interesting but safe.... it's a very fine line. The definition of perfect may be, that others end up swimming, but that you don't.
Every morning at 9:00, we meet for “hugs and mugs”, and every afternoon we meet at 4:00 for “circle”..... I guess that some would call it happy hour, but we don't. In any event, these meeting are for social interaction, information sharing, and activity planning. Wednesday afternoon we were visited by a heavily armed lady park ranger (her side arm looked to be a 9mm, with 4 extra ammo clips) she seemed ready and willing to handle any trouble that might arise.
The ranger welcomed us, and then advised us of the following.... torrential rains, flash flood warnings, river closed due to flood water, (no help if you got into trouble), cotton mouth water moccasins fleeing the flood waters, diseased ticks, vicious stinging insects, and record poison ivy. She wished us well, and advised us to expect a visit from another ranger. Sure enough, another ranger arrived to explain that behind schedule construction may impact reservations at the next stop on the circuit. The Win's, veteran travelers all, took this in stride, card games, local restaurants, car trips, paperwork, and blog writing.... To be fair, in spite of the bad news delivered, and prominent weaponry, the rangers were pleasant and easy going.
I am attempting to repair some of the leaks in my roof, (never had rain like this out west) and tracking down the replacement DVR box that Direct TV sent to “General Delivery” by way of Fedex. The Fedex folks are somewhat confused by a person with no address, after all, they are all about addresses.
Max Bob (in keeping with the spirit of the south, Kurt Bob has added “Bob” to everyone's name) took us on a long road trip yesterday to the “Lost Valley”. (Perfect weather, river still at flood stage) We passed hundreds of rental canoes and kayaks poised for action, I suspect that the river would resemble a Walmart parking lot should conditions moderate.... Beautiful country, great lunch at a cliff hanger cafe, and a hike to a cave and waterfalls. I didn't go, preferring to take a nap in the parking lot, (it is hell getting old and being sick), but they came back dirty and happy. Surprising how many fun things, are also messy..... Like being a kid again..... BTW, the Win trips are sometimes described as a never ending “summer camp” for big kids.
Several of us may leave early and go to Branson Mo. for a country music fix. It is on my way to Pa, several singles MH groups are there, and I have never been there. More than enough reasons to go....
Win's are organized.
Win's find neat stuff.
Win's have nice kayaks.
Win's are happy and like to eat.
River at 13.8' flood stage. Bottom sign was under water at 18' flood stage.
1850 Homestead.
Max Bob and Judy Bob practicing for old age.
Win's are friendly.....
1 comment:
Great pics! Thanks for the update on your travels. I'll be home on the 20th. See you then.
Post a Comment