September 2023 Issue #10

Lost on the Lake TABLE ROCK

SEPTEMBER 2023 ISSUE 10

SETPTEMBER FISHING DAY TRIPPIN’

NOT QUITE “NAKED”PALOOZA

COVER PHOTO BY: Matt Lekawa

Adrianne Tucker VP, Mortgage Lender NMLS #569045

Dana Crowell SVP, Mortgage Lender NMLS #564440

Renea Daniels Mortgage Lender NMLS #543805

Roger Frieze VP, Commercial Lender NMLS #1785245

Shawn Clemens VP, Commercial Lender NMLS #1402734

Julia Fokina Consumer Lender NMLS #2509163

Casey Whitaker EVP, Lending NMLS #1911531

Ryan P. Ricketts Consumer Lender NMLS #2362987

IN THIS ISSUE

EXPLORE

Day Trippin’ - Exploring the outdoors at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

LOCAL EVENTS

Not Quite “Naked”Palooza

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Pizza by the Chef review and highlighting new location

EDITORIAL:

Myra Thornton - hello@lostonthelake.us

Eric Prey - www.focusedfishing.com

Christal Valbracht - AireServ

Jeff Woodward - The Rogue Chef

Edward Jones Financial

PMS Boat Sales-Premiere Marine

Tom Koob - wolpublishing@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHY:

Myra Thornton

Eric Prey

Tom Koobs

COVER BY: Matt Lekawa - IG: @zlek131

SALES: Bill Crosby - ads@lostonthelake.us

Thank you to all of our partners!

Please consider them for your needs:

Adventure Cave Tours

AireServ of Branson

Black Oak Amp

Butterfly Palace

Central Bank

Edward Jones - Grant Beasley

Health Markets - Nick Morris

PMS Boat Sales

Scout & Petal

Table Rock Community Bank

Table Rock Fishing Intel

Talking Rocks Cavern

US Tow Boat

Underfoot

The QuietSeason

a note from the editor

Summer ends on the 23rd of September. This is bittersweet for us lake dwellers. Summer is always such an amazing time on the water. My quote this season has been “this doesn’t suck!”. I have spoken those words daily in one situation or another.

Life on the water is unique...a quick walk to the lake and there is relief from the heat. Jump on the boat and explore a new cove. Take the kids tubing, teach them to wakeboard, jump off the cliffs or the dock! A day on the water is hard to beat. Memories and friendships are made right there on the water.

Fall brings its own beauty and fun, but me, I’m soaking up every last moment of Summer ... this girl celebrates every waking day on the lake!

Be Happy~

W: www.lostonthelake.us

E: hello@lostonthelake.us

P: 417-363-3030

September Fishing on Table Rock

BY: ERIC PREY - TRL Fishing Guide

Table Rock Lake in September is a challenge. The good; less boat traffic after Labor Day, the fishing pressure is low due to a lack of tournaments, and the days start getting shorter and hopefully the dog days of summer are over. The bad: it’s still hot and the fish are less active, generally it is dry so a lower influx of fresh water, overall, it can be the toughest month to fish. There are a few things you can do to be more productive in September regardless if you are fish deep or shallow.

Deep Fishing:

it may be the most productive. Drop shot rigs, spoons and other vertical presentations are good methods for catching bass in September, the key is where to find the fish and how to catch them.

In September any thermocline that may have developed over the summer is in full effect, a thermocline is the layer between the warmer mixed water near the surface and the colder water below. Above the thermocline the water is oxygen rich and below it is oxygen depleted, fish will tend to hold just above the thermocline where the water is slightly cooler but has plenty of oxygen. As anglers we can use this knowledge to figure out how deep most of the fish are. On Table Rock the thermocline will usually be right around 30’ deep, to an angler this means the bulk of the fish

Table Rock Lake is a deep fisherman’s dream; clear water, deep cover and an abundance of threadfin shad make Table Rock ideal for finding and catching fish in deep water. Fishing 25’ deep and deeper is one of the most productive ways to catch fish year-round, and in September cont. on page 12

should be around that 30’ range. Knowing this we look for cover and structure around that 30’ range that will be holding fish.

