Staying in an RV is much cheaper and more comfortable than staying at a motel or resort. Even with the current costs of gas figured in, it is still much cheaper to spend the week in your own RV than it is to pay for a week in a hotel or vacation condo and paying for the costs of eating out and other expenses.

Yes, towing an RV is more costly in terms of gas, but think about the fact that a large hotel or vacation resort leaves a much larger carbon footprint than a small RV does. Living in small spaces conserves energy, so the gas tank is just one drawback, but there are considerably more pluses.

To offset the guilt someone may be feeling about the large expense of filling an RV up with gasoline, be as green and earth friendly as possible when traveling. Use only non-toxic cleaning products and think about the wastes you generate and water you put into the ground. Bring bicycles with you when you travel and shop at local farmers markets and have some solar panels installed on the RV to minimize your impact on the environment.

RV camping in Missouri offers a family the chance to get away from it all and for a small rental fee; it is possible to rent a nice campground location which comes complete with everything you need. RV camping offers you the chance to get back to nature, but still being able to do it in comfort. RV’s are becoming lighter-weight, more energy efficient and increasingly innovative in terms of being environmentally friendly.

Camping in an RV allows a family to get closer to nature, but not hide from it in a stuffy, padded hotel room. RV”s can be comfortable, private and in some cases even luxurious, but they also allow the camper to have the beauty of being in natural surroundings. The joy of sitting around the campfire telling stories and hearing the leaves rustling in the trees and the nighttime twinkling stars are the highlights of any camping trip and for those using an RV, these things are still possible.

RV’s are comfortable, offer security and can allow a family to enjoy all the benefits of the outdoors while still being protected in the comfort of a camper. Try saving money, being environmentally friendly and expanding your horizons and try RV camping in Missouri, it is an experience everyone in the family is sure to enjoy and remember.

While consuming alcohol is strongly associated with unacceptable conduct in the park and while authorities are not banning it, there are new measures in place to deal with rowdy people.  The new regulations place a ban on “beer bongs,” and similar devices.  Those individuals in possession of beer bongs and similar equipment will receive a citation.  Jello shots and/or other gelatin based alcoholic beverages will also be banned and the individual bringing it into the park will be cited.

It is a matter of using common sense and exercising caution and limiting oneself to a responsible amount of alcohol.  Adult visitors are being asked to only bring in one six-pack of beer or similar quantities of alcohol beverages per day.  People floating in canoes and rafts should bring in a cooler the size of 48-quarts or smaller, unless camping along the river.  When people are intoxicated and floating, it can be as deadly as drunken driving and it is important for everyone to be safe on the river.

People gathering and making an exorbitant amount of noise will be discouraged and park rangers will be strictly enforcing sound level laws.  There will be no noisy blasting of stereo systems, air horns or dangerous “dry ice” bombs.  There will also be no jumping from rocks or cliffs and rope swings within the park will also be banned to reduce injuries, cut down on parties and make sure everyone is safe.

The use of polystyrene or Styrofoam food and beverage coolers is also prohibited because they frequently wind up as trash in the river and pose a danger to wildlife and are a source of pollution.  When canoes flip over in the river, coolers can lose their lids or break, which results in the spilling of contents, however foam bait containers will still be allowed for fishermen.  It is not about stopping people from having a good time, but it is about protecting everyone and making sure the parks and rivers stay clean and safe at all times.

All drugs and underage drinking are strictly prohibited and the laws will be vehemently enforced, as well as laws which outlaw glass containers, disorderly conduct, public nudity, profanity and littering.  Distributing or accepting Mardi Gras beads is also prohibited and people caught doing it will be cited and fined.  The National Park Rangers and various Missouri law enforcement agencies will be working together to crack down on violators and will cite or arrest troublemakers and kick people out of the parks.  Observant visitors will notice a vast influx of uniformed and plainclothes officers on the river and throughout the park; because there is a great need to enforce public safety.

