New Year's Day Trip Report, January 1, 2006

Well you all missed another great trip.

The adventure started at McDonalds in Buffalo. The poor lady at the counter practically had to drag me and Lee apart when we started to argue about whom was going to pay for breakfast. She decided we need to settle our dispute the old fashion way. After a couple of rounds of rock paper scissors, I won, , , or maybe lost (Depending on how you look at it). Never the less, off to the river we went. Jim, Lee and I arrived at Fort Niangua at 9:55 sharp! As we were claming out of the trucks, we noticed a lone paddler (renegade I think) approaching the put in from the water. It was Scott whom had put in on Saturday about 12 - 13 miles up river. We unloaded our boats and gear, then Jim and Scott took out after Scott's truck. Lee and I debated the takeout. Although we originally planned on floating Fort Niangua to NRO we decided to try to find Barclay Access. Finally after the shuttle, we hit the river. It was a great float with little incident. It was cool but not cold (well not cold for those of us whom didn't go for a swim) so we made great effort to keep out of the water. I think we were the only boats on the river. The weather was awesome and the scenery was better. Along the way we spotted a couple bald eagles and a bobcat. We paddled nearly half way (Just past Bennett Springs Park) where we found a gravel bar at which time Lee (known in a former life as THE PYRO KING) started a fire. We had a little lunch then we were off again. We
ended up at Barclay around 5:00 PM (I think). This float will definately be an annual event!