Today a passing kayaker complained about a few downed trees over the upper Current River. He should have seen the river six weeks ago. Thank you, river stewards. Your work is amazing.
Jacks Fork Rescue
The Jacks Fork was high and so was I–paddler’s high–when we heard the screams for help. Three young innertubers were stranded on the bank. They’d lost everything: tubes, cooler, flipflops and cell phones. Yes, cell phones. On a break from … Read More
Interview with a Vulture
“Stay away,” she warned. Surprised she didn’t fly away from me, I asked what was wrong. “Ate too much,” she said. “Too heavy to fly.” I’d never been so close to a vulture. But it’s true: when they gorge themselves, … Read More
Burma Shavings
It was about as far back as my memory goes, back when I was practicing my phonics on Burma Shave signs. My family unit rolled out of Rolla, leaving Route 66 in our rearview mirror, headed for the springs. Our … Read More
A Roll of the Dice
Leaving Tuscumbia is still an adventure on the back roads. No less than five swinging bridges aid in connecting Miller County. Four can support your car, if you’re brave. The fifth supports your drinking habit. I knew about the good … Read More
Feel the Burn
The first known grist mill along Camden County’s Little Niangua River was burned to the ground by unknown assailants in the middle of the night. It was 1864, and the mill family barely escaped alive. Today, nothing remains of Burnt … Read More
Comeback in Harrison County
There used to be millions of ’em. Until General Joe Sheridan came along and slaughtered them all. His job was to move the native American tribes out of Missouri. So he killed off their major livelihood. Buffalo, he said, “are … Read More
Run the Cat Roads
Before there was a lottery, and people had to grab cash the old-fashioned way, Bonnie & Clyde knew about Dearborn, Missouri. Dearborn is popular now because of America’s latest Powerball winner. But until recently, when the equivalent of one half … Read More