Missouri is home to 51 different species and subspecies of snakes.  Snakes are reptiles, with bodies that are covered in scales and the same temperature as their surroundings.  Half of them lay eggs while half give birth to young that are completely developed.  All snakes can swim and shed their skin as they grow, three to five times a year.  Snakes are legless and have no external ear opening.  Harmless snakes will bite to defend themselves, merely leaving simple scratches.

Venom

What scares most people about snakes is venom.  Missouri’s venomous snakes are members of the pit viper family.  These snakes have a characteristic pit between their eye and nostril on both sides of their heads.  Venomous pit viper snakes have elliptical shaped pupils and a pair of well-developed fangs.  People often mistakenly identify snakes as poisonous because of a triangular shaped head, especially when many harmless snakes like the water snake, garter snake and hognose snake can flatten their heads and appear triangular in shape.  Harmless snakes lack the pit and fangs venomous snakes have and their pupils are round.  The most common venomous snake in Missouri is the copperhead.  Other venomous snakes include the Osage and southern copperhead, cottonmouth, massasauga rattlesnake, western pygmy rattlesnake and timber rattlesnake.  So far, there is no record of anyone dying in Missouri from a copperhead bite.

Benefits of Missouri’s Snakes

Missouri’s beneficial snake species needs more than just understanding and needless killings by misinformed people to survive.  Shelters like brush piles, rock piles and logs provide snakes with the security and the availability of mice, native rats, lizards, toads and frogs they need.  Building ponds near forested areas that are well maintained will also benefit many kinds of snakes.  Missouri’s snakes are as much a part of the landscape as its squirrels and deer.  By the same token, there are simple ways to discourage snakes from coming near buildings and campsites.  Avoid keeping burlap, dump heaps, piles of boards or rocks, fence posts, slabs of bark or scrap corrugated steel roofing near buildings and campsites as they provide hiding places for snakes and the food they eat.  Keeping areas tidy is the best way to keep snakes away from the premises.  You should also check for any openings around doors and low windows where snakes could enter.  If you do encounter a harmless snake, use a hoe or stick to relocate the snake unharmed in an isolated, safe habitat.

Encountering snakes along Missouri’s rivers and campsites is rare.  You can do your part to avoid such encounters by keeping your campsite free of debris and piles of bark, rocks and boards that attract snakes and their prey.  A better understanding of snakes can help you to overcome your fear and better enjoy your Missouri float trip.

Before you build a fire, you should know all the rules regarding campfires at your campsite.  In certain regions campfires are only allowed in designated areas, and you should never bring your own firewood.  Fires may be prohibited due to dry or unfavorable conditions.  Warnings from government agencies are in place for good reason and should be heeded.  Don’t build a fire if it’s dry or windy.  Many campsites have fire rings available.  If one is not available, you should choose a site for your campfire that’s a safe distance away from grass, trees and tents.  Clear ground litter, twigs, leaves and any organic material down to bare soil at least 10 feet around your campfire.  If possible, encircle the campfire pit with rocks.  Be sure to your site is upwind from the sleeping area to prevent any sparks or embers from catching tents or sleeping bags on fire.

When it comes to starting your campfire, avoid using gasoline or other petroleum-based products which are highly explosive.  Build your fire in stages first with small pieces of kindling, then piling small pieces of wood on top of the kindling and then by adding larger pieces of wood.  Keep your fire size manageable, with a pail of sand or water close by, and a shovel in case you need to control or extinguish the fire.  Extra firewood should be kept away from the flames, stowed upwind from the fire.  As long as the campfire is burning, someone should attend it, keeping a watchful eye for any flying sparks or embers that might land on anything flammable and any sudden gusts of wind that can spread a fire.  Extinguish the fire if conditions become unsafe, if you have to leave the campsite and before you go to bed.  To properly extinguish a campfire it must be drowned with water.  You must be sure that all embers, coals and wood pieces are wet, even soaked.  Be sure to use a shovel to turn all rocks and logs and douse any hot coals beneath them.  Any burning material should be extinguished and cooled.