The most productive pieces of cover and structure during September tend to be deep trees, dock cables and long gravel points. Finding these areas is simple; look for submerged trees on bluff ends and in creek channels, look for dock cables off the ends of big community docks and follow gravel points out from the shallows to 30’ deep. Once you locate these areas use your electronics to find any fish holding on or around the cover and fish vertically for

them.

The most effective presentation when you find these fish is vertical dropping. Vertical dropping is just like it sounds, dropping baits directly on fish and drawing strikes, effective baits to drop in September include drop shot rigs, spoons and Damiki rigs:

• Drop Shot Rigs: A finesse worm or another small plastic lure on a small hook positioned about 12” above a sinker. Drop the lure slightly above the fish you see on your electronics and shake it in

place. Less movement is better in this situation. The bite is almost always light to nonexistent so paying attention is key.

• Spoons: Jigging spoons are usually a painted lead body with a treble hook attached. Drop the spoon just above the fish and start lifting and dropping it about a foot or two to draw strikes. Most of the strikes will come while the spoon is falling so allowing the spoon to fall on a semi-slack line is key.

• Damiki Rig: A soft plastic minnow imitation on a jig head, named for the Damiki Armor Shad that started the technique. Drop to above the fish and shake in place much like a drop shot rig, if interested fish approach the bait and don’t strike, lift the bait a foot or two and let it fall in front of the fish that will sometime draw a strike.

Shallow Fishing

Shallow fishing is a relative term in Septem -

ber on Table Rock, while some fish can be caught in less than a foot of water early and late in the day, shallow fishing in September is usually around 15’ – 20’ deep. Targeting shallow fish in September is sort of a one – two punch; start on the bank and then move progressively deeper.

Start on the Bank

Early in the day there are almost always fish up close to the bank, many of them were feeding overnight and haven’t been chased off the bank by bright sunlight and high temperatures. Even though these fish may have been feeding all night, they are still active and in search of forage. Shallow running lures like buzz baits, squarebill crankbaits and topwaters are all excellent choices for these fish. Position your boat so you can make casts parallel to the shoreline, make long casts and keep the bait tight to the shore. Points and transition areas on channel swings are key areas, they allow fish to move from the shallows to the safety of deep water quickly and will hold more fish.

Move Deeper with the Sun

As the sun rises and there is no longer any shade on the bank start moving out deeper to the first drop off you find. Some of the best areas are “roll off” banks where a flat drops off into a river or creek channel, fish will group up in these areas. Once they move off the bank fish will tend to hold close to or right on the bottom so lures that work the bottom over are the most productive; Texas or Carolina rigged plastics, football jigs and deep diving crank baits are all excellent choices.

• Texas or Carolina rigged plastics: Plastic worms and creatures baits fished on the bottom with either a Texas or Carolina rig are great choices. They stay in the strike zone a long time and are hard for a fish to resist. Throw the bait out and allow it to sink to the bottom and simply drag it back to the boat, a simple but effective way to cover a variety of depths and find fish.

• Football Jigs: Like rigged plastics, football jigs cover water quickly and effi -

ciently. The nature of the jig is more compact and can be fished with a hopping or scooting action that can draw strikes where a rigged plastic can’t.

• Deep Crankbaits: Once a group of fish is found the best way to put them in the boat in a hurry is a deep crankbait. Deep crankbaits get down and stay down in the strike zone faster than any other bait. More casts can mean more fish so when a school is found a deep crank bait allows more presentations than just about any other bait.

Don’t ignore cover

One other key thing to look for when fishing shallow in September is cover, brush and rock piles, docks and standing timber will all hold fish. Targeting these areas with jigs and Texas rigged plastics will produce throughout the day. When targeting shallow cover be sure to make multiple casts from different angles to ensure your lure is seen by all the fish in the cover.