If you have not visited the Ozark Riverways recently, now is the time to come back and have some summer fun.  The presence of rangers and law enforcement officers has been making a real difference in the past few years and by cracking down on unacceptable and deviant behavior, now more than ever the parks and riverways are family friendlier.  If you are wondering what to do with your family this summer, visiting the Ozark Riverways is a great way to have some fun and make some memories.

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. 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.

Bats in general have gotten a bad rap due to the myths surrounding them due to popular books and movies.  This disinformation has caused many people to fear these fascinating animals.  The truth is, bats are an important part of the food chain in nature.  For instance, all of the bats that are native to Missouri feed only on flying insects.  By selectively feeding on only flying insects, they help to keep the insect population in check.  So, instead of thinking of bats as a nuisance, look at them as nature’s bug zapper and their role in the food chain become quite clear.

Since the bats feed only on flying insects, the maneuvers that they perform in mid air are quite a spectacle to watch.  Bats begin this feeding frenzy on insects by capturing the insects in their mouths.  The bats use their leathery wings or tail membranes to scoop them out of the air.  The bat then reaches down mid flight to pop the insect in their mouth.  This is the reason why many people enjoy watching these flying acrobats in the evening hours as they perform spectacular dance.

Many of us have heard the saying “blind as a bat”.  Even though bats may appear to not have very good eyesight, they actually can visually detect small insects flying around them.  Bats also rely on echolocation to hunt flying bugs.  Echolocation works as a form of sonar.  The bat will emit high frequency pulses that bounce off their prey in order to locate them.

Watching bats can be a fun activity while sitting outside in the evening hours during the summer months.  Bats can often be seen swooping around streetlights feeding on all those pesky summertime bugs.  Even though watching bats at safe distance is fine, it is not all right to explore caves that the bats use to roost in during the daytime.  This cannot only be dangerous for humans; it can also be dangerous for the bats.  Like any other type of wildlife, the presence of humans can disrupt breeding, nesting and hibernation patterns.

Missouri bats are a vital to the ecosystem.  They help to control many of the nocturnal insects that are native to Missouri.  Farmers are fans of bats because they eat many of the bugs that can be detrimental to cops such as corn and wheat.  The mosquito for instance can become a huge problem for many people in the summer months.  It is hard to step outside in the evening without getting bitten by these blood-sucking insects.  Bats love to feast on mosquitoes and help to keep these pesky bugs at bay.

Before bats were feared by many people, but through education that is starting to change.  The Missouri bat population is an important part of the food chain not only to other animals, but also to humans.  So instead of fearing them or looking at them in disgust, just think of them of nature’s little bug zapper in the summer months.

Contest Ended. Winners at bottom of post.

Get Soaked This Summer with FloatMissouri.com’s Summer Float Trip Giveaway

We’ve partnered up with several float trip outfitters from around Missouri and have created a great contest.

Grand Prize: A tube trip for 8 people, a $50 Wal Mart Gift Card (for camping supplies) and two memory foam pillows (for your tent!)

Float Trip: Compliments of Big Spring RV Camp – choose any of the float trips described at CurrentRiver.com. Includes tubes and shuttle for up to 8 people and cooler tubes on the spring fed crystal clear Current River in the heart of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

Gift Card: From FloatMissouri.com – our first prize winner gets a $50 Wal Mart gift card to use on camping supplies for the float trip!

Pillows: The folks over at STLBeds have graciously donated two memory foam pillows for your camping pleasure!

Second Prize: A Two Day Float Trip on the Eleven Point River

Compliments of Richard’s Canoe Rental – 1 canoe for a two day trip with 1 night free tent camping.

Third Prize: Two Nights’ Camping & Float Trip

Compliments of Caplinger Mills River Front Resort – A free 2 night Electric/Water campsite; $50 value; Plus canoe for 2 $30 Value.

