new article in St.L. Mag re Chain of Rocks

I really enjoyed that. On more than one occasion I've paddled an hour up river for one of those Meramec driftwood eddy-lines referenced. Yep, it's good to be a MO whitewater paddler.

Rory

Really enjoyed the writing, and the reminder of what an odd landscape that is around the islands below the Chain. I used to paddle there with "Otis" Campbell and Brian Anderson many years back. Odd currents and flow going two different directions on either side of a long sand berm.... Freddie

Awesome article! Very well written. I love the interjected stories Thanks for sharing, and good job Mike B!

" I've paddled an hour up river for one of those Meramec driftwood eddy-lines referenced" Are you talking about the elbow shaped log in the middle of the river, up close to green's cave? I played on that for like an hour on Sunday It's fun being early in the learning curve. I love reading articles like this about the chain, it's only 20 miles away, but at my skill and nerve level it seems almost mythical. Maybe another season or two....

John

Great article! It just reminds you that adventure can be found anywhere if you go looking for it. Reminds me of this spring when I got dropped off for a solo run on Town Creek in Alabama. The whitewater was pretty mellow and I made it to the lake quickly after admiring 10ish bald eagles. As I hadn't been there before and recent tornadoes had leveled everything, I got confused finding the hike out location, and got more confused after being misdirected by some local fisherman. Eventually, after paddling several extra lake miles, I just went to where my instincts were telling me the trail should be, walked into woods, and there's the trail 25 yards in. 30 minutes later I was back at the cemetery where I left my car just as darkness was taking over.

Jim

Thanks! I'm glad you guys enjoyed it.

I've been out of town, so I finally got to check out the print version.

I have a story about taking beginners to the Saint and other rivers that will be out in the fall or winter AW Journal. It will have photos by EJ, Bilbo, and Johnnie Bling--and the photos feature a number of MWA paddlers.

Also, a side note: I'm working on a story about whitewater/river dogs. If any of you have any good shots of dogs next to or in the river, wearing life jackets, sitting in rafts, or being forced to stay put in the front of an IK through a rapid by a stressed out owner--I am interested (please send me a PM if you need my email). And you might get to see your photo in print if I can get a whitewater mag to take the story. Thanks!

Mike