September fishing on Table Rock can be tough, but after fishing with heavy boat traffic all summer it’s nice to have a few calm days on the water. Fish deep or fish shallow there are still plenty of opportunities to catch fish in September on Table Rock Lake.

Eric Prey is the Owner / Operator of Focused Fishing Guide Service on Table Rock, Taneycomo and Bull Shoals lakes.

To book a trip or contact: www.focusedfishing.com or call 417-860-4743

Boating Last Taste of

Back to school can be a stressful time of year, but time spent on the lake is the perfect stress-reliever.

Water and air temps are perfect in September for evening and weekend outings to get that last taste of summer. The water is perfect for swimming, skiing, tubing, cliff

jumping, etc.

Take that run down to Holiday Island Shell Knob or head to the dam, anywhere really, the lake is yours.

Perhaps you just need some relaxation time. How about anchored in your favorite

cove where you can soak up the sun, listen to your favorite tunes and let the stress melt away.

Summer fun doesn’t have to end just because school is back in session. Make the most of the warm water while you can! The lake is calling, can you hear it?

All too soon we’ll be thinking about winterizing and putting our boats to bed for the year. Get all you can out of these last precious moments of summer.

Proudly

Day Trippin’Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

Deep in the Ozarks, in Lampe MO is an amazing Nature Park comprised of 10,000 acres of paradise. This park features rugged scenery and natures beauty.

With conservation at the core, a day spent exploring at the park is an opportunity to learn more about the Ozarks and to learn about the wildlife and plant life.

With opoortunities to hike, bike, horseback ride, take a wildlife tour, fish for trout and more, you can literally spend hours or an entire day. There are beautiful ponds, streams, waterfalls, creek beds, bridges and so many trees.

I took a bike ride and a tram tour. The bike ride takes you alongside the streams and waterfalls on paved roads and into Arkansas. You can also walk along these roads. There are 9 miles of nature trails for hiking.

EXPLORE

After my bike ride, I hopped on the tram tour (additional fee) where we went through the park and into the back woods where we saw Elk, Longhorn Cattle and Buffalo. The animals are free ranging within a fenced property. The tram travels along a paved path through the fenced enclosure where the animals are roaming. It was a wonderful opportunity to see the animals up close in a natural environment. The tram offers a guide that educates along the way. They offer 2 hour tours throughout the day, and recommend reservations.

The park offers horseback riding, guided trout fishing and personal wildlife tours, all available through there website.

cont on page 22

On site there is a treehouse, built by the team of Animal Planet’s TV show Treehouse Masters. You can climg through the treehouse and explore. There is also a chapel where they perform weddings throughout the year.

The Nature Park changes through the seasons and offers a unique view yearround. You can visit once, or purchase an annual pass. They even allow dogs on all the trails and the restaurant patio (on leashes).

There is a restaurant, an event pavillion, gift shop and more. Visit their website to plan your visit, there is something for everyone.

cont on page 24

What to know about HSAs and FSAs

Paying for health care can be challenging — but are you taking full advantage of all the resources available to you?

You might have access to a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), so let’s look at both.

An HSA is a personal savings account used to pay health care costs. If you’re enrolled in a high-deductible health plan, you also may be eligible to contribute to an HSA. You aren’t taxed on the money you put into this account or on the earnings generated from your contributions, as long as withdrawals are used for qualified health care costs such as deductibles, copayments and coinsurance. And there’s no “use it or lose it” provision with HSAs — the money stays in your account until you use it. In fact, you can carry your HSA with you all the way until retirement, when you can use the money to pay for qualified expenses that Medicare or Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) doesn’t cover. In 2023, you can contribute up to $3,850 to an HSA, or $4,850 if you’re 55 or older; for family coverage, you can put in up to $7,750.

It’s important to keep in mind that your HSA’s tax benefits only apply when your withdrawals are used for qualified heath care costs. If you use the money for non-qualified expenses, it is considered taxable income, and you may also face a penalty of 20% on the amount withdrawn. However, once you turn 65, you can use your HSA funds for any purpose without a penalty, though the withdrawals will still count as taxable income.

