The Joy of Friendship

July 9, 2017July 9, 2017 / doubledacres / Leave a comment

Long time friend David Tripp

“The greatest gift of life is friendship, and I have received it.” – Hubert Humphrey

David and I met in the second grade and thanks to FB we reconnected. David is a retired educator and a profound artist and writer. He now lives in Texas and when he comes to Missouri to visit family we always try to get together and chew the fat. We try to plan a fishing trip once a year and this past week we managed to get some fishing in.

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Rock of David

There is a rock formation on the Big River up river from the Leadwood Access that David wanted to see. I had sent him a picture of it some time ago and he did a plein air water color of it that I was very impressed with so I named it the Rock of David. He finally got to see it Friday with his own eyes and rumor is there will be another plein air watercolor of it in the future.

Since we went to view the Rock of David we decided to get some fishing time in. The river was low so we pulled the boat up on a gravel bar in the middle of the river and did some wading. We caught several fish, panfish, David caught some smallies and I caught a spotted bass. Some of the perch were the size of our hands. We both thought the day felt like a fall day.

It was a good day. We talked about the town of High Ridge that we grew up in. remembered classmates and wondered what happened to some of them. Discussed teachers and sports. Laughed. There was also a lot of quiet time so we could take a walk down memory lane alone. We shared war stories and discussed books. We solved all the world’s problems.

“Friendship is the fruit which the year should bear; it lends its fragrance to the flowers, and its in vain if we get only a large crop of apples without it.” – Henry David Thoreau

Big River

“Life is like the river, sometimes it sweeps you gently along and sometimes the rapids come out of nowhere.” – Emma Smith

It is always fun to share the beauty of this part of the river. I don’t think David was disappointed. This stretch of the river has never failed to mesmerize me every time I pass through it.

Big River

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Big River

As the sun began to sink into the western horizon I realized that this perfect day was about to come to an end. I realized how lucky I was to have a friend like David. As I watched the sun as it light seemed to make its final escape from the river the realization that the day was about to end, I realized just how we sometime overlook the importance of a good friend. To think a liberal and conservative spent the day together and didn’t kill each other. Thanks for reading my blog. I hope you enjoyed the photos of the Big River. The beauty of it is stunning and it is easy to get lost in it. Remember to be kind to one another, share the love and don’t squat with your spurs on.

. .. .

Love

July 7, 2017 / doubledacres / Leave a comment

Bourbeuse River near Union, MO

“When you look into your mother’s eyes. you know that is the purest love you can find on this earth.” -Mitch Albom, For One More Day

Today I came across a post that said,”If you could get rid of one thing in the world what would it be?”. There were answers like hate, greed, corruption, etc.. I sat and did some thinking about this and I came to the conclusion that it was the wrong question. The appropriate question would be, “What would you do to change the world?”. I would teach the world to love unconditionally. Why you say? If we were able to love unconditionally there would be no hate, corruption, greed etc.. Those things could not survive in a world that truly loved unconditionally. If a person’s heart was that full of love hate couldn’t survive.

Unconditional love in its simplest form means appreciating someone else for who they truly are. It means loving them when they are unlovable, and in spite of their imperfections and mistakes. At a deeper level, it means never, ever questioning whether you’ll feel any other way toward a person. You’ll never judge them and you will accept them for who they are. It means loving someone regardless of their race, religion, nationality and their handicaps.

“To love everyone unconditionally does not mean to give everyone your unconditional time. Sometimes, to love completely, we must never see someone again. This too is love. This is giving someone the freedom to exist and be happy, even if it must be without you.” – Veronika Tugaleva

I am a firm believer to take someone’s life, one’s heart must be full of hate. A lot of times it is blamed on child abuse during one’s childhood. That abuse fueled hate and filled that person’s heart to the point they had no regard for another person’s life and they were willing to take that person’s life without hesitation. If that individual would have been loved like a child should be, in all probability they would have never taken another person’s life.

If unconditional love ruled the world there wouldn’t be people living on the streets, crime wouldn’t exist, there wouldn’t be any corruption in our police departments or government. Unconditional love would trump the cause of all these negative things. Our children would know what respect is. It would end hunger. Wars would be non-existent.

I am a realist however and know this Utopia, so to speak, is more my imagination than a reality. A great idea and pleasant thought. Wouldn’t it be great to wake up some morning to a world like this though?

“We are the world, we are the children. We are the ones who make a brighter day so lets start giving. There’s a choice we’re making, we’re saving our own lives, its true we’ll make a better day just you and me.” – We Are The World USA For Africa

I thank you for taking the time to read my blog. I guess it would fit into a fantasy category. In my heart I think it is a beautiful thought. Be kind to one another, share the love and don’t squat with your spurs on.

The Ugliness of Failure

June 30, 2017June 30, 2017 / doubledacres / 2 Comments

“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” – Henry Ford\

Big River above Leadwood.

I had posted that I was taking a seven day float on the Big River. I planned everything except my physical abilities and the water level of the river. Some time ago around the early 80’s I busted my right foot up pretty good. Doctor said about the only thing I didn’t break was my toes. He told me he had some good news and some bad news. I said lets start with the good news. He said I might walk again but if I did it would be with a cane. I said well now lay the bad news on me since you all ready PPed pretty good on my day. He said I really don’t think you will walk again. Well, he missed that one. I do have a lot of pain from time to time with it though. I didn’t expect the river to be so low and couple that with the the extra weight of supplies, there were a lot of places that I had to get out and pull the yaks. By Sunday my ankle was swollen the size of a large grapefruit so I decided to call it quits. I have all ready started working on a better plan. I failed at what I started out to do and it makes me sick.

