In the upper north west corner of the state, as the terrain changes to the Ozark Mountains, and highway 65 goes through little towns with populations of 94 and 149, there is a wonderful treasure called Buffalo National River. This is a new kind of thing; not a national park, but a national river. After World War II, the Army Corps of Engineers put together a plan to dam the river (for flood control and electricity and because that's just what the Corps does. But a number of local people (including the founder of Walmart) started a campaign to spread the word of the natural wonders of the Buffalo River and they succeeded against the Corps. The river was made a "National River" and it was the first in the nation. It's over 130 miles long and starts in the Ozark mountains.
We spent a good part of the day in a raft on the river. That is a very popular activity in this area, along with canoeing and kayaking. We had a beautiful, warm day.
There's a great country store with cinnamon rolls just outside the park. Matthew and I had to build up our energy for the trip! Yummy!
As you can see, Chuie joined us, with a doggie life vest!
Getting ready to cast off. The picture below gives a typical scene. There was lots of wildlife and vegetation. We did a 6 mile trip in about 4 hours (with lunch).
Time for lunch yet?
There were also bluffs along the sides in some places.
Matthew "encouraged" Chuie to go swimming with him. The water was rather cool.
Matthew swimming on this own. Well, floating.
Matthew was able to get another Junior Ranger.
This was more or less the end of the "natural" and National Park parts of our trip. Next stop is Branson, Missouri!
Matthew's Notes: When in Rome, do as the Romans
- You must get bread from the smoked meats country store!
- The cinnamon rolls from Ferguson's country store.
- Bring plenty of sunscreen!!!
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