Now, let’s turn to the Flexible Savings Account. An FSA may be available to you if you get health insurance through your employer. And because you fund your FSA with pretax dollars, your contributions can reduce your taxable income. (In 2023, you can contribute up to $3,050 to an FSA.) Your

employer may also choose to contribute to your FSA. Once your account is funded and active, you submit claims with proof of your medical expenses, along with a statement that these expenses aren’t covered by your plan, and you can be reimbursed for your costs.

It’s helpful to have a good estimate of your yearly medical expenses for a Flexible Savings Account. That’s because an FSA generally needs to be spent before the end of the plan year — if you don’t use all the money, you can only carry over some of it and any remaining balance is forfeited. (You can carry over up to $610 from 2023 into 2024.)

You can’t contribute to an HSA and a traditional FSA in the same year. But if you have an HSA, you might be able to use what’s known as a Limited Purpose Flexible Spending Account (LPFSA) for dental and vision expenses. You’ll need to check with your plan to see if this option is available.

Managing your health care expenses should be a key part of your overall financial strategy — so consider putting an HSA or FSA to work for you.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Edward Jones, Member SIPC

S

REALTOR

cell: 402-949-0818

office: 417-272-5253

13367 Missouri Hwy 13, Suite B

Kimberling City, MO 65686

Not Quite “Naked”Palooza

August 12th 2023 marked the 5th annual Nakedpalooza on Table Rock Lake. This one day event features a DJ and boat tie ups on Naked Cove in Kimberling City.

Naked Cove is well known as a favorite cove for anchoring houseboats and hosting multi boat tie ups. The wide channel and many side coves create a perfect area to meet up and hang out with friends.

While the event is titled after the cove, it is not a clothing optional event. However, the organizers always remind families to be selective when choosing where to tie up.

We took out the Phoenix (with trolling motor) and slipped through the crowd to take in the whole effect. And let me tell you, it was wild! Young and old alike, enjoyed themselves in the water and on their boat decks. Plenty of music, dancing, floating and beverages!

People came out on all types of watercraft. Jet skiis, wake boats, pontoons, houseboats, and cabin cruisers lined across the cove in rows. People were walking across from deck to deck visiting with friends and making new ones!

Behind the boats were mats and floaties, and bodies...so many bodies! There were also the social folks that swam through on saddles and noodles bobbing through the crowd visiting with the groups along the way. Beverages thrown freely to the passerbys looking for a cold one.

We even saw the dive boat on site, I can

only imagine what was retrieved during and after this event. Many struggled getting their anchors loose at the end of the day, manuevering carefully while squeezed so tight amoung others.

Late in the day a giant swan broke loose and floated quietly away from the crowd, looking tired and worn out.

This is clearly not for everyone, but the people that were a part of it sure had a great time. Everyone was friendly and welcoming and I look forward to next years event!

Ask an Expert: Home and Property Maintenance

Welcome to Ask an Expert: Home and Property Maintenance.

Each month our featured home and property expert will answer questions that provide information, tips and advice on a medley of homeowner topics. We hope to help our readers gain new insights into a variety of local home service professionals, services and products. Our goal is to make maintaining your home easier and empower you with the knowledge that you need to be a successful homeowner in the Table Rock lake area. Let’s get started.

Who is our September expert?

“James Clevenger from Dryer Vent Wizard of Springfield/Branson”

What services do you offer?

“Dryer Vent Wizard provides professional dryer vent cleaning for residential and business properties in the Springfield and Branson area.”

What happens when your dryer vent is blocked?

“If your dryer vent is blocked, all of the built-up lint can become a fire hazard. The heat from your dryer could cause the lint to combust, potentially catching your dryer and parts of your home on fire. You will also find that a clogged dryer vent will cause your dryer to work less efficiently causing prolonged drying times.”

How common are fires from dryer vents?

“According to the National Fire Protection Association, dryers and washing machines cause an average of 15,970 fires each year, with dryers causing 92% of them.”