My rig I used on the trip.

I did manage to leave Mounts on Saturday morning around 9 am. It started out pretty well. I met some folks along the way and the day was beautiful. The back float was doing a great job. Then, then, then, BAM! The float was following right behind the yak when the current sucked into a tree and then a sudden stop. It caused the front end of my yak to go under water and then the whole yak started taking water causing a 63 year old man, who looked like a beached whale, to eject himself from his kayak. To make it worse there was an audience. I was glad to see them though. They helped me drain the kayak and get it back in the water however the tent and sleeping bag got soaked even though they were tucked into dry bags.

Big River

I am not going to accept defeat. I am all ready planning a new attempt sometime in August or September. I have to get all my supplies in one boat. I am thinking, lose the cooler and water. I am going to do some research on water filters. Secondly the only food I will carry is MREs and protein bars. That will help a lot. I am also going to have to find a good boot with support that will take the water. I really believe I will be able to do the 7 day float then.

My friend David concentrating on his fly fishing.

“Some of the best lessons we learn are learned from past mistakes. The error of the past is the wisdom and success of the future.” – Dale Turner

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. It is deeply appreciated. Be kind to one another. Share the love and don’t squat with your spurs on.

Big River

Nighttime on the River

May 16, 2017 / doubledacres / Leave a comment

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

The Beautiful Big River

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

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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.

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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.

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Largemouth Bass

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Smallmouth Bass

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

A Day on the Bourbeuse River

January 24, 2017January 24, 2017 / doubledacres / 2 Comments

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Bourbeuse River

A year ago I launched the yak on the Bourbeuse River near Union, MO. It was a nice sunny day and by 12:30 pm the temp had climbed to 44 degrees. This was a few weeks after the big flood that hit the area and as you can tell by the pics the river was dropping. I couldn’t believe the destruction on the river caused by the record flood. Some places I didn’t even recognize and this was a stretch of the river I knew well.

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Bourbeuse River

One of my dreams has always been to document the river with my camera after a snowfall. I had been hoping for a little more snow but beggars can’t be choosy. Needless to say, I pretty much had the river to myself all day. The water temp was COLD I tells ya. I sure would have hated to turn the yak over that day.

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I did manage to have a beaver stop by and visit and a hawk seemed to be following me down the river. (beaver is in pic on left and hawk in pic on right)

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Bourbeuse River

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Bourbeuse River

It was a great day. Weather was great and the river was very photogenic.

Bourbeuse River

“Have you also learned that secret from the river; that there is no such thing as time? That the river is everywhere at the same time, at the source and at the mouth, at the waterfall, at the ferry, at the current, in the ocean and in the mountains, everywhere and that the present only exists for it, not the shadow of the past nor the shadow of the future.” – Hermann Hesse, Siddhartha

Fear Not

January 17, 2017January 17, 2017 / doubledacres / Leave a comment

“Don’t be afraid of your fears. They’re not there to scare you. The’re there to let you know that something is worth it.” – C. Joy Bell C.

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Somewhere on the Bourbeuse River

As a child I was afraid of the dark. I didn’t have a night lite in my room. Nope. No night light. No siree. You kidding? I had a freaking flood light. I WAS going to see that monster under my bed before it got me and carried me off to where ever monsters take little kids. Thank the good Lord I finally out grew it.

I came across this quote some years ago and I could relate to it so easily. If they aren’t there to scare me you couldn’t prove it by me because it scared the hell out of me. I realize now that my fear of the dark was just trying to tell me that there was really something worth it and that I needed to kick this bad boy’s arse and start enjoying the dark. Finally that day arrived and I put on my big boy panties and never looked back.

When I go to the river I like to get there about 3 pm or 4 pm. Then I stay all night til about noon the next day. The rewards of being on the river at night are abundant. Normally you don’t have too many people to deal with. You don’t have to worry about getting sun burned. You are serenaded by frogs and crickets. Some nights you get to experience light shows like you have never seen. It is so alluring to experience the magical properties of the river at night. I highly recommend that everyone experience one night on the river by themselves. You won’t be sorry.

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Fire on the banks of the Big River

In closing someone has asked me what I mean by “share the love”? Simply share your “passion” or “love” of something that you do with the rest of us. Cooking, hiking. photography, kayaking etc, Whatever it may be.

Thanks for reading. Be kind to one another, share the love and God Bless each and every one of you.

“Don’t squat with your spurs on.”

REJUVENATION!

January 3, 2017January 8, 2017 / doubledacres / 8 Comments

Emerson wrote in his journal, ” I have heard a clergyman of Maine say that in his Parish are the Penobscot Indian, and that when any one of them In summer has been absent for some weeks a-hunting, he comes back among them a different person and altogether unlike any of the rest, with an eagle’s eye, a wild look, and commanding carriage and gesture, but after a few weeks it wears off again into the indolent drone like apathy which all exhibit.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

As I lie here in bed reading these words I can hear the wind howling outside my window. It is not long before my mind is filled of memories of past summers fishing and kayaking on the river. The very source that awakens my spirit and cleanses my soul. My significant other, her daughter and grandson also have a love for the river and I cherish our time together on the river. I was lucky enough to share some river time with good friends David Tripp, Mark Nelson and his grandson. We had a rather “large time”.

I always come back from my river expeditions with renewed energy, a new love for the simple things, dreams that were rekindled, a strut in my walk and a “giddy up” in my “get a long”. The fires of desire were once again burning.

When I think of these times of healing the mind, body and soul, I think of a candle. It can only burn so long before it burns out. Then we have to relight.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. Be kind to one another, share the love and God Bless each and every one of you.