Ozarks outdoor fall 2013 web

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FALL 2013

Get up. Get out. Get going.

Black Widow Bows shoots history into business 4

WILDERNESS CAMPING 35

Stockton Lake provides something for everyone 38

FALL 2013 OZARKS OUTDOORS

Stay active in the fall 18 1

BIKE PARK BRINGS EVERYTHING TOGETHER 22

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OZARKS OUTDOORS FALL 2013

outdoors Get up. Get out. Get going.

EDITOR Lisa Craft community@monett-times.com

ART DIRECTOR Veronica Zucca connection@monett-times.com

ADVERTISING Sheila Harris Marion Chrysler Lindsey Hall

CONTRIBUTORS Melonie Roberts Beth Bartlett Sheila Harris Lee Stubblefield Mark Conner Jennifer Conner Richard Reed Joshua Boley Jared Lankford

PHOTOGRAPHERS Charles Henry Ford II Chuck Nickle Kerry Hays Jeff Terry Jon Whitlock Joshua Boley

To advertise: 417-847-2610 - Cassville 417-235-3135 - Monett

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FALL 2013 INSIDE

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BLACK WIDOW BOWS SHOOTS HISTORY INTO BUSINESS

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OFF THE BEATEN PATH Hemmed-in Hollow

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HIKING INTO HEALTH

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ALL-SEASONS RUNNER Top 10 area races

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TURKEY TROT TRIMS THE TUMMY

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STAY ACTIVE IN THE FALL

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BIKE PARK BRINGS EVERYTHING TOGETHER

Mailing address: P.O. Box 40, Monett, MO 65708

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THE GREAT AMERICAN BIKE RIDE

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TIPS FOR BETTER FALL PHOTOS

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WILDERNESS CAMPING

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STOCKTON LAKE PROVIDES SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

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TAKE YOUR PIC

Ozarks Outdoors is published and distributed free in Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas.

Ozarks Outdoors is a publication of the Cassville Democrat, The Monett Times and Rust Communications.

COVER PHOTO BY JEFF TERRY

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GIVE BACK TO THE SPORT

8 FALL FALL2013 2013 OZARKS OZARKSOUTDOORS OUTDOORS

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Send e-mail inquiries to community@monett-times.com

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BLACK WIDOW BO SHOOTS HISTORY INTO ITS BUSINESS

BY JO S H UA BO L E Y

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OZARKS OUTDOORS FALL 2013

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AS SHOP FOREMAN, TOBY ESSICK KNOWS WHAT GOES INTO EACH BOW THAT LEAVES BLACK WIDOW BOWS.

hroughout history, bows have been used from small scrimmages to full wars. They have been used to hunt buffalo from horse back to shooting deer from tree stands. Understanding the history and tradition is something that Black Widow Bows of Nixa has never forgotten.

It’s not that the group at Black Widow dislikes technology, many of their bows are turned out on state-of-the-art machines, it’s just when your business is making recurve bows history matters.

Toby Essick, vice president and shop foreman, has been with the company 23 years before the company moved to its current location at 1201 Eaglecrest in Nixa 20 years ago. According to Toby, the Wilson brothers founded the business when they started making and selling recurve bows out of a converted chicken house in 1957.

The story is that since the chicken house was full of spiders and the first bows were black the name Black Widow Bows was coined.

BOWS Y SS

“There are still a lot of the old Wilson brothers bows out there and we see them from time to time,” Toby said.

Ken Beck is the current CEO and bought the company from the brothers in 1982. The company has nine employees with the newest one having been employed with the company for two years. Toby shared that most of the employees have been with the company for more than 15 years.

“We offer seven different models and there are a hundred options on each one as far as woods and lengths,” Toby said.

FALL 2013 OZARKS OUTDOORS

A FINISHED BOW MAINTAINS ALL THE IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT THE OWNER WOULD NEED IF THEY EVER NEEDED A REPAIR.

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OZARKS OUTDOORS FALL 2013

SHOP EMPLOYEE GREG GARDNER PREPARED TO APPLY OVERLAYS TO ONE OF THE BOWS. OVERLAYS TAKE ABOUT 25 MINUTES TO APPLY AND CURE.

BLACK WIDOW BOWS’ OWNERS FROM LEFT: TOBY ESSICK, JOHN CLAYMAN, AND ROGER FULTON.

In addition to woods and lengths there are a variety of grips to fit various hands sizes. Bows can also be customized with laser engravings, snakeskin overlays and antler bolts. Black Widow Bows also introduced longbows in the early 1990s to give shooters another option.

The company has come a long way from selling out of an old to chicken house to selling bows to Canada and overseas to countries such as Germany and Italy. Sales overseas accounts for 25 to 30 percent of the business’ total sales.

“We do a lot of Internet or phone-in,” Toby said. “A lot of the overseas orders are done via Internet” Toby explained that hitting the exact weight for bow’s pull is the most difficult thing about manufacturing laminated recurve and long bows. The company has standard tolerance of plus or minus two pounds, but for an additional fee, a plus or minus one pound or exact weigh can be held. Bows that miss weight are put into the company’s stock and still sold.

“We have a record of all the bows we have made with how much material went in it and what poundage they made,” Toby said. “However, when you are dealing with woods they don’t all act the same. “ Black Widow typically can turn a bow around from start to finish within four weeks with prices ranging from $1,000 to $1,200 for standard bows. The company’s 2013 catalog is available with all the supplies they offer.

“We have a full line of traditional supplies including arrows, quivers arm guards and finger gloves, just about everything you need to get started,” Toby said.

Black Widow Bows hours of operations are Monday through Thursday 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information on how to order a bow contact Black Widow Bows at 417725-3113.

The company can also be found on the web at www.blackwidowbows.com.

Aiming for perfection

BY JA R ED L A NKFO R D

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needed to be a great archer are skills that I have honed with my job.”

In the Vegas Shoot, archer aim at 40 cm “Vegas” three-spot target face with goldred-blue scoring areas with points ranging from 10 to 1 at a distance of 20 yards.

The competition is a head-to-head matchup. Each archer then shoots 10 rounds, with three arrows in each round with the highest score determining the winner.

“It takes a tremendous amount of focus,” said Berry. “It is all about details.”

While Berry is world-class marksman he understands the future of the sport is the youth.

“The future of archery and life based in youth,” said Berry. “I try to give as much back as I can.”

Berry has put his money where his mouth is. He has constructed an indoor shooting range at his own expense to teach area youth how to shoot the bows and arrow.

He is a youth archery instructor for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and coordinates an archery camp at Roaring River State Park in Cassville each year for 1,200 youths.

He also works with youth at the annual Buckmasters Expo.

“I try to invest as much as I can in the youth,” said Berry. “Seeing a child smile after hitting a target is its own reward for me.”

Berry spends over 70 days a year attending over 30 events annually promoting and competing in his sports.

He meets, educates and talks to over 131,000 people each year and is watched by 4 million television viewers at the archery championship.