Fourth Prize: A One Day Float Trip

Compliments of Richard’s Canoe Rental – Two canoes for a 1 day trip with two nights free camping.

How Do I Win?

You can win the Super Soaked Summer Contest by simply liking our facebook page.  All past Facebook fans are automatically entered into the drawing!

Fine Print
Yeah, we gotta have it, sorry. Must be 18 years of age.  Winners must claim prizes by June 30, 2011 or they will be forfeited.  Winners will be notified via email and prizes will be mailed to winners.  Float trips must be redeemed during the month of July, 2011.

Winners

If you are named as a winner, you have until June 30 to claim your prize.  You must email us (info@floatmissouri.com) by 11:59pm June 30, 2011.

Grand Prize: Sable Sparks

Second Place Prize: Tim Coleman

Third Place Prize: James Marvin Casteel

Fourth Place Prize: Johnathan Lee Best

Congratulations to the winners!  If you did not win, stay tuned to our site for our next float trip giveaways!

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.

The nymph of the 13-year cicada spends almost their whole lives living underground.  The nymphs feed off of the juices of plants and tree roots at depths of 1 foot or more.  While living underground they go through five development stages before they emerge from the ground in large swarms on the 13^th year during the month of May in Missouri.

13-year cicadas emerge from the ground in swarms leaving small holes behind.  The reason for this behavior is for survival.  Since the nymphs can emerge from the ground in almost 1.5 million in an acre, there is safety in numbers.  These mass numbers of insects overwhelm predators and insure the survival of this noisy insect species.

The noise that these insects can make is sweet music to some Missourians, but can be annoying to others in the evening hours.  Even though these bugs are no larger then the end of a pinky finger, they can drown out the sound of everything around them with their mating song.  The males of this species make this sound to attract females.  The male uses elastic like membranes that are located behind the last pair of legs on their body to make this loud clicking noise.  The females respond with timed wing flicks in this noisy symphonic mating ritual.

The female cicada once mating with the male, lays their eggs in tree twigs.  They make a V-shaped slit in the twig in which to lay their eggs in.  The twigs frequently die and fall off of the tree branch.  This usually does not hurt mature trees, but small trees need to be protected with mosquito netting or cheesecloth to keep the cicadas from killing them.

Since there are such large swarms of these insects, it creates a huge feeding frenzy for fish and birds.  Even though many Missourians find the noises these insects make aggravating, for those that like to fish, it is music to their ears.  During the few weeks that the cicadas are emerging, it causes the fish to go on eating binges on this insect buffet.  So, anglers that use anything that remotely resembles a cicada are sure to get a bite and land that elusive big fish from one of the many Missouri waterways.

Cicadas are not a threat to animals or humans.  Even though some dogs like to eat these bugs as a crunchy snack, they are not poisonous and might give them a stomachache.  They do not bite or sting generally, so there is no need to avoid the beautiful late spring weather in the backyard with loved ones and pets.  But, you might want to bring some earplugs if love songs are not your first choice in music.

The things you will need to catch a catfish include a rod and reel, strong fishing line, treble hooks, nylon hose, stink bate (chicken livers work well), pail with a lid, pocket knife, short rope and a stringer. Because catfish come in a variety of different sizes, it is very important to have a sturdy rod and reel when fishing for them. There will be bending and stress on the rod, so it is important to pick the right test strength of fishing line, most fishermen choose a 100-lb. test because it is very strong and will withstand the extra pressure when you hook a big catfish.

When you get to your favorite fishing hole; spray your hands down with fish attracting spray before you handle any of the bait. Catfish have a strong sense of smell and anything reeking of alcohol, cigarette smoke or humans will be a strong deterrent to them. Applying a good coating of scent cover before stringing up the bait will increase your chances of attracting the big one, so remember to pack some!

