Submitted by Igor Veksler – September 9-10, 2023.

Saturday, Sept. 9

This year’s paddlers converged to the Twin Bridges Resort from just about every direction: some were glamping in the campers, some were in the cabins and B&B’s, and some camped like our pioneers did hundreds of years ago, with electric fans, crock pots, and pop up tents, etc. More on that later. 

The trip initiators presented us with at least half a dozen choices of various sections of both the North Fork of the White River and Bryant Creek. On the first day, we decided on a Blair Bridge to Dawt Mill section, which was about an 8-mile track. The efficiency of the shuttle was simply amazing. We left the campground at 8 a.m., took advantage of MO Highway Patrol not enforcing a speed limit, dropped off our boats, dropped off our cars, and were back at the put-in at 9:35 a.m. Not bad for a relatively large paddling group of 20 (if you include Becky, our trusted four-legged companion).

The weather was just as amazing. Our morning temps were comfortable upper 60’s,and peaked at around 76 degrees that afternoon. The water lever was its usual “slightly low”, just enough to produce a few scraping sounds and create a few close encounters for some. Fortunately, there were no swimmers, and the water was not as cold as it has been in the past, anyway.

Our Saturday’s entertainment included an occasional Great Blue Heron, an army of turtles, a quick stop at the Patrick Bridge Public Fishing access, where we visited a beautiful Althea Springs, and a floating Rock Band (a small cluster of inner tubers who wanted everyone to know how much they enjoy good ole’ Rock and Roll). Other than that, we had the river all to ourselves.

The lunch spot was at Blair Hollow, a very interesting, tiered amphitheater-like wall that gave us a chance to rest and enjoy food and fellowship.  We reached the Dawt Mill take-out around 2 p.m. and had plenty of time to load our boats, head back to our campsites, and prepare for dinner.

Overall, it was a fantastic day on the river, our newly acquired radios worked flawlessly, and the only rule violator was our Becky, who forgot her doggie PFD and had to be closely watched.

Back at the campsite, we all gathered at Dale Anderson’s spot, where some of us enjoyed delicious chili dogs and crock pot-prepared white chicken chili that was so good, that everyone had to have seconds. Thanks to Lisa and Veronica for providing the main courses.  For dessert, Dale treated us to a homemade cake with icing.  A few folks went to town to eat at Colton’s Steakhouse, and our evening ended with a campfire, adult beverages, and breathtaking stargazing.

Unlike past years, the Twin Bridges Bar and Grill was closed due to the recent death of its owner. The employee of the resort told us that after the lease is up, they plan to acquire the place and re-open it. Perhaps there will be some beer pong and dancing in our future.

Sunday, Sept 10

The time and shuttling logistics of day two were almost identical to the day before. We chose to paddle Bryant Creek, the same section as last year. We left at 8 a.m. to drop off our boats at the Sycamore access and shuttled to the takeout at the Warren Bridge low-water access. And once again, we were back to start the paddle by 9:30.

Big thanks to Mike Dale, who did not paddle on that day but assisted with the shuttle.

Our team was considerably smaller – we had 13 paddlers and Becky. This section was 8.2 miles and since several of us wanted to get off the river early, we chose to make a couple of small stops and forego a longer lunch break. 

The weather was just as magnificent as the day before, but temps had risen to a nice and toasty 86 degrees.

Bryant Creek is a calm Class I river with occasional bluffs and clear and cool waters. The low water level did not pose any problems and we kept the steady pace that allowed us to get off the river a little after 1 p.m.  

Once again, a successful, fun, and relaxing weekend for the Bluff City Canoe Club. We welcomed our newest member, Carol Cleveland, who took astonishing photos.  We are all looking forward to next year.

The water gauge at North Fork White River at Tecumseh measured 2.91 ft both days.