“I don’t think about any of that when I have my bow in my hand,” said Berry.

“When I draw the string back, it is just me and the target. It doesn’t get any simpler than that.”

FALL 2013 OZARKS OUTDOORS

here is an old saying that “close” only counts in hand grenades and horseshoes.

In the world of competitive archery, close earns you a second place finish. Perfection is what is demanded of the competitors to win.

One of the best archers in the United States is located in the Ozarks.

By day, Chris Berry is a sergeant in the detective division of the Lawrence County Sherriff’s office.

By night, Berry is an expert archery marksman and bow hunter champion at the National Field Archery Association’s (NFAA) 2013 Vegas Shoot in Las Vegas, Nevada.

It was Berry’s second world championship in the last three years in the Super Bowl of competitive archery.

“I just love to the sport,” said Berry. “It challenges you to be your best. The skills

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Reference Code 043.

“It’s the tallest waterfall between the Appalachians and the Rockies!� my brother exclaimed! His demeanor was remnant of a salesman selling “potions� from the back of his carriage, full of robust, red-cheeked enthusiasm as he described the wonder of Hemmed-In Hollow. It was settled; road trip.

Hemmed-in Hollow is located in the Ponca Wilderness Area of the Buffalo National River area. A 2.5-mile round trip hiking trail accesses the waterfall. To access the trailhead, go north on Highway 43 from Ponca to Compton and take the gravel road marked “wilderness� to the right, across from a vacant store. After a block or so, the road takes a hard right.

Follow this road for about a mile, and then make a right to access the trailhead.

If it feels like you might be lost, you’re probably pretty close, so don’t despair. The trailhead to the tallest waterfall between the Appalachians and Rockies is on an unassuming road. But what it lacks in fanfare, it makes up for in Ozark charm.

Off StoRy And PhotoS By JENNIFER CONNER

Hemmed-in Hollow THE DESCENT

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and rich green mountains, interspersed by limestone bluffs, rewarded our effort.

The woods were rich in undergrowth and birdsong, which echoed triumphantly across the steep ravines.

Most of the signs along the way are very accurate, however, upon reaching the bottom of the mountain, the signage can be confusing. Suffice it to say, if you’re headed to the falls, you will want to make a sharp left at the sign instead of going straight. The trail that continues straight leads to the Buffalo River.

FALL 2013 OZARKS OUTDOORS

My husband and I donned our backpacks; mine filled with snacks and water, his filled with our 6-month-old daughter. the first thing I noticed was that the trail is very well maintained, which is a good thing, because the second thing I noticed is that it was an extremely steep descent. For this reason, the trail is considered strenuous, according to most trail guides.

The 5-mile out-and-back trail descends 2.5 miles down an Ozark mountain, through a mixed oak/hickory forest. Breathtaking vistas that spanned across deep valleys

YOU CAN’T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT

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OZARKS OUTDOORS FALL 2013

Once we headed left at the fork in the road, the trail narrowed considerably, following dry creek beds through a valley of old-growth trees. I wondered at times if we were on the right path but finally, the tree canopy opened exposing a vast expanse of rock and looming high above us, a 200-foot

high Ozark bluff, carved out of space and time and neatly cascading from the top, a teensy weensy trickle of water.

I closed one eye and then the other to make sure the water, appearing one moment as a trickle and the next as a vaporous ghost-like mist, was actually there. I was simultaneously awestruck and devastated.

The 200-plus-foot bluff was like something out of a fantasy novel, indeed, it conjured up images of the Cliffs of Insanity

from the “Princess Bride,” but the waterfall was dwarfed in comparison to this massive bluff. I thought people are going to want to read about the tallest waterfall between the Appalachians and the Rockies, not the tallest trickle.

The Falls at Hemmed-In Hollow are composed of run-off water therefore the flow intensity depends on the amount of rainfall. During the spring and other times of appreciable rainfall, the falls can be quite an impressive sight.

Small wonder Goldenrod is rich in botanical history as it was used by Native Americans for medicinal uses in poultices and teas, treating a myriad of health problems including common colds, kidney ailments, and toothaches. Early settlers adapted the use of goldenrod and subsequent to the Boston tea party; goldenrod tea replaced English tea in the United States and was appropriately dubbed “Liberty tea.”

BUT IF YOU TRY SOMETIMES, YOU GET WHAT YOU NEED My eyes stung with disappointment. I decided to drown my sorrows under the trickle….err falls. Standing at the bottom of this magnificent rock creation, water streaming into my handkerchief and hat, I looked up. Each drop of water refracted the sun’s rays as they descended and my frustrations melted in their prismatic glow. I marveled at what seemed like a tiny eternity for each rainbow bead to make contact with my face or the rock around me, and I chased the fickle-natured-falls, like an unbalanced toddler on the slippery rock, as it danced an amorphous waltz.

You can visit Hemmed-In Hollow any time of year and appreciate the beauty it has to offer, whether it be a heavy flow of water at the falls in the spring or autumn’s bright colors painted on the trees that frame the entrance to this impressive natural wonder.

and breath is a reminder of the beauty around us and the privilege we have as stewards, tasked with keeping wild places like this intact.

Hemmed-In Hollow is a strenuous trek, but if you’re up for a challenging hike through some wild Ozark country, rich in sweeping vistas and towering bluffs, this trail is for you!

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After a picnic lunch and some exploration time, we began the 2.5-mile ascent back to the trailhead, taking breaks along the way to enjoy the scenery, catch our breath, and reflect on the real reason we hike. I had momentarily forgotten that, for me, hiking isn’t about a glamorous destination. Each birdsong, each wildflower lining the trail, each step

FALL 2013 OZARKS OUTDOORS

THERE AND BACK AGAIN

HIKING into health

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OZARKS OUTDOORS FALL 2013

It takes more than a pair of strong legs to keep a hiking club going; it takes a strong will and determined spirit.

The Holiday Island Hiking Club has that in spades, thanks to hike coordinator Connie Stielow, who has kept the small community of Holiday Island motivated since 2008.

Holiday Island, located a few miles north of Eureka Springs along the Arkansas/Missouri state line, has often been marketed as a retirement community, although families of all ages live in the area. The hiking club has 86 families on its roll and Stielow said that usually 20 to 30 people will show up for regular hikes in good weather.

Even in bad weather, there are 10 to 15 stalwart hikers ready to tackle the elements for some fresh air and exercise.

While that number may surprise some native Ozarkers, it’s completely normal for many of the hikers who have moved to Arkansas from places like Wisconsin and Michigan, where winter is something to get actively involved in and not observed from a windowpane.

“We’re not afraid when the weather gets rainy or cold,” said Stielow. “When you are active, you won’t be cold.”

The hikers have conquered trails throughout the surrounding area, from local paths to trails down by Devil’s Den State Park to the Big Cedar area and as far

BY BET H BA RTL E T T

east as the Buffalo National River.

