Nighttime on the River

May 16, 2017 / doubledacres / Leave a comment

18447053_10154664491113041_5830265423838948826_n

Leadwood Access on Big River

” I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day.” – Vincent Van Gogh

Rain was out of the forecast for a few days so I thought I better take advantage of it so I headed for the river. I got on the river around 5 am looking for a relaxing night. I planned to set out 10 limb lines and do a little tight line fishing and naturally some bass fishing.

As I paddled up river to my turn around point, looking as I went for a place to set up camp. I don’t require much, just a place to build a fire and a place to beach the yak. I had two places in mind. As I worked my way up river I set my limb lines and would come back at dusk and bait them.

Bad news was that the river was dropping and that was going to hurt the fishing. I had a whole arsenal to throw at them and was hoping I could figure out the right combination. Didn’t take too long for them to let me know they apparently didn’t like my menu. All night fishing and all I caught that night was a channel catfish around 4:30 am.

18425205_10154666464213041_287357631761473527_n

Camp was a sand/gravel bar. I was tight line fishing off the bar. This is where I caught the channel cat. I only had one other bite. The temps had dropped into the upper 40s and it was a little brisk so I got a fire going. Now I am here to tell ya, it is hard to get a fire going with wet wood and a magnesium fire starter. McGyver would have been proud of me. I sat there in front of the fire listening to the crickets and the bull frogs. Then the yotes joined in. They gave quite the concert. I even had six of the yotes appear on the ground above where I had built the fire. I named them the showmen. They put on quite a show, yipping, barking and growling. They finally disappeared into the woods and I was alone once again on the river bank.

18424254_10154667843608041_8251118785536193272_n

Up river from Leadwood Access

It had been some time since the yotes had visited me when I looked down the river toward a bend below where I was and I noticed the moon beams creeping into the darkness. As the moon rose higher and lit more of the river up the “ghost dance” began. As the moon light reaches out into the darkness and lights the river, one can see the fog lifting off to the sky. I call it the “ghost dance” because when I see it happening I think it looks like ghosts dancing as they are lifted into the heavens.

18527958_10154666464208041_6759394671994792172_n

My fire felt good.

The sun began its ascent in the eastern sky and signaled that a new day had begun. I cleaned up camp and secured all trash in the yak and I shoved off. I started running the limb lines down river from camp and would work my way back up river. Nothing on any of the lines and a lot of them still had bait left. Oh well better luck next time.

18423962_10154664967803041_8770353785131516901_n

Largemouth Bass

On the way back down the river I managed to catch an eleven and a half inch smallmouth and Saturday evening I caught a 13 inch largemouth. My time on the river was coming to a close. I felt sadness in my heart but I also felt excitement caused by wondering what adventure would the river bring me next time.

18447052_10154666470488041_5322612215409057710_n

Smallmouth Bass

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed my adventure. Be kind to one another, share the love and don’t squat with your spurs on. God Bless you one and all

Bee Facts

May 11, 2017May 12, 2017 / doubledacres / 6 Comments

Swarm of bees

“Bees do have a smell, you know, and if they don’ they should, for their feet are dusted with spices from a million flowers.” – Ray Bradbury, Dandelion Wine

It is that time of year. Bees will start swarming. What is a swarm you ask? Swarming happens when a new queen is born in the hive for whatever reason. The new queen stays and the old queen leaves with 40 to 60 percent of the bees in the hive. A scout goes out ahead of time searching for a suitable home for the colony. When a home is found then the old queen and the bees that are with her move in.

If you see a swarm notify a local beekeeper or local beekeepers club right away. PLEASE don’t spray and kill them.

A Few Bee Facts

1) Scientists at St. Louis University believe that a toxin in bee stings called Melittin can kill HIV by poking holes into the virus’s protective envelope.

2) Bees are not native to the US.

3) Bees have two stomachs. One for eating and one for storing nectar or water so they can take it back to the hive.

4) Bees communicate through pheromones and dance.

5) A Queen lays around 1,500 eggs in one day.

6) Drones are the male bees.

7) Drones are all run off or killed in the fall.

