Historical September 1980 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
The 109 degree heat didn’t stop 70 Kingsburians (and former Kingsburians) from venturing out on the Meramec for their 4th Annual “Fun and Frolic Float Trip” in a 29 canoe flotilla.
The neighbors gathered at Bass Canoe Rental at Indian Springs Lodge in the morning, Saturday, July 29, and a number of us wondered what we were doing there on such a torrid day.
We put in at Indian springs for the 9 mile journey to Birds Nest.
We had seen fallen trees along the road around Cuba, Missouri from the tornado which had hit the area 2 weeks before.
On the river we encountered more trees large and small which had fallen during the tornado.
This made navigation more interesting. Borah Bracey went the first couple of miles with fingers on both hands crossed, but from the look on her face, she had little faith that this would save her.
The float made its first stop at the rope tree, high above the river on a steep bank. Molly and Colin McFerron, and the Lottes group dashed up the bank to swing from the tree and drop into the river. Following close behind were C.T., Sarah, and Allison Stuart – even Gee jumped while Cal cheered.
The Nerviani and Bender sisters, Alex Hitchcock and Emily Shea all did their acrobatics into the river.
The really daring jumpers were Marty Cross, Jonathan Mensing, and Connan McFerron. Sarah Mensing resigned herself to spectating. Senior citizens also attempted the jump . . . neither advancing years, gray beards, or bald heads could hold them back. John Cross demonstrated diving with his hat on and not losing it.
The majority, however, swam and drank beer.
This proved to be a good spot for Adam and Brandon Hellan to examine the river rocks and shells. Paddling right along, Tim Mestres was in command of his parent’s canoe and Danny Shea watched Katie accumulate what must have been the best sunburn on the river.
The Cross kids, as usual, were the most relaxed river experts on the trip.
Although the river was low, portaging was seldom necessary, but the grinding sound of canoe bottoms on gravel didn’t sit well with David Gioia, who probably thought it was thunder. Stephen Gioia was not terribly impressed with his parent’s navigating abilities, especially when their canoe and a cow from a nearby farm nearly collided in mid river. (It was the cow’s fault!) Indian Springs cave signalled the float was nearly over.
The contrast of the hot day and the seemingly freezing spring water was refreshing. Sarah and Lucy Griesbach and Kim Bracey added more river critters to their collection at this point making their trip a success.
On the many stops along the way, neighbors took advantage of visiting with each other while sitting/lying/lounging in the water and having one more cool drink.
As we paddled into the Birds Nest, almost everyone took a last swim and headed for the antique school bus which took us on a bumpy ride back to the lodge.
Many thanks to our leader, Bill Kessler, who not only arranged the float but also had a dinner prepared of beef brisket, vegetables, salads, rolls, dessert, etc. We’re all looking forward to the 5th Annual Canoe Trip.
Originally published in The Paper, September 1980.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: The source prints Saturday, July 29, which does not match the 1980 calendar. Date retained without silently shifting it.
Original source: SD_Times1980_09.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 6.