“We repeat a lot of them,” she said.

“It’s about comraderie and exercise. When we go to Lost Valley, for example, we stop afterward for lunch at Jasper.”

The group will occasionally try new trails they hear about from friends, and every year they add new hikes to their repertoire. The club goes for hikes every week from October through January, avoiding the overgrown trails until cold weather has eliminated problems like poison ivy, chiggers and ticks.

But there can be other challenges, too.

Stielow recently underwent knee surgery, so her pace is a little slower these days.

“My feet don’t go as fast as my brain,” she said. “The challenge is to be comfortable in going out in the woods and feeling stable. ” Even though she’s not as fast as she used to be, Stielow still sets an example for those who think they can’t hike because of age or fitness issues.

“You shouldn’t stop moving,” she said.

“The more you do it, the better off you are.

In Wisconsin, we have 80-year-olds hiking a thousand miles every year.”

She added not only is it good for your body, it helps the brain as well.

Studies have shown that exercise and social activity, especially in nature, assists in relieving stress and improving overall health.

“It’s beneficial spiritually, too,” she said.

“Think about Thoreau, Walt Whitman and others embracing nature. This is really good for the human spirit and the soul.”

The Holiday Island Hiking Club always welcomes new members. to find out more about the club’s excursions, e-mail HIHikers@yahoo.com and ask to be put on the mailing list for schedules, updates and hike details.

FALL 2013 OZARKS OUTDOORS

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TOP 10 area races It seems like everyone has their own Top 10 list these days. David Letterman’s Top 10 segment of his late night talk show helped show us that sometimes a list is the best way to present one’s opinions.

Southwest Missouri is a great place for distance running in general and road racing in particular. There are so many races available that it takes a lot of research to decide which races to include on one’s personal schedule.

I don’t race as often as I used to, but I still keep up with the race calendar and race results. There are a number of events that I consider superior to the rest. That is not meant to denigrate any race. But in my opinion, this Top 10 list of road races just stands out against the competition.

If you are a distance runner, all of these should be on your “to do” list.

10. Freedom Run of the Ozarks Table Rock Lake

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OZARKS OUTDOORS FALL 2013

Held on the last Saturday in June at the Dewey Short Visitors Center, the Freedom Run hosts 5k, 10K and half marathon races on the narrow, paved trail that winds along the shoreline of Table Rock Lake. The double out-and-back half marathon course creates a better view for spectators, while the deceptive hills eat away at calves and hamstrings.

Great food, great medals, and the race benefits local charities.

9. Running of the Squirrels Marionville

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Last May, Marionville hosted the 8th annual Running of the Squirrels 5K. Run on a flat and fast course in the middle of ttown, own, this quaint race has perhaps the best shirts/awards combo in the state. The event celebrates the abundance of white squirrels in the area – you can always find these adorable creatures playing in town - and proceeds benefit the Marionville Comet Pride Band.

8. Girls Just Wanna Run Springfield

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Run on the classic Phelps Grove Park course in mid-July, this 5K race is the largest girls-only 5K in southwest Missouri.

You’ll Y ou’ll see a lot of pink as hundreds of women of all ages compete in a carnival atmosphere. Great shirts, medals, food, prize drawings, and even complimentary massages help make this a memorable event.

BY LEE STUBBLEFIELD

Proceeds from the race benefit the Cox Health Meyer Center by CouponDropDown”>Rehabilitation <http:// ozarkmountainridgerunners.org/event/ view/370> Fund.

7. The Polar Bear Run Bolivar

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It takes a special person to remain dedicated to their training schedule throughout the cold, raw winters of ssouthwest outhwest Missouri. But only the most rabid of runners actively seek out races in those elements.

Next February, the city of Bolivar will host the 36th Annual Polar Bear Races, a morning of 5K and 10K races that is welcomed by local sporting good stores.

Tights, gloves, hoodies, and stocking caps are sold at premium prices to ill-equipped runners who underestimated the February chill of the Southwest Baptist University campus.

To be fair, there have been some fair weather days in the history of this race. But not many. Besides, the weather is part of the attraction of the event.

About the author: Lee Stubblefield, who currently lives in Cassville, Missouri, was an All-State half-miler and state champion cross country runner for Fayetteville (Arkansas) High School. He led the Bulldogs to their fifth consecutive state team cross country title in 1973 and ran collegiately for Henderson State University and John Brown University.

Stubblefield served as head track and cross country coach for Southwest High School in Washburn, Missouri, from 1999 to 2009 and served as interim track coach for the 2012 season.

The Trojans won the Missouri Class 1 boys state cross country title in 2000 – the only state championship in any MSHSAA sport in the history of the school – and finished in the top three at state four times during Stubblefield’s coaching stint. Under Stubblefield, the Southwest boys won the Ozark 7 Track and Field Championships in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2012.

Stubblefield is also an accomplished masters road racer with a best masters marathon time of 3:17:54 at the Oklahoma Marathon in 1999 and a 3:21:22 at the Frisco Highline Marathon in 2005. His best masters 10K is a 38:20 from the 2005 Sunshine Run at age 49. He holds Missouri state 55-59 age-group records for the 25K (1:47:50) and 50K (4:23:44).

For many area runners, the Polar Bear is the first race of the new year, a chance to lace up the shoes and see what kind of times can be posted after months of corebuilding mileage in the short days of winter.

A certified course, nice medals, and warm winter gear instead of t-shirts help make this one of the best southwest Missouri races.

More hot chocolate please.

6. The Frisco Railroad Run Willard

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Held in late April, The Frisco Railroad Run is a combination of races held on the Frisco Highline Trail, with all start and finish points in Willard. the marathon is a Boston qualifier, and the half marathon is a nyC qualifier. there are also 8K, 50K, and 50 Mile races, with relay options for the marathon and 50K distances.

Like all old railway beds, the crushed gravel course is flat and fast.

The 50K and 50 Mile races are the premiere events here, largely due to the scarcity of races at those distances.

3. The Annual Turkey Trot, Thanksgiving Day Springfield

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year in and year out, Springfield’s Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot is one of the biggest road races in the state. A record total off over 7,100 runners braved the cold in o 2010, and then 8,500 hit the streets in 2012.

Local celebrities join the masses in the fun. KY3’s Ned Reynolds serves as master of ceremonies at the awards presentation, and there is always lots of food and drink for participants after.

Many area families have made the Turkey Trot a Thanksgiving tradition. Lots of cities have turkey day races, but few compare with the race in Springfield.

2. The Sunshine Run Springfield

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The Sunshine Run has both 5K and 10K races, but the longer race is the feature event at this southwest Missouri rrunning unning festival. Sponsored by Mercy, the Sunshine Run benefits a variety of local

charities, most notably the Mercy Burn Center and the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks.

This October will mark the 34th annual Sunshine Run. Over 2,000 runners participate every year. The present course starts and finishes at hammons Field, home of the Springfield Cardinals.