What are the signs that you should clean your dryer vent?

“There are several. Your clothes will take longer than normal to dry, your clothes will be unusually hot to the touch, the room is warmer than normal when the dryer is running. Do you notice burning smells, is the lint flap isn’t opening, are your clothes are still damp after one drying cycle or has your dryer stopped working? If you know what to look for, the dryer tells you there’s a problem.”

What causes a dryer vent to clog?

“Many things can cause your dryer vent to become clogged. Most of the time, it’s lint that becomes trapped in the vent. Over time, this accumulates and begins to block the nearby airflow. Other times, nests and other debris can cause a clog. Chances are there is too much debris present, the vent cover is blocked, or you have a nest. Fabric softener build-up and a kinked vent duct could also explain the issue.”

Are there ways to prevent your dryer vent from clogging?

“Cleaning your lint trap after every drying cycle will reduce buildup in these areas.”

How often should you clean your dryer vent?

“Dryer exhaust vents should be inspected and cleaned every 1-2 years depending on the size of the household and dryer usage.”

What services does Dryer Vent Wizard offer? Can you also repair my broken dryer?

“We offer everything dryer vents. Inspections, cleaning, installation and repair. We can handle all of your dryer vent needs. We do not offer

other dryer repair services.”

Can Dryer Vent Wizard also clean other vents in my home?

“We only service dryer vents. We do not offer any other vent cleaning services. However, our friends at AireServ Heating and Air Conditioning offer exceptional residential duct cleaning services.”

How can you get your dryer inspected?

“Call (417) 685-4181 or visit our website www. DryerVentWizardSpringfield.com to schedule your inspection and cleaning.”

Are you offering a special this month for our readers?

“Dryer Vent Wizard of Springfield makes your home safer while saving you time, money, and energy. Mention this Lost on the Lake Table Rock article and receive 1/2 off your dryer vent inspection.”

By: Christal Valbracht www.aireserv.com www.dryerventwizardspringfield.com www.MrRooter.com

Local Business

Pizza by the Chef is your hometown pizza restaurant since 1992. In November 2022, John and Stacy Dowdy bought the Branson West location and immediately began updating the restaurant and ensuring they were using the freshest ingredients available. They are all about providing locals with the best oven baked pizza experience. They have recently opened a new location in Kimberling City.

Branson West is a full service restaurant with a menu offering the “best pizza on the Rock” baked in their stone oven. They also serve gourmet salads, toasted subs, pastas, appetizers, wings and gelato. Also available are take and bake pizzas. They make their pizza dough, sauces and salads daily. They always use fresh ingredients.

Kimberling City has its own unique feel. They offer Take or Bake 14” pizzas (limited menu), Hot & Ready 12” pizzas, daily fresh packed salads, and gelato. They are constantly upgrading the menu, but the design is a quick grab and eat, with counter service. They have a few small tables and some lake supplies and merchandise. This location has boat slips available for future “on the water” pick up (to be announced). This location uses the same top quality ingredients and recipes. Be sure to watch facebook and their website for updates and new announcements!

Both locations are open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 8pm.

Branson West Menu:

https://mypizzabythechef.com/menu

Wildlife Red Fox

The red fox looks like the forest version of a puppy. With his pointed muzzle, large pointed ears, fairly long legs and bushy tail. Their fur is thick and soft with a reddish color throughout, and their fluffy tail is speckled with black and ends with a white

tip. The cheeks, throat and belly are typically white, while the back of the ears, nose, legs and feet are solid black.

Red fox are rather small, the average adult measures 22-36 inches with a tail length of

14-16 inches. They range in weight from 6 to 15 pounds, but appear heavier because of their fluffy fur!

Borders of forested areas with access to open land are the preferred home of the fox. They typically sleep in a sheltered spot and create a den for their young.

Primary diet includes rabbits, rats and mice. Mixed in, when available, are wild birds, insects, other small mammals and a little plant material. They consume on average a pound of meat each feeding.

