Overnight on the Eleven Point - 6/11-12/2022

Submitted by Paul Beebe

It was a warm partly cloudy morning on June 11 when 17 Bluff City Canoe Club members and two dogs embarked on an 11+ mile cruise down the Eleven Point River.  After shuttling vehicles, we put on the water at about 10:45 am.  The river was right at 4 ft. on the Bardley gauge, which meant we had good water all the way.  At that water level, Mary Decker shoals was not much of an obstacle.
  
Our boat count included 15 kayaks/solo canoes and one tandem canoe.  The tandem canoe took on water a couple of times, spilling the occupants into the cold water.  It had gotten pretty warm by this time so I am not sure whether the spills were intentional or not.  It did feel good to get in the water.  

Teresa Beebe is one brave soul as she took Quincy and Hank, our 70 lb. and 90 lb. dogs, with her in her Discovery 119 solo canoe.  She had one close call where she got against a log and took on a little water, but the boat remained upright with her and the dogs still in it.  But then, she is an awesome paddler.  As one paddler remarked, the trip became known as the “Sit down, Hank!” paddle.  The pooches did great and did not jump out.  Well, Hank did jump out when about 10 yards from the take out.  There was just too much going on and he could not wait any longer!

We made the customary stop at Turner’s Mill for lunch, and of course, had to walk up to the spring. Several of us just couldn't resist getting in the water at the spring.  That is just what you have to do!!!!  The water literally gushes out of the side of the mountain.  For those readers who are not familiar with this area, Turner’s Mill is the site of an old mill town known as Surprise, MO. The town had its own post office from 1895 until 1925.  The old school house is still standing.  All that is left of the old mill is the 25 foot steel overshot wheel. It is a must stop if you are in the area.  You can actually drive to it.

After lunch, it was on to the take out at Whitten Access where we loaded up boats and headed back to camp.
  
Eleven of us had a celebratory dinner out at Corn Fed Rascals in Alton, MO. The food was good; the desserts even better!

Sunday morning was a lazy morning. A few of us hiked to Greer spring, which is the second largest spring in Missouri.  It is a 2 mile round trip hike down to the spring.  It is well worth your time.  Susan Redmon, Teresa, and I were not done yet.  We drove to Falling Springs, which is about 9 miles north of Greer Crossing.  This was also the site of an old mill.  The mill building and a log cabin are still standing. 
It is well worth a visit.

Trip Details:

      • River gauge at Bardley (USGS gauge number 07071500) – 4.01 ft.
      • Put In: Greer Crossing Recreation Area
      • Take Out: Whitten Access
      • River Miles: 11.1 
      • Campground: Richard’s Canoe Rental on Hwy 19.

Note about the campground.  There are 4 RV sites with water, 30 AMP electric, and sewer.  The sites are grass, with no picnic tables or fire rings.  The tent area is basically a big open field with big trees.  There are no designated sites, which is great for a group as everyone can camp together.  There are fire rings and picnic tables in the tent area.  The bathrooms and showers are…rustic, but okay.  Jason, the owner is super nice and was so accommodating for our group.  I’ll stay there again.

There is also a nice campground at Greer Crossing, which is where the river access is.  It is a Forest Service campground with vault toilets.  No showers and no electricity.