|
Entering the
Ozark Mountains is something that is hard to describe. The rolling
hills, the trees, flowers and Mother Nature are in full bloom this time
of year. We drove in from Memphis, heading north to West Plains, MO
where we took a beautiful country road, CC Hwy. If you’ve been there,
then you know how gorgeous a drive it is. After about an hour, we came
upon Hwy 181 and headed south to Dora, MO. At an old country store, we
veered off the main road and started on what looked like a driveway. At
first, you’re on pavement, but that soon ends and you’re driving the
dirt roads of rural Missouri. On April 30, 2010, Dora had suffered a
devastating tornado where houses were torn apart and trees everywhere
were toppled. The local farmers had banded together and cleared the
hundreds of trees from blocking the road. It resembled something like a
World War II battlefield. The trees remaining hung over the road like a
large umbrella and the light was streaming through like swords from
heaven. As we progressed down this one car path, we started seeing signs
for River of Life Farms and then, on the left we noticed this structure
labeled, “Hillbilly Phone Booth!” Apparently, this is the one and only
spot that you are able to get cellular signals. We tried it out and they
are right!
Soon, we were heading down a very steep grade and the
small signs on the side of the road were announcing the “Tree Top
Cabins” that we were going to be staying in. Soon after, we were
rounding a sharp left turn at the bottom of the hill and were assaulted
by the most beautiful valley I’ve seen in years! River of Life Farms
encompasses about 300 acres of the Ozark Mountains and lies right on the
North Fork of the White River. A blue ribbon trout river, where the
water runs slow and the fish bite hard!!
I was expecting a modest turn out of about 10
Veterans, but was surprised by a gathering of about 150 people, mostly
from the local area to show support of our American Troops and injured
Veterans. They had decorated a lawnmower to look just like a flying
eagle and while driving it around, the wings were flapping in the wind
like a patriotic bird. We could hear some blue grass music coming from
inside the lodge and got a drift of the familiar smells of bar-b-que and
hamburgers. As we approached the crowd, we were greeted with warm
smiles, tight handshakes and lots of love. The people of Dora, Missouri
are generous, warm and wonderful Christians.
We sat talking for about an hour or so swapping
stories and sharing fishing memories (or lies depending who was
listening). We made new friends, got reacquainted with old friends and
then retired for the evening to our Tree Top Cabin. As you approach the
cabin, it looks like any other country house. But when you enter, it
explodes into a 5-Star suite, with full kitchen, leather sofas and soft
beds. When we walked out onto the back deck, we had a view of the valley
below that took your breath away. You could see a section of the river
called “The Falls.” There was a constant sound, like a waterfall, and
you could almost smell the mist.
The following morning, we woke up and had a light
breakfast. A crew from The Outdoor Channel was there to film this
weekend’s PHWFFI trip. I was chosen as one of the Veterans to be filmed.
We got hooked up with our guides, got the film crew on board and headed
out for a full day on the river.
The day was perfect for weather, a light jacket in
the morning and short sleeves that afternoon. The peace and serenity of
the river is something that can only be experienced. For the first in
several months, I was able to relax and just enjoy myself. Right off the
bat, I caught the largest, heaviest, most fighting 4” fish I’ve ever
seen! My next was a beautiful Rainbow Trout with bright colors and lots
of vigor. One of the other Veterans, Chris Cobb, was king for the day
for catching the most fish.
At noon, we stopped on an island and broke out the
sandwiches and soda. It was a great time for all our fish “stories” that
came up that day. The air was filled with laughter, lies and flies. Soon
after lunch, we were on our way again. The fishing was a little slow,
and the river was running faster than normal due to all the flooding and
storms in the past month, however, we all caught our share of Rainbow
Trout and had a great time doing so.
At 3:00 pm, we headed back to the lodge, had a
wonderful dinner prepared by the ROLF chef and retired for the evening.
Myron McKee, the owner and operator, has invited
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. back anytime we would like and
is planning a few events that will benefit the Volunteers, Soldiers,
Disabled Veterans and their families.
Rick Trowbridge
The Heartland Region Coordinator
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc.
7042 Naples Drive
Cordova, TN 38018
River of
Life Farm
RR. 1 Box 4535
Dora, MO 65637
417-261-7777
Myron@RiverofLifeFarm.com
|