1. Maynard Cohick Half Marathon Springfield

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The Cohick Half Marathon is part of the Bass Pro Shops outdoor Fitness Festival, held in Springfield every November.

N ovember.

The oldest event of its kind in the area, the half marathon follows a fast, flat course through city streets and the local trail system. over 1400 runners alone finished the half marathon in 2012. Another 1400+ ran the 5K and full marathon courses.

The combination of number of entries, quality performances, and superior race management and aesthetics make this the top road race in southwest Missouri.

5. Run With The Wind 25K Sarcoxie to Carthage

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Train through the winter and pray for mild weather if you plan on attending the Run With The Wind event. This classic midFebruary F ebruary road race starts at Sarcoxie High School and finishes at the new Carthage High School location. It is currently the only annual certified 25K road race in Missouri, and that alone draws a highly competitive field year after year. Winding back roads, a few hills, and excellent race management make up for the lack of spectators.

4. Heart of America Marathon Columbia FALL 2013 OZARKS OUTDOORS

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This is THE classic marathon in the state of Missouri. Run on Labor Day every year since 1960 – and on basically the same ccourse ourse since 1962 – the Heart has become the measuring stick for Missouri distance runners.

The ridiculously challenging course teams with the typical steamy Labor Day weather to create an event that few challenge more than once. It is a Boston Marathon qualifier, but not a place to pursue your personal record. Once you’ve run up Easley Hill, Heartbreak Hill in Boston looks like an anthill.

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TURKEY TROT

trims the tummy

BY BET H BA R LET T Thanksgiving Day has become a day of overeating, but why not make some room before the turkey hits the table instead of loosening up your belt afterward?

The Don Gammie Turkey Trot fun run, held at 8:30 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 28, will help you work up a suitable appetite. The race will be held at Lake Leatherwood City Park just a few minutes west of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, on highway 62, and proceeds from registration will benefit the Grassy Knob Volunteer Fire Association, so the event will benefit a worthy cause as well as your waistline.

Since the fun run is located at Lake Leatherwood, it takes advantage of the park’s challenging trails. The 5K run is best suited for experienced runners or those who are fairly fit. there will also be a one-mile fun walk along a wide, paved path as well.

This particular event gets its unusual name from local runner Don Gammie, an 80-year-old athlete who has participated and won races all across the country. The original race in 2010 was a birthday present to Gammie from his wife, Jean, and the fourth annual race this year proves it is the gift that keeps on giving.

The race is sanctioned by USA Track and Field; registration is $15 for adults and $10 for kids under 12. All participants will receive T-shirts, and prizes will be awarded per each age division. For registration information, visit www.active.com.

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STAY ACTIVE IN THE FALL About the author:

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OZARKS OUTDOORS FALL 2013

Greg Gilmore is a certified athletic trainer and athletic training services coordinator at Cox Monett Rehab and Sports Medicine.

The busy father of four has worked for CoxHealth for six years. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time at his kids’ activities and being involved in many different outdoor pursuits.

W

hile summertime is an active time of year for most of us, fall in the Ozarks can be just as active too. Between Friday night football games and gearing up for the hunting season, there are plenty of opportunities to be active outside.

Preventing injuries from occurring is the best way to save you time and money as you enjoy your favorite outdoor activities.

In addition, having basic first-aid skills and supplies can help you avoid costly and painful injuries.

Before you embark on your chosen activity, make sure you have prepared properly. Just like training for a marathon, you need to be sure you are physically prepared to engage in your endeavor. So, maybe taking some smaller bike rides would be a good idea before taking a very long bike ride. Strapping a backpack on and hiking through the woods to your deer stand once or twice helps you know

BY GR EG G I L M OR E

physically where you are at, and any limitations you may have.

As the majority of injuries stemming from outdoor activity are minor (sprains, strains, blisters, bruises) a small assortment of supplies can be very handy and may help you to finish your pursuit, or tide you over until you can seek proper medical treatment. Should you unfortunately have to deal with an injury, it’s a good idea to keep the following basic equipment with you: an ace wrap; anti-inflammatory drugs; mole skin or athletic tape; gauze pads; thermal blanket, and various sizes of band-aids. Keep in mind, this is not meant to be utilized instead of proper medical treatment—only to get you through until you can get back to civilization. this fall, you’ll find me working a sporting event or enjoying the great outdoors with my family. That’s the great thing about living in the Ozarks, the possibilities for activity are endless, and the scenery is not too bad either.

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BY LEE STUBBLEF IELD

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OZARKS OUTDOORS FALL 2013

In life, we are all taught to be “givers” as well as takers. Be a good citizen. Don’t only do the “have to” things in life, practice the “should” behaviors too.

Those of us in the running community often take our weekend race opportunities for granted. Every road race, no matter the distance, requires an awful lot of planning, execution, and work. With so many races available, we as runners sometimes gloss over the race details when choosing a competitive venue that fits our schedule.

Maybe if we understood the process involved, we might be a little more forgiving on race day when those inevitable glitches occur. Maybe, just maybe, we might even realize that at least once a year we should rein in our competitive juices and volunteer at one of the events.

As a former high school coach, I hated hosting cross country meets. My program was at its peak in the period from 1999-2004, and I wanted the opportunity to just coach my kids on race days. But some years, we ended up hosting three meets: an invitational with a long history, a conference meet, and a district meet. To me it was a major distraction from the task at hand. But it was necessary to provide a quality experience for all the student athletes affected.

Many road racers feel the same way.

Balancing a strenuous and demanding

physical hobby with work and family life and then finding time to attend a competition here and there is challenging enough.

Devoting more time and resources to helping host an event is a commitment that many are not willing to accept. But it is a commitment that is necessary for the integrity and survival of our sport.

If the most knowledgeable and capable in the running community are not willing to help host events, then we dump the critical jobs of race management on those with less knowledge and skills, with predictably negative results.

Think about the various positions required of a race management team: director, clerk, finish timer, split timers, finish judge, course marshals, safety officers, water station workers, goody bag assemblers, advertising agents, course measurement and certification specialists, etc.

God bless the guy or gal in charge of providing the porta-potties. (We would shake your hand, but you know why we don’t.)

The bigger the race, the more people required. It takes an army of volunteers to host a marathon with 200+ runners.

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Races with huge participation numbers beg for chip timing, another headache requiring specialized equipment and operators. Even the most simple and mundane tasks present unforeseen difficulties. Ever try to tear a bib number off a runner who is vomiting green slime at the finish line?

Not all races are created equal. Many school and small community events are fundraisers that operate on a limited budget. Runners shouldn’t fuss about the T-shirt, the medal, or the goody bag. A race is simply an opportunity to test your skills against your peers. The hardware won or the extras provided are just gravy. If more experienced runners help conduct events, then maybe they will be more effective in helping educate the newcomers to the sport about these points of etiquette.