8) Drones don’t have stingers.

9 ) Bees can only sting once and once they do they die.

10) The average worker bee makes around 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey in her lifetime.

11) Honey has natural preservatives and bacteria can’t grow in it.

12) Bees are the only insect in the world that make food that humans can eat.

13) Propolis is a sticky substance collected from the buds of trees, and used to weatherproof and plug holes in the hive, has also been found to have anti-bacterial properties.

14) People use the bees to sting an area riddled with arthritis in order to combat the effects of the disease.

I have a lot of people ask me about becoming a beekeeper. I always tell them to read as much as they can about the subject and to join their local bee club. Also look for a local beekeeper that would be willing to let you go along with them and teach you. I also recommend starting with two hives. One can buy package bees. nucs or whole hives sometimes and if you are lucky maybe catch a swarm. I usually buy a 3 pound package.

Three pound package of bees.

I plan to do more in depth stories on beekeeping in the near future. Thanks for reading my blog. Hope you enjoyed it. Be kind to one another, share the love and don’t squat with your spurs on. God Bless you one and all. If you have any beekeeping questions ask away.

The Beautiful Big River

May 5, 2017May 6, 2017 / doubledacres / Leave a comment

18010239_10154596192223041_6277849894043456657_n (1)

Big River near the Leadwood Access

“The river flows at its own sweet will, but the flood is bound in the two banks. If it were not thus bound, its freedom would be wasted. “-Vinoba Bhave

One of Missouri’s scenic river ways is located in east-central Missouri. The French called it Grande Riviere, we call it Big River. The river is around 145 miles in length. It begins in Iron County near the summit of Johnson Mountain. It flows through Washington State Park’ St. Francois State Park and the Lead Belt mining district before flowing into the Meramec River.

14088517_10153914141853041_1690051402523400180_n

Big River above Washington State Park

Big River has some good fishing and some magnificent scenery. The river holds largemouth, smallmouth, spotted and rock bass. Anglers can also find longear sunfish, bluegill, channel and flathead catfish, redhorse, suckers and drum.

14202580_10153954221183041_9095298953499340035_n

Largemouth Bass

14203379_10153954221153041_6004931827358917054_n

Smallmouth Bass

14232970_10153963553358041_5186003725170795255_n

Channel Catfish

Where the Big River flows through the old Leadbelt mining area there are pipes still visible up and down the river where they were used in the mines. I am not sure what the pipe was used for but I was told they were put in to take oxygen into the mines but I don’t know for sure. The DNR claims that there is some lead contamination and to avoid eating certain fish but I have been eating them for years and I am still alive and I don’t glow in the dark.

14102395_10153914142043041_5517971233640166969_n (1)

Big ‘River above Leadwood access.

I have fished and photographed the Big River on several occasions. I have had some great success casting, tight line and limb lines. The water levels get low in the summer months and it has flooded way out of its banks twice in the last 15 months. It is relatively shallow in most places with some deep holes scattered throughout the river. I generally fish out of my kayak and pull a lot of all nighters during the summer and the peacefulness on the river at 2 am is to die for. The nights are filled with the sounds of frogs, crickets and the occasional slap of a beaver’s tail on the water. The coyotes yip and howl and once in awhile come out onto the gravel bar close enough for you to get a good look at them. This summer two of my high school buddies and myself plan to put in on the Big River and float for 7 days and see how far we get.

Big River near Mammoth access.

“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” – Heraclitus

I hope you found the blog interesting. Thanks for reading. Remember to be kind to one another, share the love and don’t squat with your spurs on.

Early Morning on the Bourbeuse River

March 16, 2017 / doubledacres / Leave a comment

13938440_10153900400868041_1467869205937348889_n

Bourbeuse River near Union, MO

“In rivers, the water that you touch is the last of what has passed and the first of which comes; so with present time.” Leonardo da Vinnci

It was an early fall morning. The temperature was in the forties and the fog seemed to be dancing as it rose from off the water. As I shoved the yak off the boat ramp and out into the moving water my heart began to race with excitement. The fog was so thick that it was blocking sunlight and it was somewhat of an eerie sight. Fish had all ready began feeding and you could hear and see them hitting the top of the water. I quickly paddled upstream to a point in the river where I would turn the yak downstream and fish my way back to the boat ramp.