Breeding season is from late December to March, with January and February being the primary time frame. They have one lit -

ter a year with 4-7 kits and they are generally born in March or April.

At about a month old, the kits begin to come out of the nest. They will leave the den area at about 10 weeks to accompany their parents on hunting trips. In the fall the family disperses and the kits are on their own.

Fox are nocturnal but they do come out during the day, especially at dawn and dusk. They have remarkable hearing, including being able to hear low-frequency sounds like rodents digging underground.

Fox are known for their crafty behavior and are quite elusive and smart. Fox hunting with hounds is still considered sport. They

are also trapped for their fur with is used for trimming clothing and hats.

Reference: https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/ field-guide/red-fox

https://www.nwf.org/educational-resources/wildlife-guide/mammals/red-fox

Favorite Recipes with The Rogue Chef

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Servings: 4 Individual Servings

Prep Time: 45-60 mins

Ingredients:

1 C Dates, pitted and chopped

1 tsp Baking Soda

1 C Boiling Water

1 C AP Flour

1 tsp Baking Powder

1⁄2 tsp Salt

1⁄2 C Butter, softened

1 C Sugar

3 Eggs

1 tsp Mexican Vanilla

1T Sorghum Molasses

Toffee Sauce:

1 C Heavy Cream

1⁄2 C Butter

1 C Dark Brown Sugar

1 tsp Mexican Vanilla

1⁄2 C Sorghum Molasses

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease four 8 ounce ramekins.

2. In a small bowl, combine the chopped dates and boiling water. Let sit for about 15 minutes to soften the dates.

3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

4. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time. Stir in the Mexican vanilla and sorghum molasses.

5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with

the date mixture (including the liquid). Mix until just combined.

6. Pour the batter into the greased baking ramekins and smooth the top with a spatula.

7. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. While the pudding is baking, prepare the toffee sauce. In a saucepan on medium heat, combine butter, dark brown sugar, Mexican vanilla, and sorghum molasses. Once the sugar has melted, add the heavy cream. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens.

9. Remove the pudding from the oven.

10. Take a knife and scrape the inside edges of the ramekin to loosen it from the sides. Flip the pudding upside down onto a plate. Tap the bottom so the pudding pops out of the ramekin.

11. Drizzle the toffee sauce evenly over the warm pudding, allowing it to ooze down the side and soak into the pudding.

12. Serve warm, drizzled with additional toffee sauce.

Go Rogue by serving with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.

Don’t want to make this yourself?

Hire Chef Jeff, The Rogue Chef, in Branson, Missouri. He will make the perfect meal for you.

www.TheRogueChefBranson.com

late summer Outdoor Living

Late Summer is really a great time to enjoy the cooler evenings with friends and family. After a day cruising on the water, or floating in the lake, I love to come home to my backyard oasis and bbq on the deck or have a drink by the fire.

Once the kids go back to school, society tells us that summer is over...time to get out the pumpkins and spice coffees! But for me, I hang on to the outdoor living as long as possible.

Some things I love to do this time of year include:

• Paddleboard Cruise

• Fire Pit - S’mores

• Outdoor Movie Night

• Smoked Ribs Night

• Dinner on the Water

• Sunset Boat Cruise

• Drinks on the Dock

Why

Grant Beasley Financial Advisor 1 Lakeshore Drive Suite 1 P O Box 1373

What LiesBeneath ...

Stories About What Is Buried By Table

Rock Lake © Tom Koob

The Legend of Virgin Bluff

2023

Virgin Bluff is one of the most spectacular bluffs in the Table Rock area. The sheer rock bluff rises 350 feet above a hairpin turn in the James River bed, two miles below the Cape Fair Bridge. Opposite the bluff is a long spit of land, sometimes called a “hogback”, that separates Fultz Bottoms and Long Bottoms. For thousands of years, the river has thrown its force against this massive rock obstacle — with little apparent effect.

