www.mscanoeclub.org http://www.mscanoeclub.org Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000 en hourly 1 The Big Fish Story of the Mississippi River http://www.mscanoeclub.org/2012/02/01/the-big-fish-story-of-the-mississippi-river/ http://www.mscanoeclub.org/2012/02/01/the-big-fish-story-of-the-mississippi-river/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.mscanoeclub.org/?p=56 If you’re looking to get some fishing done on your canoe trip down the Mississippi River, beware of the White River Monster. While not quite as popular as Bigfoot or the Loch Ness monster, this lesser known creature has risen in popularity in recent years both on television and the internet. And whether it’s a special on directv or a site on the internet, people everywhere are talking about it.

The earliest reports of the Whiter River Monster were made in 1915 when farmers began noticing an enormous creature appearing off the banks of the White River. It was described as some kind of enormous catfish with a body as wide as a car and as long as a bus. How’s that for a fishing story?

In the 1970′s, the Arkansas State Legislator even went so far as to create the White River Monster Refuge to protect the creature, but, even to this day, no one can confirm the existence of this mythical fish. Nowadays, many scientists believe what was actually seen wasn’t an enormous fish at all but a great male elephant seal. However, where there’s smoke there is often, indeed, fire and if people say they’ve seen a giant fish, you may just want to think about that the next time you try to reel in that “big one.”

]]> http://www.mscanoeclub.org/2012/02/01/the-big-fish-story-of-the-mississippi-river/feed/ 0 Tips on Hiking the Mississippi River Banks http://www.mscanoeclub.org/2012/01/26/tips-on-hiking-the-mississippi-river-banks/ http://www.mscanoeclub.org/2012/01/26/tips-on-hiking-the-mississippi-river-banks/#comments Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.mscanoeclub.org/?p=63 Make sure you follow the basic rules of hiking. Never hike alone. Always have someone else with you. You can never tell what will happen while hiking. When you need help and you are alone, you can never tell when the next person will come along. Be prepared with a complete map of the area that you want to hike. Know your area as to the kind of physical characters is out in the wilderness along the banks of the Mississippi River. Your map should tell you the elevation of the area as well as general directions. You will want to make your hike so you can go out one trail for a certain length of time, and then be heading back another trail to get back to the starting place. Your map should guide you along. Make sure you have a compass with you. When you know you are going hiking, make sure you make a list of supplies you will need. Make sure you have good, comfortable hiking shoes, and not just sneakers. Carry a light snack, nothing salty or dry. Take along a couple pieces of fruit and plenty of water. Dress properly for the time of year that it is for the weather.

]]> http://www.mscanoeclub.org/2012/01/26/tips-on-hiking-the-mississippi-river-banks/feed/ 0 Catch ‘Em and Cook ‘Em: Campfire Fish Cooking Tips http://www.mscanoeclub.org/2012/01/14/catch-em-and-cook-em-campfire-fish-cooking-tips/ http://www.mscanoeclub.org/2012/01/14/catch-em-and-cook-em-campfire-fish-cooking-tips/#comments Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.mscanoeclub.org/?p=62 Fresh fish makes a tasty meal in the wild. Keep these tips in mind when preparing a fish feast.

Fish can be grilled directly on a grate or in a grill basket to get that smoky campfire flavor. It’s best to use a whole fish that has been gutted and scaled, with the bones remaining. Fillets are hard to grill directly over a fire because the flaky flesh falls apart easily. The bones help the meat stay together, which helps when flipping the fish over to create beautiful grill marks on each side. Make sure to spray the grill first because the fish will otherwise stick to the grate.

The easiest way to cook fish over an open fire is in a foil pouch. Spread out a piece of aluminum foil and pile on cleaned fish fillets, fresh veggies and seasoning. Fold the pouch up and leave a small opening for steam to escape; you don’t want fish soup. Place the pouch on the grilling grate over the campfire. Steam will cook the fish until it’s flaky, and the vegetables until they are tender. Best of all, this process is virtually fool proof because the fish won’t burn.

Cooking fish over a campfire can be tricky, but these tips will help bring out the succulent flavors of any catch.

]]> http://www.mscanoeclub.org/2012/01/14/catch-em-and-cook-em-campfire-fish-cooking-tips/feed/ 0 Ways to Keep the Whole Family Happy When Camping http://www.mscanoeclub.org/2011/12/30/ways-to-keep-the-whole-family-happy-when-camping/ http://www.mscanoeclub.org/2011/12/30/ways-to-keep-the-whole-family-happy-when-camping/#comments Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.mscanoeclub.org/&p=58 When planning a family camping trip, some members of the family may not be as excited as others. By this I mean teenagers. Unless you have a teenager who is really into the outdoors and “roughing it,” he or she may be less than pleased about leaving civilization behind for a weekend. Below are some tips to keep the whole family happy when going to the great outdoors for a weekend.

1. Build a few marshmallow guns prior to the trip. Pack them away and when your teen is sitting around complaining that there is nothing to do, get one of the guns and begin shooting him or her. It may take a while, but eventually your teen will loosen up and be a kid again. You never know, he or she may actually start laughing as you are having your marshmallow fight. The whole family can join in and you can rest assured no one will be injured with one of the marshmallow “bullets.”

2. A great night time activity is stargazing. Invest a small amount in a used telescope and print some information about constellations off the internet prior to leaving for your trip. As the family is sitting around the campfire, ask your teen to find a certain constellation and bring out the telescope. This activity will be especially fun if you have a teen who enjoys learning about science related things.

Regardless of what types of family friendly activities you choose, persuading your teen to partake in the activity and actually have fun doing it can be a challenge. Give the teen some time and he or she will likely come around.