I reached my destination and pulled up on a gravel bar and prepped my rod and reels and chose the baits I would tie on. I slowly began my way back down the river and began casting. Around the fifth cast I felt something pick up the Charlie Slider worm and take off with it. I set the hook and the fight was on. It wasn’t very big but I was using an ultra light with 4 pound test line which made it feel like a 5 pounder.

11231688_10153106875803041_2925017138980132812_n

Small largemouth bass.

As I floated and fished my mind began to work overtime. I wondered; did Native Americans ever float this area, who was the first settlers that found this area, what is the biggest bass that was ever caught here etc.. I thought to myself how grateful I am to be able to see the beauty of the river first hand and experience the peacefulness that abounds in the early morning hours on the river.

11990378_10153165676898041_5889777444624569250_n

Bourbeuse River

As I floated around a bend in the river and eyed two deer drinking water at the end of a sand bar. I was almost close enough to touch them when they noticed me and bolted into the woods. Further down the river i came upon a beaver who wasn’t very happy with me trespassing on his part of the river. Wildlife is abundant on the river this morning.

11855688_10153107735468041_6490598478648465203_n

Bourbeuse River

As I approach the boat ramp I am overcome with some sadness as the morning float comes to an end. It was a great morning. The batteries were recharged and the mind was cleansed and the soul rejuvenated. Caught some fish and filled my mind with the beauty of the river. Life is good.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I hope you enjoyed and if you did be sure to let me know. Be kind to one another, share the love and God Bless you one and all.

A Day on the Lake

February 19, 2017 / doubledacres / Leave a comment

“Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.” Henry David Thoreau

What a beautiful day in southeast Missouri! I never did hear what the high was today but it had to be in the seventies. My significant other told me I needed to go fishing this morning and I thought about it. Longest two seconds of my life. Now to decide where to go. I was torn between the river and the lake and finally decided to load the yak and head to Bismark Lake in Bismark, MO.

As I approached the boat ramp and laid an eyeball on the parking lot, I knew it wasn’t going to be a good day for fishing. I counted seventeen boat trailers. Bismark isn’t a huge lake, it only consists of 210 acres. That is when Thoreau’s quote went off in my head. It was a beautiful day, I had my camera with me and it was a great day to relax. After all, that is why I came. If the fish were biting that would just be an added bonus.

Bismark Lake

I unloaded the yak and loaded my gear into it. I headed across the lake where I had caught fish before. As I paddled across the lake I couldn’t believe all the boats on the water. I thought to myself, I wonder how many of these guys knew they really weren’t after fish. I chuckled out loud and continued my trek across the lake.

Soft shell turtle sun bathing

Well I am hear to tell you, those fish had lock jaw I tells ya! I threw everything I had at them (forgot the dynamite). I didn’t get to the lake til eleven. When I saw all of those boat trailers I knew any place I fished would have all ready been fished hard. Talk about PPing on my parade. Oh well it adds new meaning to “The early bird gets the worm.” Like my mom used to tell me,”That’ll learn you dern you.”

Bismark Lake

Even though I didn’t catch any fish it was a great day to be outside, on the lake, in the yak and spent a good half hour trying to get a pic of a beaver. He was really camera shy. Maybe he was afraid the camera would steal his soul.

Bismark Lake

Soft shell turtles

Well the time came to head back to the truck. My spirit had been recharged and my soul cleansed. I had been fishing in the back of a cove that was sheltered from the wind. As I made my way out into the main body of the lake I noticed there was some choppy water ahead. The waves would be hitting the side of the yak. Not an idea situation and the first attempt almost sent me swimming. I finally decided on another approach that would change the way the waves would hit the yak and after great effort I made it back to the ramp.

Bismark Lake

Thanks for reading my blog. I hope you enjoyed it and if you ever want to fish Bismark Lake I would be glad to give you a tour of the lake. Be kind to one another, share the love and God Bless you one and all.