One of my resolutions for this year is to be more involved in the planning and production side of racing. My challenge to you is to join in the volunteer effort to provide a quality experience at our area races. The next generation of runners is counting on us.

K R A P R E E V K E BI BRINGS Y UA B O L E

BY JOSH

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OZARKS OUTDOORS FALL 2013

IT IS FITTING THAT THE NEWEST PREMIERE BIKE PARK AND TRAIL SYSTEM IS CALLED TWO RIVERS BIKE PARK. NOTABLY THE PARK IS LOCATED ON TWO RIVERS ROAD NEAR THE JAMES AND FINLEY RIVERS.

However the name is somewhat symbolic of the two companies that came together to create the park, Progressive Bike Ramps of Joplin and Progressive trail design of Fayetteville.

The park is located southwest of Nixa on over 300 acres and includes approximately eight miles of trails. The land for the park was donated by Matt O’Reilly via a non-profited organization he founded called Trail Spring.

Trail Spring’s mission is creating and funding trails and they accomplish this through the use of volunteers like Courtney Pool who helped put in numerous hours working to get the trail open.

“Matt basically talked to the city and couldn’t get anyone to cooperate to get some trails built,” Courtney said. “So since he couldn’t get around that he just donated some of his own land.”

According to Progressive Bike Ramps vice president Jason Stouder, PBR was responsible for manufacturing the majority of the man-made features in the park.

“We build the steel frame with cedar

riding surface features,” Jason said. “They are built to be sustainable and have a 10year warranty.”

In contrast, Progressive trail design is responsible for designing and doing the ground work to create the riding trails and courses, explained Chris Crone, foreman with Ptd. “Woody, the owner of Progressive Trail Design, came up with a master plan

KERYTHING

R E H T E G O T

BIKES LINED FENCES AND WALLS PRIOR TO THE GRAND OPENING OF TWO RIVERS BIKE PARK IN HIGHLANDVILLE, MO.

located near the farm house, although they do have features along the trails as well.

“I don’t remember the exact count because we have changed some things up but the total there will be around 35 features throughout the trail system.” Jason said.

After the land had been acquired there were still hurdles to clear to make Two Rivers a reality. Ptd had just over two and

JASON STOUDER WITH PROGRESSIVE BIKE RAMPS.

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for Matt that included infrastructure with more than one style of riding,” Chris said.

According to Chris the park already includes a free ride area, cross country trails in addition to downhill and skills courses. The plan for 2014 is to include an advanced downhill, pump track and a trials course.

Jason said that a great deal of PBR’s products can be seen in the skills course

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half months’ worth of work ahead of them.

“I enjoy these gateway trails the best,” Chris said. “I had a limited amount of resources when it came to the machines provided from different companies and the dirt that came out of the parking lot.”

While PTD had their hands full relocating dirt for the courses, PBR’s biggest issue was trying to access parts of the trail system where they wanted to install features.

“We try to pick areas that will enhance the trails but has access as well,” Jason said.

“At the same time if that is the coolest spot to put it that is where we are going to put it.”

Courtney shared that the volunteers also faced issues along the way including some logistic issue as well as weather.

WALL FEATURES ARE CEDAR PLANKS OVER A STEEL FRAME THAT ALLOWS RIDERS TO EXPERIMENT WITH DIFFERENT LINES AND PROVIDE A DIFFERENT RIDING SURFACE.

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OZARKSOUTDOORS OUTDOORSFALL FALL2013 2013 OZARKS

TRICK RIDERS PERFORMED FOR THE CROWD PRIOR TO THE BIKE PARK BEING OPENED TO THE PUBLIC

For more information about Two Rivers Bike park visit your local bike shops, follow Trail Springs on Facebook or stop by the park at 5055 Two Rivers Road, Highlandville. Directions from Nixa are as follows: From Hwy 14 west of Nixa, turn south on Hwy M for six miles, then left on M-140 (Equine Valley Road), then right on M-140-A (Two Rivers Road).

Trail Springs plans for the Two Rivers Bike Park that the motto “earn your dirt” became quickly adopted.

“Earn your dirt, if you want to come out and ride for free, then come back and put some hours and clean out some ruts and drainage,” Chris said.

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CHRIS CRONE FOREMAN WITH PROGRESSIVE TRAIL DESIGN

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However, despite these issues volunteers continued to show up and work.

“There were so many volunteers and it would be raining on us every week and they would still come out and be excited pulling a rake,” Courtney said.

Volunteers are such an integral part of

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OZARKS OUTDOORS FALL 2013

THE RAGBRAI BIKE RIDERS GROUP PEDDLING THROUGH IOWA SURROUNDED

BY WIND TURBINES AND CORN FIELDS DURING THE 2012 RIDE.

THE GREAT AMERICAN BIKE RIDE

BY R ICH A RD R E E D

Every year, the last full week of July, thousands of people from all across the country flock to Iowa, our neighbor to the north, for one purpose; to ride across the state.

The Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa, better known as RAGBRAI, will be celebrating its 42nd year. It all started with a couple of guys and an idea.

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Since then, RAGBRAI has ballooned into an annual event attracting 25,000 plus riders each year. Not everyone rides the entire route. In fact many only ride a single day. If you’ve spent much time in rural Iowa, you might wonder why anyone would want to do such a thing. the first day I rode RAGBRIA for my first time, early that morning, we came across three signs. the first pointed to the right and said, “This is corn!” The second on the other side of the road pointed left and said, “These are beans!” The third sign not far down the road exclaimed, “That’s about

FALL 2013 OZARKS OUTDOORS

Midway through 1973, John Karras and Don Kaul, friends and senior staff of the Des Moines Register newspaper, came up with the idea of riding across Iowa while writing about cycling and communities along the way. They invited their friends, and announced in the paper that anyone who would like to join them in their trek was welcome to join. Approximately 300 people showed up for the first day, and it’s reported that 114 riders completed the entire route that year. An American legend was born.

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it!” And that’s kind of true. Miles and miles of corn and soybeans to keep you company, and of course 17,000 other riders on any given day. So why ride RAGBRAI? It’s way too much to say all at once, so I’ll break it down.

THE RIDE Each year the route is somewhere around 500 miles. You ride 6070 miles each day between host communities. There is also always a day with an optional additional ride called The Karras Loop, named after John Karras. Originally it was called the century loop, but because it’s often hard to make the day come out right at 100 miles, they renamed it after one of the ride founders. This year’s loop was closer to 110 miles, and that extra ten miles was quite a challenge. In between the host communities, every town that you pass through is geared up for the great ride.

Aside from the ride itself, this brings us to maybe the next biggest reason that people do RAGBRAI. The food and drink.

EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY Pie, Pie and more Pie! About every 10 to 15 miles along the route each day, you come to smaller towns all decked out to greet you and feed you. Each town is like riding into another county fair. You are often greeted by the local junior high or high school band. Early towns will specialize in breakfast food. Pancakes, waffles, bacon and eggs, coffee and orange juice, all for your pleasure. Along the way, you have to stop and try both Mr. Pork Chop, and Beekman’s homemade Ice Cream, two of my favorites. The one thing that probably most surprised me is that no matter how early it was in the day, each town also had a beer garden open for business, and always someone there getting a drink. Maybe a little hair of the dog from the party the night before.

Clearly there are some people who drink their way across the state. There is something for everyone.

BE OUR GUEST The host towns are where you spend the night.

Each town adopts a theme and promotes that theme many months ahead of the actual event. My first year, one town that happened to be the site of a state prison, had members of the community greeting every rider in striped convict outfits wearing the old ball and chain. This year, the community of Fairfield adopted a moustache theme, and attempted to break the Guinness Book of World Records for largest gathering of people wearing fake moustaches. In every host community there are events to attend, including a Ragbrai sponsored concert and beer garden.

ROCK YOUR SOCKS OFF! It could be argued by some that RAGBRAI is just a big party on wheels.

Each community hosts a concert, and not just local acts. Last year, Cedar Rapids hosted the Counting Crows. This year, Des Moines headliners included Everclear, Live, Filter and Sponge.

The smaller communities tend to have smaller acts, but always a good time.

There is also an expo that travels with the riders to every host community including representatives from every major bicycle producer, component maker, bag creator, and so on. If it even remotely has anything to do with riding a bike, you can find it at the expo.

You’ve got my interest, where will I sleep? There are a lot of different ways that you can “do” RAGBRAI. Get up early, ride fast, get the miles done and then lounge the rest of the day. Or you may prefer to wake up late, take your time, enjoy the scenery and take the whole day riding your miles. Anyway you spend your day, you’re eventually going to need a place to sleep.

There are several ways to bunk at night, each with it’s own benefits and challenges.

HARDCORE CAMPERS There are lots of people who camp each year, but only a few tough and brave souls who do it all with their bike. These hardcore riders move slower because they carry every means for them to live by. This includes tent, bedding, food, and clothing.

They go at their own pace and can put down wherever and whenever they feel like it. It’s a great challenge. I can’t imagine the sense of satisfaction that comes from completing this journey that way. A drawback it that there are really no creature comforts at all. These riders are at the mercy of the weather, and fate. However, there are always support vehicles available to registered riders, should they need a lift to the next overnight town.

TENT CAMPERS This group of riders are still roughing it if you ask me. The only difference between them and the hardcore campers is that they take advantage of the baggage service. Each day they pack up their stuff and deliver their gear to a truck that takes it on to the next town. They have the same disadvantages to being open to the elements with no roof over their head, but don’t have to carry 30 to 40 pounds of gear with them all day as they ride.

TENT SERVICE This group has some creature comforts, with a lot less hassle. Unlike tent campers, these riders just pack their bag and leave it outside their tent each morning. The tent service then collects the bags, breaks down

all the tents and relocates everything to the next host town. Many of these services also provide things like, morning hot coffee, cold drinks and a hospitality tent with chairs and tables. Still the drawback of staying outside, but with a lot less work, and a lot less hassle.

GUEST FOR THE NIGHT Many of the residents in the overnight towns will open their homes to cyclists for the night. Someone may have a room for the night, or a spot on the floor where you can lay out your sleeping bag. The size of your group may make it difficult to find accommodations for everyone in your party. Larger groups may be able to find housing in church gyms, schools or other community buildings. No two towns are ever the same. Of course these riders have

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the advantage of a roof over their head.

This usually comes with air conditioning as well, a much sought after luxury in the warmer days of July. A disadvantage is the organization of all of the arrangements.

It will take some time and probably a considerable amount of emails and phone calls to get your arrangements taken care of in each of the seven host communities.

ROLLING WITH THE RIDERS Maybe the best setup, at least for the riders, is to have an RV to stay in.

You get to go back to the same bed every night and take a shower when you want.

There’s air conditioning and a kitchen to cook in. Like I said great for the riders.

A HUGE disadvantage to this option is that you have to have someone who is willing to take a week to travel with you, while having to break down and set up your rolling hotel for you every day. I can speak from experience; this is like heaven for a rider. The driver for your mobile accommodations may not see it so much as the trip of a lifetime. Other disadvantages include the cost of running an RV. There aren’t always hookups or even campgrounds available, and because you are so self-contained, the riders in this situation can miss out on being really involved with the rest of the community.

Each of these options will give you it’s own unique flavor of the RAGBRAI experience.

WHERE DO I SIGN UP? There are a few things to know about registration and RAGBRAI. There are so many people each year that want to participate in this rolling festival that for safety reasons, they have to limit the number of people that are even allowed to participate. Who does and doesn’t get to go is determined by lottery. You have to plan for this way in advance. Registration opens mid-November each year for the next summer’s ride. You can either register as a single rider, or register as a team and this choice has particular implications.

If you register as a single rider, you simply fill out all the online forms, complete your registration, pay by credit card or

DONDI BASS, RICHARD REED AND DAWNATA HOPKINS HOLD THEIR BIKES UP AFTER THE CEREMONIAL DIPPING OF THEIR TIRES INTO THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER, A LONG-HELD TRADITION ENDING THE WEEK’S RIDE.

print out the necessary information to send in your payment. Your payment will be processed immediately, and everyone has to pay up front. Registration closes on April 1 and then is followed by the lottery announcement on May 1.

If you are chosen, an information and participant packet will be mailed to you a month or so before the ride. If you are not chosen in the lottery, all of your registration fees will be returned to you at this time.

Teams have a few other hoops to consider.

In order to register as a team, one person must serve as the team contact. this simplifies the process greatly for the organizers. The team contact will collect all of the money from teammates and at the appropriate time send a single payment for everyone in the group. It was important for us to register as a team because the lottery picks a team just as it would pick a person.

So if your team is picked, your whole team rides. We weren’t interested in doing it unless all of us could, so I became our team contact and took care of the rest.

It’s really difficult to discuss actual cost of RAGBRAI because there are so many different ways to participate. It’s not cheap, but when you compare to travel expenses for other vacations, it could be considered quite affordable. Plus you get the added bonus of a huge sense of accomplishment that comes with riding 500 miles in a week.

Whether you are a hardcore cyclist or just a leisure rider, RAGBRAI is something that should be on the bucket list of any bicycle enthusiast. It’s something not to just be read about, but a thing to be experienced. I can describe my personal experience best this way: Wake up, ride your bike, take a shower, listen to some music, have dinner and maybe a couple of beers, go to sleep, repeat...seven times! That’s RAGBRAI!

Richard Reed is an avid amateur cyclist logging 6,000-plus miles a year on his road bike. Several years ago, a mid-life change had him move from total couch potato to major fitness advocate. He is an AFAA-certified group fitness instructor and Mad Dogg-certified spinning instructor who currently works as an instructor for Cox Monett Hospital’s spinning program at the Monett YMCA.

