First Canoe Trip

My husband and I joined our neighbors on a canoe trip down the Jacks Fork in Alley Springs, MO. It was our first time down a real river. We rented from Harvey's in Eminence, MO over the Memorial holiday. The river was clear and cool. I learned that open sandals are a poor choice when walking over the rocks in the river. Those rocks hurt my feet and got into my sandals. Next, always wear a life vest even if you know how to swim, that current and a metal canoe can drown you. Don't bring any valuables with you, wallets, keys cell phones and camera will get wet and lost in the current. Wear a swimsuit that stays on you and shorts too. The current is strong and will strip your bare if you get in the water with loose wearables. Bungee your towel and cooler to your canoe, or it will get lost if your turn over. Have extra clothes and towels in your car upon your return. You will get wet and you will need dry clothes after. Harvey's had a shuttle service and restrooms to change in which was nice.

We got wet after hitting another canoe by accident. Then that same canoe turned over again later on the journey. I learned that water rescues are hard to do. A nylon rope would have helped. Other than the turn overs and the water rescues the trip was fun. The water was clear and I could see the fish at the bottom. The trip was 6 miles of nature with all the cliffs and trees. We even saw baby river otters on the shore. We are planning to go again this summer. What a great way to see Missouri!