By Curtis Millsap, OS Schoolcraft Chapter Chair
There’s something about cold weather that stirs up a deep-down urge in my family to head to the river. Maybe it’s the promise of seeing icicles hanging from the bluffs, snow clinging to the trees, or the way the water turns that special shade of cerulean blue. Whatever it is, February 21, 2021, had eight of us answering the call. The weather had been in the single digits at night, and below freezing for days, and there was a predicted high of 35 degrees with sunshine. With my dad, six of my kids, and me in tow, we loaded up our boats and headed for the Jacks Fork, launching at Blue Spring, setting our sights on Rhymer.
The river greeted us with perfect conditions for a winter paddle—not too high, not too low. The water was just right for floating smoothly through the riffles and shoals, with no dragging to fuss about but still calm enough to feel safe. The ice on the water extended 10-20 feet into the larger pools, but only a foot or so into the moving water. The bluffs rose tall and snowy, dripping with glittering icicles that seemed to catch every ray of the brilliant winter sun. We stopped to poke around in some shallow caves, where rare magic waited. Tiny candlestick-shaped stalagmites dotted the floors like frosty little soldiers, their icy blue color glowing in the dim light. We made a short foray into Jam-Up Cave, where icicles dangled from the ceiling right alongside the stalactites—an unusual and beautiful sight we won’t soon forget. Midday, we pulled off to warm up and refuel. A sunny ledge in front of a south-facing bluff made the perfect lunch spot. The bluff acted like a reflector oven, bouncing the sun’s rays back at us and giving the illusion of a little warmth on a chilly day. We sat there, soaking it all in—the sunshine, the snow, and the quiet beauty of the river. Of course, the teens added their own flair to the day. They had a grand time running their boats up onto the ice floes along the riverbanks, laughing as the ice crunched and slid under the hulls. It’s not a proper adventure without a little fun and some mischief, and they didn’t disappoint.
Winter paddling always requires a little extra caution, and we were well-prepared. Everyone carried an extra set of clothes, just in case, and we were ready to build a fire if we needed to. Thankfully, the day stayed kind to us—no spills, no chills, just a good time had by all. The biggest challenge came during the shuttle. Navigating that single-lane road covered with six inches of snow was a little nerve-wracking.
The hills are steep, and creeping along is not an option if you want to make it to the top of the hill at Rhymer; but we kept it in the center, and made it back without a hitch. All in all, it was the kind of day that sticks with you. From the icy caves to the sunlit bluffs, from the cerulean blue waters to the laughter of my kids, it was a true winter wonderland, with three generations of family soaking it up. If you’ve never tried paddling in the colder months, I’d highly recommend it. Bundle up, pack smart, and get out there—the Ozarks in winter are like nothing else.
Follow this link for more photos of the adventure.