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tIPS FOR BETTER FALL PhotoS

BY BET H B A RTL E T T

DON’T WAIT FOR PERFECTION Forget estimated peak color days and take photos throughout autumn season.

Foliage can change at different elevations, moisture and temperature levels. Take pictures early, peak and late in the season; you’ll be surprised at how many beautiful shots you’ll find. Autumn weather is also unpredictable; so don’t worry if you miss that magic sunrise or sunset shot. A mistcovered mountain or rainy day can provide beauty you would otherwise miss.

LOOK FOR THE CONTRAST Unless you’re focusing on just one tree, look for contrasting colors and shapes to breathe life into your shots. Play with the way light brightens up leaves from behind, try new angles, and frame bright leaves against the cool, crisp blue of an autumn sky. Some of the best and easiest fall photos capture the season in unexpected ways.

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SEE MORE THAN TREES Can’t see the forest for the trees? The carpet of red and gold across the Ozarks is stunning, but there’s more to fall photos than leaf-peeping pics. Look for shrubs, vines and other flora that stands out or changes color, especially after most of the leaves have fallen. Autumn is also a great time for wildlife photos, provided you use zoom and don’t disturb the animals.

FALL 2013 OZARKS OUTDOORS

GIVE NATURE A HAND You’ve found a trickling creek or shady bluff, but there’s just not enough visually to catch your eye.

What do you do? Grab a few handfuls of bright leaves and scatter them across the dark background (making sure nothing’s living underneath them, of course) for a picture that pops. Make the leaves look natural and random, and be glad that nature is much easier to work with than kids or pets.

Autumn in the Ozarks is an amazing time, filled with light, beauty and color. It’s a season even jaded locals look forward to, but if your photos just show some orange-tinted lumps in the distance, you’re not truly capturing fall. Whether you’re a fully equipped photographer or a hiker with an iPhone, try these tips for the best autumn shots.

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OZARKS OUTDOORS FALL 2013

WILDERNESS CAMPING

BY MARK CONNER

I AM A CAMPING SNOB. There, I said it. I tried starting

this a number of different ways, but despite the mid-western politeness I tried to stick into the lead, the underlying feeling was clear: I am to camping what the French are to dead snails and stinky cheese. Super picky and annoyingly opinionated.

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One of your best bets for backwoods camping is a wilderness area. Both Missouri and Arkansas have many designated wilderness areas. These are federal lands, managed by the U.S. Forest Service that are available year round for public use. Tax discussions aside, you don’t have to pay anything to camp or otherwise enjoy these areas. These are also places where, and let me quote the Forest Service here, “man himself is a visitor who does not remain.”

There are no community water faucets, no waterclosets, no store available for necessities like marshmallows and Koozies that can be worn like a necklace.

Instead, there are springs, trees and, depending on the season, maybe some blackberries.

Typically these areas have a series of trails that are adequately marked enough to help deliver you as deep as you feel comfortable getting into the wilderness.

Sure, there are regulations, but one of my favorites is actually referred to as a wilderness manner, protect the solitude.

FALL 2013 OZARKS OUTDOORS

Now, I know that acknowledging something doesn’t make it ok, and I try not to be judgmental; I really try to be understanding.

Some people just like their campsites measured by the foot. Some people enjoy having camping neighbors with an amazing collection of the most annoying bass-driven music, that’s played loudly and repeated until at least 4 a.m. These are also the same neighbors that can wake up at 5:30 a.m. and, talking loud enough to be heard over the ‘music’ that was quickly turned back on, discuss something as asinine as whether or not they’ll still be able to grill when they’re living on Mars.

I know how I’m sounding. like a judgmental jerk. But I happen to like camping in the middle of nowhere, far away from roads and ring tones. I also like camping for free.

Despite some cultural and economic indicators that are sometimes repeated in the national media, we’re pretty lucky to live in the Ozarks. I would wager to say, no matter where you live in the Ozarks, you are within at least half-an-hour’s drive of some sort of free camping where the only bass thumping to be heard is a capped woodpecker drumming away, letting all know its territory.

There are many reasons we’re lucky to be living here in the Ozarks and as the air cools and the days shorten this fall, try to set aside some time to go out and breathe some fresh, nighttime air, seasoned thoughtfully by the stars.

Wilderness Areas

Johnny McWoodsman

ARKANSAS WILDERNESS AREAS Barkshed Recreation Area Bayou Bluff Recreation Area East Fork Wilderness Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area Huckleberry Mountain Horse Trail Hurricane Creek Wilderness Leatherwood Wilderness North Sylamore Creek Trail Ozark Highlands Trail Ozone Recreation Area Pedestal Rock Scenic Area Richland Creek Wilderness Sylamore Walk-in Turkey Hunting Area Upper Buffalo Wilderness Area Find detailed information on these areas online at wilderness.net or bit.ly/ ArWilderness.

MISSOURI WILDERNESS AREAS Hercules Glades Wilderness Bell Mountain Wilderness Devils Backbone Wilderness Piney Creek Wilderness Paddy Creek Wilderness Rock Pile Mtn Wilderness

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OZARKS OUTDOORS FALL 2013

Irish Wilderness Find detailed information on these areas online at wilderness.net or bit.ly/ MoWilderness

comes into play). The Forest Service suggests Despite some obvious similarities, one “seek out campsites that are out-of-sight camping in the wilderness is different than and sound of trails and other camps.” camping in a well-defined public campsite. this also means no bonfire and if you But that doesn’t mean you have to be some see a place where someone has camped sort of rugged outdoorsman or woman to before, move on and find your own site. pull it off.

Make sure to carry a map of the area All you really need is some common you will be exploring as well as a compass. sense, a little bit of outdoor know-how and a Most wilderness areas have small flame, even a spark, still THERE ARE NO unmanned stations that glowing in the adventureCOMMUNITY WATER typically have maps, but it’s seeking corner of your heart.

FAUCETS, NO no guarantee. These aren’t One trick of wilderness WATERCLOSETS, NO well maintained state parks. camping is finding a good STORE AVAILABLE Trails may or may not be campsite, a place that is FOR NECESSITIES LIKE clearly marked. There will comfortable for you and as MARSHMALLOWS AND be no campsite host you low-impact as possible on the KOOZIES THAT CAN BE can run to if you’re having a land.

While it’s generally not WORN LIKE A NECKLACE. problem. Call or visit your INSTEAD, THERE ARE local forest service station a good idea to venture off the SPRINGS, TREES AND, before your trip and get a trail, in wilderness areas, it’s couple of maps and ask if there somewhat encouraged (but, DEPENDING ON THE please, this is where the common SEASON, MAYBE SOME are any current concerns or considerations. sense we talked about earlier BLACKBERRIES.

Be Prepared Ideally, you would have a nice, lightweight backpacking backpack with a nice, lightweight backpacking tent and maybe a nice water filtration system and some tasty dehydrated food.