Many stories and legends have arisen from the awesome beauty and power of Virgin Bluff. The name comes from a Native Amer -

ican tale. A local Indian chief’s beautiful daughter, Moon Song, fell in love with a young Spanish conquistador journeying through the region. The chief forbade his daughter to marry the white man and in her grief, she threw herself off the bluff into the swirling stream below. The chief placed a curse on Virgin Bluff to keep the white man away. It is sometimes said, Moon Song still haunts the area.

In 1912, a Boston man, William H. Standish, purchased several hundred acres of land in the Virgin Bluff area. He had formulated a plan to construct a reservoir/tunnel type

cont. on page 50

photo courtesy of Tom Koob

dam. Virgin Bluff was an ideal location for such a project. Standish formed the White River Construction Company and along with Ambersen Hydraulic Company, began a dam project at the site.

The plan was to construct a 70-foot high dam across the James at the bluff. At the same time, a tunnel would be bored through the bluff all the way to Winding Stair Bluff downstream. The combination of the dam and long tunnel would produce a tremendous amount of power to a generating station at Winding Stair.

In 1913, Standish began work at Virgin Bluff. A large construction camp was erected in Long Bottoms on the north side of the James. Local men were hired and they began clearing a path up the bluff. Another crew began digging and blasting the tunnel.

George Foster, a local youth, who later became a well-known James River guide, related the following about his work on the

project:

“I got a dandy job there. I was only fourteen years old. I was the water boy. I had a bucket and dipper, would stop at springs and fill the bucket, then make the rounds to all the workmen so they could have drinks. I got ten cents an hour at first. The workmen on the dam only got fifteen cents. We worked ten hours a day, six days a week.”

The Virgin Bluff dam project encountered problems from the start. Many men were injured as most of the work was being done by hand with picks, shovels and wheelbarrows. There were landslides on the steep bluff. The tunnelers encountered caves, water and even human bones. Some workers thought they had uncovered the remains of Moon Song. They feared the Virgin Bluff curse and some quit the project. By the summer of 1913, the threat of world war in Europe diverted finances for the project and the work ceased, never to be

Workmen on the Virgin Bluff Dam project 1913 photo courtesy of Tom Koob

resumed. Standish stayed in the area, but was financially ruined.

Other sources have reported that there was violent local opposition to the project that would flood the river valley. Locals would sit atop Virgin Bluff and shoot down upon the dynamite wagons, blowing them up. When the dynamite was moved inside the tunnel, disgruntled residents reportedly set it off and collapsed the excavation.

Whether due to the curse of Moon Song, an imminent World War I or the opposition of local residents, the dam project at Virgin Bluff was stopped. The James River was free to run wild, at least for another fifty years.

Virgin Bluff created an exciting path for float fishers on the James. Joy Lee Jones gives the following description of the James River:

“The James River running under the Virgin Bluff was beautiful, but challenging to floaters. Float fishers first encountered a beautiful hole of water, very deep and very blue in color. It was referred to as the Virgin Hole. Next was the Virgin Shoal, fol -

lowed by the Virgin Swirl where the river rushed strongly into a small bluff on the opposite side of the stream from Virgin Bluff. It took knowledge and expertise in boat handling to keep from being swept into the bluff. Boat sinkings were the result of many floaters who were not aware of how to properly guide their boats through these rapids. My grandfather John I. Jones built a fish trap under the Virgin Bluff that provided a resource of food for his family and surrounding families. He had homesteaded land above the Virgin Bluff running east past (what is now) Y Highway.”

Virgin Bluff still remains a beautiful, awe-inspiring natural feature as it rises above the water of Table Rock Lake. The massive, sheer bluff is a common feature on Table Rock. If you ever boat beneath Virgin Bluff, perhaps you will hear the plaint of Moon Song, or feel the rumble of dynamite, or imagine the rush of a johnboat, craftily maneuvered through Virgin Swirl.

Tom Koob is a local author who has written several books about Ozarks history. His work is available on Amazon “new” books or by contacting him at: wolpublishing@gmail.com

Virgin Bluff today

Photo Courtesy of Tom Koob