Campfires are not the only source of many forest fires.  When using stoves, lanterns and heaters, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions.  Be sure all connections are tight.  To check for any leaks, put soapy water on connections.  If the soapy water bubbles, gas is seeping out and the connection will need to be repaired.  Before using stoves, lanterns or heaters, replenish the fuel supply, using a funnel to avoid spilling liquid fuels.  Refuel only when the stove, lantern or heater is cool, a safe distance from campfires, grills and open flame and always outside and away from tents and campers.  Keep flammable liquids and fuel cylinders a safe distance from your tent or camper.  Fuel lanterns and stoves should never be used inside a tent.  Battery operated lights and lanterns are a much safer option.  Only use appliances in open areas away from flammable materials.  Any cooking should be done outside, with fire extinguishers well within reach.

Safe campfires, stoves, lanterns and heaters are always attended with campers following government and manufacturer suggestions.  Keep your fires small and manageable with fire extinguishers, a bucket of sand or water and shovel nearby.

Missouri is home to some 6,300 caves at last count. By having a vast number of caves, many floaters can view them while paddling down the rivers. Just like the wildlife, caves should only be viewed from afar. Even though it may be tempting to explore a cave, these unique formations can be deadly.

In Missouri, the common saying is “If you don’t like the weather, wait a few minutes and it will change.” Thunderstorms can pop up at anytime, dumping large amounts of rain in a matter of minutes. Not only does this cause flash flooding in the Missouri waterways, it also causes flash flooding in caves. In an instant the caves that were once dry can quickly become filled to the top with rushing water.

Missouri caves support over 900 species of wildlife including, or course, bats. These species are called cave-dependent because their habitat is limited. Many of these species are sensitive to changes in their environment. For this reason, protecting these cave environments is critical to the survival of cave-dependent species. When humans go into a cave, they can cause serious damage to the cave ecosystem without even realizing it.

In ancient times, many Native American and prehistoric tribes used caves for shelter or religious reasons. They left behind paintings and items from their daily life. There are even many cave sites that contain ancient artifacts that are yet to be discovered. Since the state is abundant with caves, many are closed off to the public due to the archeological digs being done there. These artifacts can be damaged and lost due to unauthorized people entering into a cave.

The U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources all work together with scientists and cavers to help preserve and study the caves in the state. A majority of the caves are on public land. These caves fall into three classes. Class 1 caves are open to the public, Class 2 is restricted access and Class 3 is closed for various reasons. Other caves in the state are privately owned and public access is not allowed. A permit is generally required to enter many of the caves in Missouri.

If you really want a cave experience that is safe, there are many caves that offer tours. Meramec Caverns, Onondaga Cave and Fantastic Caverns for example take tours through this underground landscape. Some are even handicap accessible and children are welcome.

Next time you and a group of friends want to take a break from floating and check out a cave, do it the safe way. Many of the caves that offer tours to the public are located by popular floating destinations.

The following is a list of mosquito attractants which a person should be aware of and avoid if at all possible:

·    Dark clothing is an attractant because mosquitoes use vision to find a host from varying distances.

·    Lactic acid is released either after a person exercises or from eating certain foods such as those containing high levels of sodium and potassium.  You should avoid working out and limit sodium in the diet before attending an outdoor event in the summer, to limit mosquito attacks.

·    Carbon dioxide is given off if a person is hot or has been exercising, burning candles, torches or having a bon fire are other ways the gas is released into the air and it will act as an attractant.

·    Skin temperature can be an attractant, but the exact temperature will depend on the type of mosquito and many are drawn by lower temperatures than higher.

·    Moisture attracts mosquitoes because of the chemicals released and because it increases humidity.  Even small amounts of water, such as moist grass, plants or standing water, will also draw mosquitoes and provides a perfect breeding ground.

·    In addition to perfume, hair care products and scented lotions and sunscreens, mosquitoes also love floral fragrances which you should avoid at all costs, lest you become a bug buffet.

For those people wanting to make their own all natural bug repellant, there are many inexpensive alternatives which will effectively repel mosquitoes, but require more frequent application (every 2-hours).  Because there are so many different types of mosquitoes, a person should use a combination of different repellants to best ward off bugs.  Natural repellants include the following:

·    Oils from verbena, lavender, pine, cajeput, basil, thyme and allspice, garlic, and soybean
·    Citronella oil
·    Lemon eucalyptus oil
·    Geranium oil
·    Cinnamon oil
·    Castor oil
·    Lemongrass oil
·    Clove oil
·    Peppermint oil
·    Rosemary oil
·    Cedar oil

Remember things like sunscreens, swimming, sweating and rain can dilute the effectiveness of natural repellants, so it is important to reapply often for maximum effectiveness.  The word natural does not always imply safe, and many people are allergic or sensitive to the oils in plant extracts, so perform a spot test before slathering any on your body.  It is important to find a combination that works for you and to remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions before using any all natural bug repellants.