But, you don’t really need all of that.

You will need some sort of backpack and carrying system to pack in your gear. For years I lugged along a 15-year-old backpack and an old Coleman tent. It was a heavy setup, but worked just fine. handheld water filtering systems are nice and if you plan on making wilderness camping a habit, a nearly-essential investment. But, there are also water

purification tablets that are pretty cheap and do the job. Plan ahead and try to pick a general camping location close to a spring or other natural water source.

It’s also a good idea to leave a generous supply of water in your car. You never know when your filtering system might break, or your jar or tablets may get lost and having water, and food, relatively close can be a life-saving backup.

Make sure to let someone know where you will be and how long you will be there.

Taking the First Step If you’ve never hiked a mile, or more, into the unknown, planning on staying a night, or more, is a difficult thing to wrap your head around. So much can go wrong.

Imagination creates so many worst-case scenarios.

For most of us, it requires a certain trial-by-fire (figuratively, hopefully not literally) acceptance and go-for-it attitude.

But it’s worth it.

WILDERNESS MANNERS

From the United States Forest Service

Today, backpackers should leave no sign of their presence so that the next person can enjoy natural scenes and solitude. You must tread lightly so nature can endure and replenish.

There are self-registration stations at each wilderness trailhead entrance shown on the map. Overnight and day use visitors are requested to register.

Plan your party size, limit size of group to 10 persons or less. This reduces impact on soil and ground cover. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Leave your camp cleaner than you found it. Pack out what you pack in. Animals generally dig up what you bury, so don’t. Dispose of human waste at least 100 feet from campsites, trails and waterways. Dig a shallow hole and cover, nature will biologically decompose.

Keep the number of campfires low and small in size. Dead fallen trees add to the natural environment and future shortages may cause complete restrictions. Fire rings are unnatural signs of man and should be avoided. The use of small gas or chemical cooking stoves is recommended. Use care with open campfires - make sure they are dead out and their evidence is scattered before leaving.

Protect the solitude; seek out campsites that are out of sight and sound of trails and other camps. When sharing an area keep a low profile and maintain the solitude.

Avoid overuse of popular areas and search out the lesser known attractions.

Be prepared -- have the right equipment and clothing for primitive travel and the season of the year. Carry a good map and compass; practice safety and carry a first aid kit. The universal distress signal is three of anything: shots, shouts, smokes, whistles.

If you choose to carry a cell phone for safety or emergencies, be considerate of other visitors, many of whom go to the out-of-doors to get away from technology. Carry and use cell phones out-of-sight and sound of other people; keep them turned off until needed or on the “vibrate” or “silent” ringer setting.

When traveling on a trail, stay on the trail. When traveling cross-country use your map and compass. Use of blazes, ribbons or other trail markers should be avoided. Let the next fellow find his own way as you did.

Pack your own shelter, including needed poles and stakes; they are more comfortable than lean-tos.

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The wilderness may be surrounded by private property. Please respect the rights and property of private landowners.

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Be self reliant, whether carrying cell phones or not. Don’t be ill-prepared or engage in risky actions just because you have a cell phone to call for rescue. Remember that in many remote areas cell phone coverage is limited or non-existent.

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pro

Stockton Lake ovides something for everyone

BY JA R ED L A NKFO R D

YOU DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T HAVE TO TRAVEL HUNDREDS OF MILES AND SPEND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO ENJOY RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AT THEIR BEST. FALL 2013 OZARKS OUTDOORS

Centrally located between Joplin, Kansas City and Springfield, Stockton Lake is an oasis that offers everything that an outdoor-minded family on a budget could need.

Water-skiers and wake-boarders protected coves that provide for high-speed aquatic fun.

Steady breezes and open water make for great runs up and down the lake in speedboats.

There are several campgrounds around the lake and overcrowding is never a problem.

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bluegills. But it is the walleye fishing that sets this lake apart from the rest.

According to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) anglers catch more walleyes and more walleyes per hour of fishing at Stockton Lake than in any other lake in the state.

The MDC stocks walleyes on the lake to ensure a healthy and ample supply.

Bob Bennett, who owns and operates Stockton Lake Guide Service, can attest to the vibrancy of the fishing.

Bennett stated that in over 40 years of fishing the lake he has never been skunked while fishing.

“I haven’t always caught as many as I wanted,” said Bennett. “But no matter the conditions, I have caught fish.”

Bennett was forced to retire early from the Kansas City Police department when a back injury ended his law

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OZARKS OUTDOORS FALL 2013

BOB BENNETT, STOCKTON LAKE GUIDE SERVICE

the fishing, in a word, is “great.”

Stockton Lake has become one of the best walleye fishing lakes in the Midwest.

Stockton Lake is rated one of the top 10 sailing lakes in the United States.

In all the “V” shape lake covers 39 square miles and over 25,000 acres in all.

To put that in perspective, it would be like filling a tank seven-feet deep with water that’s corners were located a Monett, Mt. Vernon, Halltown and Marionville.

Stockton Lake is one of Missouri’s seven major lakes, all man-made. The lake was formed by damming the Sac River near the city of Stockton in 1969.

Fishing on Stockton Lake is a must for any angler.

The lake provides anglers with great opportunities to catch crappie, black bass, white bass, bluegill, channel catfish and

enforcement career.

“I took some time to think about what I could do with my life,” said Bennett. “It then dawned on me. Why not try to earn some money sharing my passion for fishing.”

Bennett invested in a boat, gear and a home and moved to the lake.

“I have been coming here all my life,” said Bennett. “I learned to ski on this lake. It has been a big part of my life.”

While his business card states that his “service is crappie”, Bennett is one of the most knowledgeable guides on the lake.

He authors several Stockton Lake fishing reports for Kansas City and Springfield news outlets and also files weekly radio reports to advice local anglers where to go and catch fish.

“Most guides won’t give you any information because they feel it will hurt their business,” explained Bennett. “I think

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FALL 2013 OZARKS OUTDOORS

back to when my dad and I fished this lake together and memories we made. I want more fathers and sons to experience that feeling.”

Bennett explained that the bass, crappie and walleye are still biting during the fall, but during the winter crappie becomes the fish of choice.

“If you can stand the cool temperatures you can catch fish this winter,” said Bennett.

“I am willing to go anytime of the year.”

Stockton Lake is the ideal fit for any family whether needing a vacation spot or to satisfy a fishing need.

“It is not as busy as the Lake of the Ozark,” said Bennett. “The water is pristine and the fishing is great. What else could you want?”

take your pic

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OZARKS OUTDOORS FALL 2013

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY JON WHITLOCK

In each issue of Ozarks Outdoors, we want to feature nature photographs taken and submitted by our readers.

To submit nature photos for our next edition of Ozarks Outdoors, send your high resolution images to community@ monett-times.com.

FALL 2013 OZARKS OUTDOORS

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OZARKS OUTDOORS FALL 2013