Mention a float trip, and most people think of summer. June, July, and August are great months for floating, but they’re not the only months. Autumn is a time that should be considered as well. Fall float trips are a well-kept secret known only to a few Missourians. But that needs to change.
While the water may be cooler, the scenery will make you wonder why you’ve never gone floating in September, October or November before. Flame colored trees line the riverbanks, orange leaves cascade from the sky, and stony river bluffs peek through golden foliage.
Fewer people float in the fall, and if you go on a weekday, you may find that you have the river all to yourself. With a limited number of people to disturb nature, it’s possible that you’ll even see deer as they come to the river to drink.
Should you decide to try a fall float trip, there are a few things to keep in mind. Because of the light river traffic, there won’t be nearly as many people to come to your aid should you run into trouble. Fall floaters need to be prepared for emergencies and rely on themselves to get out of trouble.
While the idea of a fall float is to stay in the canoe, raft or kayak, tip overs do happen. It’s a good idea to wear your life jacket during any float trip, but especially so during the fall. Even if you’re a good swimmer, cold water makes it more difficult by robbing the body of warmth thirty-two times faster than cold air. Some cold water swimmers experience cramps and difficulty in breathing.
Even though the air and water may be cooler, and you’re wearing more clothing, the sun will still be doing a job on your skin. Just because you don’t feel overheated, remember to use sunscreen on any exposed areas. Sunburns hurt regardless of the season.
Food and drink for a fall float differs from food and drink for a summer float. Fall floats are a great time to pack a thermos of hot chocolate. How about stopping at a gravel bar and building a campfire for hotdogs or s’mores? Just be certain to put the fire out thoroughly before continuing on down the river.
Just because summer has ended doesn’t mean that floating season has ended as to check out their fall schedules. It will be a trip you’ll be glad you made, and an experience that you’ll never forget.
