Missourians know delight of rollin' on rivers

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Missourians know delight of rollin' on rivers

A weekend trip can include camping or staying at a local resort (the Vacation Guide includes several resorts and outfitters among its advertisers). But if all you have is a day or an afternoon, don’t worry. You’ll still have lots of fun. And to ensure a more secluded trip, away from the crowd, go on a weekday.

To avoid unforeseen problems on your float trip, take some advice from the Boy Scouts and be prepared.

• Pack your food and drinks in a cooler. Pack  the cooler with plenty of ice in plastic bags. Be aware many places do not allow styrofoam coolers, and never bring glass containers on the river.
• It’s sunny out on the water. To avoid burning, wear hats with brims and take — and use — sun block. You’re in a boat and will be swimming or wading, so wear bathing suits. But have T-shirts and perhaps shorts to put on over the suits. They’re easy to pull off for a quick dip but, again, will prevent a nasty sunburn as you glide down the river in the sun for several hours.
• Take a flashlight and make sure the batteries are fresh. Your float trip could run late, it could get dark or stormy. A flashlight is never a bad accessory.
• Bring insect repellent. When you stop on the riverbank or sandbar, you’ll probably need it.
• Wear canvas shoes, such as sneakers or boat shoes. Make sure your shoes fit tightly, because if you wade or fall in loose shoes or sandals will just fall off into the water.
• If you fish, bring fishing equipment (including your fishing license). You can fish from the canoe or from the shore. Just remember to be careful not to snag a boating companion.
• Float trips are a great place to do some bird and wildlife watching, as well as spotting wild flowers growing along the banks. Bring binoculars. And bring some plastic bags to keep the binoculars and other items you’ve brought safe so they don’t get wet.
• Leave a change of clothes and some towels in the car. That way you avoid driving home in wet, sand-filled clothes. You usually can change at the outfitter’s facility.