Bluff City Canoe Club

Rivers and Events

The Jacks Fork River, Eminence, Missouri

Trip Report from October, 2003

Photos of the River and the campground. (click each “jpg” file to view) (use your browsers “back” button to return to this page)

We had a perfect fall weekend on Oct. 11th and 12th. It rained on Thursday and Friday morning here and there. But, the rain brought the river up 2 inches on Saturday according to Ed, who had been there since Wednesday. That extra water allowed us to float the upper part of the Jack's Fork, which Ed said he had never been able to float previously due to lack of water. I have only floated that section twice myself in 24 years. It really reminds me of the Arkansas Buffalo or the upper Big Piney, because of the bluffs and a lot faster water with some small rapids. We actually had to "jump a log" with our canoes in one rapid, because that was the only way to get down the river, without having to portage. Afterwards, when everyone had made it safely over the log, we called it "jumping the log", a new river maneuver. The leaves were already turning red and yellow in Missouri and it was a beautiful sight to see from the river. We all enjoyed the Arts & Crafts Show at Harvey's Canoe and Campground, after getting off the river about 2:30 pm. At six, everyone gathered at Peggy & Ed's campsite for a wonderful "Potluck Dinner". We had Rotel Chicken, Taco Salad, and Red Beans & Rice with Polish Sausage, Fruit Salad, Deviled eggs, Couscous, Sliced Ham, Pasta Salad and lots of Fruit. Thanks to Peggy & Ed for being such gracious hostesses for this event. Also, thanks to Ed & Richard for chopping up logs and bringing enough firewood that we had a roaring campfire both Friday and Saturday night. We had seven canoes for this float, which was really a good number for everyone to have a good time. Sunday morning, we woke up to a beautiful sunny day and everyone chose to make a leisurely trip back to Memphis. Oh, I almost forgot, the Park Service again had a "story telling" over by the Alley Springs Mill and a "haunting walk" thru the cemetery across the road from the Mill. We had about six people go over there to enjoy the "Haunting" on Saturday night after the Potluck. Hope we get to float the "Upper Section” or" Bay Creek to Alley Springs" next year!

Jean Kendall, Trip Coordinator.

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