Forget about using fishing lures, because catfish are almost blind and will rely on smells, so the stinkier your bait is, the better it will lure them in. If you want to land a giant catfish, use some raw chicken livers or purchase some specialty stink bait from a bait shop. Keeping bait on the hook is going to be hard, if not impossible, so wrap it tightly and shove it into a woman’s nylon stocking and then tie it off, this way you can put it on the hook without it falling off so easily.

Catfish tend to stay close to the banks and this is because the water is shaded and cooler, which is what they like. The ideal scenario in which to catch a BIG catfish would be to use a boat and to cast into the shoreline, but if you are not able to use a boat, stand on the bank and cast your line just a bit downstream. Try to pick a shady location about 3-5 feet from the edge of the water, and you will probably have some good luck!

When you have finished with fishing for the day, it is very important to have a stringer and a pail with lid. You don’t want to take the chance of losing your precious catch! So, by following a few tips mentioned in this article you can grab a pole, some stink bait and venture out knowing it’s only a matter of time before you land a monster catfish, and be prepared for a fight, because these rascals do not give up easily!

When you go on a float trip, it is important to go with a group or take a few friends along, for safety reasons, as much as for added company and enjoyment.  If you have too many people, you might not have as much time to incorporate the things you want to do, so try to limit yourself to just a few people.  There are things you will need to take on a float trip so get a bag ready and pack the following; snacks, sunscreen, larger inner tubes, a cooler with ice and drinks, life jackets, water shoes, sunglasses, money, mesh bag for trash, and an ID and you are all ready to go.

You can either take your own tubes or you can rent some, if the site has an outfitter.  An outfitter will have all your equipment needed for the inner tube float and will arrange for a launch point and pick you and your companions up, at the end of your float.  Pick out a river you would like to float on and scope out the lay of the land, you want to know the terrain and if there is any private property located along the route, which you will want to avoid.

Once you have picked your location to float, remember to never take glass on the river and to bring drinks in cans or plastic bottles and to store these in a hard plastic cooler along, not one made of styrofoam, which may harm wildlife.  Wear a hat and sunglasses, but do not take any keys unless tied to your shorts/pants or swimsuit.  Keys can become lost and once on the bottom of the river are impossible to find, so leave them behind if at all possible.  Bring along a bungee cord to loop the inner tubes together before you and your group get into the water and connect in a circle around the cooler tube, so people have access to cool drinks while floating down the river.

Floating down the river in a tube can be an excellent way to enjoy all the natural beauty offered by the surroundings.  If you enjoy tubing, you can purchase your own tubes which should be 20-inches or larger, from the local tire or tire repair store.  Bring along a waterproof camera, keep yourself well hydrated and find out how much fun it is to float down the river on an inner tube.

If your sleeping bags have been rolled up and in storage all year, now is the perfect time to get them out and fluff them up. Sleeping bags may have a musty smell from being stored in the basement or garage, so take a look at the manufacture’s tag, following the washing instructions and hang outside to get a clean, fresh smelling bag.

Some people find camping in the springtime brings with it the chance of rain, so make sure to have your gear ready so you can sit back, relax and stay dry if you are the victim of an unexpected rain shower. The morning is the most difficult part of camping after rain; the cool, damp air can make climbing out of a warm sleeping bag very unpleasant. Comfortable camping in the rain means packing a waterproof tarp to keep the ground around your tent nice and dry, which means you won’t have to cook in pebbles of cold, muddy water.

Another reality of camping when it’s raining is keeping your food, clothing and shoes dry, because these are vital supplies you can’t do without. A secondary shelter like a canopy or tarp can keep clothes dry and your food and other belonging protected. If your tent does not have a dry area for gear, another good idea is to pack a plastic storage container, which can substitute as an area for both food and garments.

Springtime is a great time of the year to get out and enjoy camping on the river and with a bit of preplanning and thought, you can have a great time. If last year’s gear in good shape and you are prepared for the elements beforehand, there is no reason why you and your family should be cooped up indoors, get out there and enjoy and make it a great time for everyone.