It has been several months since I went on my very first float trip…and I can still see and feel the experience as if it was yesterday!

Several years ago I saw an article in the newspaper for the River of Life Farm and filed it away for future reference. I realized I could not let another year go by without going on a float trip. After much deliberation the time had come for me to experience what turned into one of those adventures of a lifetime.

After rescheduling my float trip many times I finally arrived at The River of Life Farm. (Myron and his wife were so patient with me!)

I appreciate and chuckle now, but Myron and his wife had some misgivings about the ability of this 50+year old woman going on a float trip alone. Myron’s wife so graciously offered to float with me but I politely declined since I felt I needed to do this on “my own” (Gee--who would have guessed there IS a front and back to a canoe!).

I collected all my gear and Myron drove me up to a spot he and I agreed would be a great place for me to start---a very mild section of the river, which would take me about an hour to float. He put the canoe in for me, I loaded my gear and he steered me in the right direction.

Unfortunately, the canoe didn’t want to stay that way. The current turned me backwards several times. Finally, I got the hang of paddling, steered the canoe the right way, and was off on my adventure. 

The day was a most gorgeous day in October. The skies were blue, the breeze soft, the fall colors radiant, and the sun sparkling on the water. The water, gently flowing over the creek bed, was so clear I could see the greenery lazily swaying with the current. The rocks on the riverbed were smooth—everything had such a soft relaxing feel to it. I thought this is “Paradise!” 

What I noticed most was the absolute peace and quiet that surrounded me. The ripple of the water (on this stretch of river) even had a hushed flow about it. The only noise audible was my paddle hitting the water or on the side of the canoe. I immediately tried to maneuver the paddle so that no noise was made, envisioning myself as an Indian paddling down the river.

I really enjoyed the solitude and the challenge thinking ---hey, not bad for a beginner---this float stuff is all right!

I came to my stopping point with some time left before I needed to go take care of my mother that afternoon. Myron came out and enquired if I wanted to go on farther. The next jaunt of the float was 1 and ˝ hours, ending at Blair Bridge. I thought---sure. This is a piece of cake---a delicious piece of cake.

Myron mentioned that just around the bend (about a block farther down) were some falls. I could either go around them or over them. I said “o.k.” and was on my way.

Well in hindsight, I should have asked Myron what The Falls were and find out which way do I go to avoid them!

Before I approached The Falls—I heard them. I realized at that moment there was no way I could “stop to ponder” which direction I should go to avoid the falls. I went with the current right over the falls capsizing immediately! What a rude awakening! Talk about an adrenaline surge---in the cold water I had to get my bearings, gather my belongings, catch the paddle, and deal with a canoe full of water---all at once. (I am grateful it was not real deep water!) I had a dickens of a time trying to get the canoe emptied of water. I ended up using my drinking cup to pitch out the water. I Finally got the canoe emptied, my things wrung out, turned the canoe in the right direction and was on my way again.

So much for the nice peaceful smooth current of the upper run. I paddled for awhile and heard the now familiar sound of turbulent water. I automatically braced myself and hoped I would not tip this time! These rapids were actually tiny, but still a challenge for me to maneuver. What relief when I hit smooth water without any mishaps!

I hit about 5 such areas on the river—even though they were small, I really had to have my wits about me. Definitely this run was more scary, challenging and exhausting for me. I had begun to think I should have quit while I was ahead. Then I saw some sights that will forever stay in my mind and stand out much more than the wet clothing, the exhaustion and the fear of capsizing.

What I saw was the sight of some pretty blue birds (Kingfishers) skimming the water. There were several ducks with unusual markings (Woodies). Two turtles (one gray and one black), the size of supper plates, were sunning on a partially submerged branch. Beneath me in the clear water—were large fish swimming. Ahead of me on one bend of the river, were two deer drinking water and when they saw/heard me they scampered off, splashing water as they went. A bit later I looked up through the sun drenched leaves with the blue sky as the background and there was this beautiful bald eagle flying gracefully! I could hardly believe my eyes! If only I had a camera!

As I rounded the last bend I saw the bridge, probably ˝ mile away. I thought—oh boy, nearly there! As it turned out my relief was premature. I encountered a breeze that did it’s best to keep me from the bridge. No matter how hard I struggled to keep the canoe pointed straight into the wind—like slicing through the air---the breeze just turned me around and pushed me to shore just like I was a feather! This happened to me at least four times. Completely exhausted---I didn’t care how I made it to the bridge so I paddled to shore backwards! Myron arrived a few minutes later---and I got into the truck not feeling my arms or legs. I wondered if I would be able to get out of bed the next morning.

Well- I did fine the next day and look back on my experience as liberating. My family cannot believe that I did such a thing! The tranquility I experienced on the first run and the sights I saw on the second run will always be with me and make me treasure every bit of it.

At first I thought Myron and his wife should have named the place “Paradise” but then realized the name “River of Life Farm” is so much more appropriate! In more ways than one the river gives life to all people, animals and nature who partake of the wonders the river has to offer.

I highly recommend the River of Life Farm for anyone---it is more than jut a place to float. Myron and his family really treasure and take care of the natural wonder outside their door. I want to say a big THANK YOU to Myron and his family for sharing that beauty with others! 

Call today to make your Reservations!

River of Life Farm
RR. 1 Box 4535
Dora, MO 65637
417-261-7777
Myron@RiverofLifeFarm.com