Interesting things surfacing on the Missouri River!

Missouri River Kayaking- Weldon Spring to St. Charles June 2nd, 2012

The trip was outstanding!  Ray and I have been wanting to do a "big river" trip for the last couple of weeks.  The Missouri River stage is really down right now, so it is a very quick and fun paddle.  Stage when we went out Saturday was about 12' gauge hght. and 66,000 flow (cfs).  I am marking this and saving it....I have paddled this river at different stages and this one had to be my favorite.  I think if they had the Race for the Rivers today, some records would be broke.

If you watch the film, when Ray comes up on the Page Extension Bridge,  I caught an Asian carp flying across his bow.  He had a couple of major carp come flying in front of his kayak, but unfortunately, my camera was off when it happened.

The slough that we went through just past the 40 bridge just beside the Chesterfield bottoms was outstanding.  It had a real nice flow running through it (we clocked about 4 mph) the entire stretch.  There is something about paddling the big rivers that just excites me.  I am already planning another trip, possibly the Alton Lock and Dam to the Gateway Arch.  Maybe this will be the summer we make it happen?

Paddle ON!

Mike

Kayaking the Missouri River- Weldon Spring to St. charles, Missouri

EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking in Missouri

Missouri River, Race for the Rivers Kayak race, 20 Miles October 8th, 2011

The Race for the Rivers river kayak/canoe challenge is usually held in August, but due to the river being so high for most of the summer, it was moved to October.  This was my second year in the race.  I have to say, I finished higher, but was still disappointed in how I did on this one.  After talking to my friend Ray for a bit, I am thinking that the challenges I had were more to do with my paddle and my stroke technique, than ability or the craft.  I am used to paddling up current on small rivers, and cutting water on lakes....the Missouri is a different animal.  We will be back next year to see if we can do a little better.

Race for the Rivers 2011- Missouri River, St. Charles County, Missouri

EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking in Missouri

The river seemed more dangerous this go around.  There was one point I was paddling, and the water appeared to have a "hill" with a divit right before.  I though that it was my eyes fooling me...no, it was a "divit"...the kayaks bow slightly went down, then up.  Very weird, considering it was probably in about 20' of fast moving water.  This is a river you want to respect!

Paddle ON!

Mike