There are a few different types of maps that can be used, but first thing we need to know is what is a map exactly. A map is more than simply a sheet of paper with lines drawn on it. A map will most likely represent a portion of the surface of the earth as we would view it from a vertical perspective. Then we will take that view and convert it to a useable size for us. The most commonly used maps are the road maps showing the transportation routes and cities. Soil maps will show us what kind of soils we will find in those areas. If we are looking for a map to show us the structure of the earth’s crust, types of rocks, and forms of life found as fossils in an area we will need a geological map to help us find the right area. To show how a portion of the earth’s surface is being used a land use map is the best map for that.

The benefits of knowing how to use maps and compasses are simply endless. No matter where you are going or what you want to explore or discover these skills are certainly needed. A map and compass function the best when you can use them together to help you fond the place you want to go. If there ever comes a day when you get lost in the city or in the woods you will be very happy you took the time to learn such skills.

Sunscreen Lotion- This is always a must if you are gonna be out in the sun on the water all day. The last thing you want on your trip is a sun burn.

Prescription medicine- This is required only if there are certain medicines that someone has to take and can not go without. This includes inhalers as well for those with asthma.
Bug bite cream- This will come in handy because you are out in nature and when night time comes the bugs come out too. You will need to apply this right away to avoid itching and making the bite worse.

Tweezers- These great tools come in very handy if you get a tick on you or if you get a splinter. There are endless uses for tweezers so do not forget them.

Antihistamines- If you have any kind of allergies you will definitely want to take these. Nothing is more miserable than allergies without any help to deal with them.

Alcohol wipes- These will be needed in case someone does get a scrape or scratch, it will need to be cleaned. Having these wipes will prevent infection from happening.

Emergency phone number- Just in case something would happen you would have all the numbers you need. The best thing to do is to notify someone close what you are doing so they know where you are and what to do if something would happen to you.

Cell phone- This is not a must but always useful if needed. You will also want to be sure this is with the rest of your items in the waterproof container so it does not get ruined.

The best thing you can do before you leave is go to CPR and first aid classes. You never know when these skills will be useful. Safety comes first.

One popular choice for a two person canoe is the ten feet nine inch inflatable Colorado canoe. They have freshened up the look and made some valve changes as well. They have also added large motor mount grommets. The weight limit on this is five hundred pounds. This model comes in blue and hunter green. The Rio one person inflatable canoe features the same new look and is nine feet ten inches long and has a weight limit of three hundred fifty. The double person pointer K2 series also can be paddled solo with an optional spray skirt and spray deck attachment system. This canoe is fourteen feet two inches long and has a weight limit of 600 pounds.

Feather Canoes has come up with what they call the big mac. This is a light weight canoe to be enjoyed by someone who could not use the Wee lassie or wee lassie two because of their size. Most of the people who built this boat just wanted a good stable canoe to fish out of, and were not interested in speed. They were only wanting a lightweight boat that could handle the weight and not be so heavy to carry. This boat is asymmetrical because the stern section of the canoe are fuller then the bow. This is a good looking little canoe that is versatile enough to carry a heavier paddler. This means definitely over two hundred pounds. These are just a few to be listed. Just so you know even if you are bigger there are options and you are not restricted to land.

The offshore life jacket type one can be at times hot and bulky but this one will provide the most floatation. This jacket type will also keep most adults face up even if they are unconscious. This will be the best type of life jacket for a larger person. To be sure that this is the right jacket for you and it fits properly follow these steps.

1. Put the life jacket on and be sure all of the zippers, ties or straps are adjusted right and fastened firmly.
2. Raise your arms and have someone else pull on your shoulders.
3. If this jacket does not stay in place and rises above your mouth or nose try to adjust it better or you may need to find another model that suits you better.

You will always want to make sure you wear your life jacket just to be safe. Even the most experienced people on canoes can have problems so it is better to be safe.

There are many canoe styles for larger people available so be sure to get the one that suits you and your size.