The River

February 17, 2017 / doubledacres / 1 Comment

Big River near Leadwood, MO

Too many times we stand aside and let the waters slip away

’til what we put off ’til tomorrow has now become today

so don’t you sit upon the shoreline and say you’re satisfied

choose to chance the rapids and dare to dance the tide…

Garth Brooks/ The River

Hello everyone! How about this weather in the midwest? It feels like May has arrived early. Very mild temps and lots of sunshine. I definitely have “River Fever”. I can hear it calling my name.

Big River near Leadwood, MO

Ever since I was knee high to a grasshopper I have been drawn to the river. It is a place where I can go and relax and recharge at the same time. It is a great place for photographers and artists to attempt to capture the beauty of nature. Time spent at the river will mend a broken heart and help a person to deal with the death of a person close to them. The perfect place to meditate, clear your head, and do nothing at all. A place to take the family and enjoy time spent together.

14203315_10153963553328041_5930352016865734789_n

Smallmouth Bass caught on the Big River

I am an avid fisherman and kayaker. I love spending time on the river in my yak and fishing. Some days I even put bait on the hook. I usually fish using an ultra light rod and reel with 4 pound test line.

Bourbeuse River near Union, MO

I love the mystique of the river. When I float and fish a new section of river my mind begins to wander, what is around the bend? How deep is the water. Who has been here before me. Did early settlers use this river? etc..

My favorite time on the river is night time for sure. You aren’t living until you have been serenaded by a bunch of chirping crickets and croaking frogs with a beaver keeping time with the rhythm by slapping its tail on the water and the distant howling of the coyotes. Natures own natural choir. The stars twinkle bright and sometimes you get to see a shooting star. The river takes on a whole new life when the sun sets and darkness falls upon the river.

13466126_10153774100458041_8368426817644974026_n

Big River near Leadwood, MO

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. If you haven’g taken the time to explore the rivers I hope I have piqued your interest to do so. Be kind to one another, share the love and God Bless you one and all.

Hawn State Park

February 12, 2017February 12, 2017 / doubledacres

Pickle Creek in Hawn State Park near St Genevieve, MO

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be.” – Anne Frank

What a beautiful day here in the Show Me State, Missouri. Mind boggling weather I tells ya! I don’t know what the high was today but temps were in the sixties. I have a feeling we are going to pay for this beautiful February weather we have been having. Well me and the little woman decided to take a trip to Hawn State Park.

Cripple Creek

Hawn State Park is located in Ste. Genevieve county near Ste. Genevieve. The park is made up of 4,953 acres and was established in 1955.Inside the park boundaries are three state designated Natural Areas. They are Pickle Creek, LaMotte Sandstone Barrens, and Botkin’s Pine Woods.

Bluff on Cripple Creek

The park offers camping, fishing, picnicking, and has three trails for hiking:Whispering Pine Trail – 10 miles, Pickle Creek Trail – 1 mile and White Oak Trail. There are 9 campsites open all year. They have fifty camp sites. They have full service and primitive sites. There are also some walk-in sites. They also have a day use area for picnicking and an open picnic shelter that can be reserved.

Cripple Creek

“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” – John Burroughs

How many of you out there have and have not took advantage of states’ park systems? If you have never taken the time to just go somewhere and immerse yourself into the serene, peaceful, relaxing atmosphere of nature it is time you make plans to do it “yesterday”. Have some alone time with mother nature and let her have the time needed to heal you. I use that time to recharge my spirit and to cleanse my soul. You will also learn a lot about yourself.

Cripple Creek

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I hope you enjoyed it. Be kind to one another, share the love and God Bless you one and all.

Glow in the Park

January 29, 2017January 29, 2017 / doubledacres / Leave a comment

“Love of beauty is taste. The creation of beauty is art.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

It was a beautiful night at Engler Park in Farmington, MO. Hot air balloons were plentiful and the air was charged with electricity. Everyone was waiting for darkness to fall so the balloonists would light up the night with the glow of their balloons.