]]> http://www.mscanoeclub.org/2011/12/30/ways-to-keep-the-whole-family-happy-when-camping/feed/ 0 Life Beneath the Surface: Wildlife of the Mississippi River http://www.mscanoeclub.org/2011/08/18/life-beneath-the-surface-wildlife-of-the-mississippi-river/ http://www.mscanoeclub.org/2011/08/18/life-beneath-the-surface-wildlife-of-the-mississippi-river/#comments Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.mscanoeclub.org/&p=9 The Mississippi River runs from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, winding and grinding over 2300 miles and shifting from a temperate northern climate zone to humid sub-tropical. Dams, diking and environmental pollution have all had an impact on the aquatic wildlife. In other words, you probably are not going to see what Mark Twain saw when he rode the same river in the mid 19th century.

The Upper Mississippi River is home to over 119 species of fish, including northern pike, walleye, bass, catfish, sturgeon, crappies, paddlefish, and the giant alligator gar. If you add in the fish species found in the Lower Mississippi basin, you get an astounding total of 260 fish species as well as 145 different species of reptiles and amphibians. Mussels are not super fun to watch, but the 45 species of mussels which inhabit the Mississippi serve as an important indicator of water quality.

Although alligators are becoming rare, the southern reaches of the Mississippi River still contain visible populations. Turtles, including snapping turtles and the endangered Blandings turtle, swim in the waters of the Mississippi. Larger water mammals such as muskrat, beaver, and river otter can also be spotted by the watchful boater.The hits keep comin-: Missourians opposed to river-taming effort

]]> http://www.mscanoeclub.org/2011/08/18/life-beneath-the-surface-wildlife-of-the-mississippi-river/feed/ 0 Camping on the Mississippi River Bank http://www.mscanoeclub.org/2011/08/17/camping-on-the-mississippi-river-bank/ http://www.mscanoeclub.org/2011/08/17/camping-on-the-mississippi-river-bank/#comments Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.mscanoeclub.org/&p=8 You can learn a lot when you decide to canoe down the Mississippi River. At every bend you will find so much cultural and natural history. See in your mind-s eye the life of settlers who where here long ago. Watch above as the eagles soar or see the mink on the side of the river. The entire 2,350 miles on the Mississippi River has plenty of wildlife and high cliffs to keep you amazed. This is a magnificent river trip for experienced or first time paddlers to enjoy.

Some of the best things to remember when taking a canoe or kayak trip would be to have a life jacket, plenty of water, and a map of where you are going. It would also be a good idea to let other people know what route you will be taking in case something happens and you can-t get in touch with anyone. Let them know when you should be arriving at your destination. This way, if you don-t show up or contact them upon arrival, they can contact the proper authorities.

Remember, by having the right equipment and planning ahead, you will have a fun and safe trip on the river.

]]> http://www.mscanoeclub.org/2011/08/17/camping-on-the-mississippi-river-bank/feed/ 0 The Ultimate Float Trip: The Mississippi River http://www.mscanoeclub.org/2011/08/16/the-ultimate-float-trip-the-mississippi-river/ http://www.mscanoeclub.org/2011/08/16/the-ultimate-float-trip-the-mississippi-river/#comments Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.mscanoeclub.org/&p=7 Do you want to try something new? Maybe you are tired of the weekend backpacking trip with kids and ready to try something a little different, but still safe. A float trip down the Mississippi River could be the answer. Get the kids involved right from the beginning stages, it will not only make the trip more meaningful to them, they will learn how to someday plan their own trip.

Some people build their own rafts, but you might want to forego that option until you have navigated a trip down the river yourself. It is probably a good idea to talk to people who have done this before and see exactly what they used and any extra information that would be useful.

Of course you are not going to float the whole length of the river, just a very small portion. Remember water and rivers will always be great ways to have a good time, but they can be dangerous, even in the calmest situations. Never underestimate the power of the river. Teach you children to respect it and it will bring you hours of relaxation and fun. So what are you waiting for, start planning today. It is going to be the ultimate float trip.

]]> http://www.mscanoeclub.org/2011/08/16/the-ultimate-float-trip-the-mississippi-river/feed/ 0 Staying Safe on the Mississippi River http://www.mscanoeclub.org/2011/08/15/staying-safe-on-the-mississippi-river/ http://www.mscanoeclub.org/2011/08/15/staying-safe-on-the-mississippi-river/#comments Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.mscanoeclub.org/&p=6 Canoeing or kayaking on the Mississippi River is a totally different type of adventure. The Mississippi River begins at Lake Itasca and the water is shallow and sometimes the bottom of a boat will drag the bottom, so be careful to avoid rocks if possible. Canoeing or kayaking can be dangerous if you don’t pay attention to where you are going. There will be trees that have fallen across the river to avoid and also beaver dams along the way.

There will be low bridges and culverts to go under. Lay down in your canoe and follow the water flow through the culvert! The river will branch out into several channels, sometimes disappearing into the alders or grasses. Wear some water proof, knee high boots because dragging the canoe to a better channel and passage of water will be necessary. Sometimes there will be cattails instead of water and spongy bogs that you can’t walk on, but there is enough water to boat through.

Boaters will encounter otters, beavers, deer and bears occasionally so have a watchful eye out for the wildlife. Sometimes the river becomes a huge lake and crossing those lakes in a canoe or kayak has cost some their lives, so be careful on open water. Be alert and watch out for other shipping boats, don’t expect them to see you. There are plenty of places along the river that you can stop to buy food and supplies, just make sure to put your boat in a safe place until you get back to it.

The biggest danger on the Mississippi is the fast moving currents that can push you into other boats or barges, steep banks, and trees The current is more powerful than paddles and can destroy your boat, so be careful and think safety.

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