August 7, 2011

August 7, 2011

Yesterday we fished near where the Buffalo River empties into the White River. It was very picturesque because the opposite shore was a tall sheer cliff face. On our way west we decided to follow the Buffalo River upstream. Our first stop was at the Visitor Center for the Buffalo National River. There we learned that the Army Corps of Engineers had plans to build a dam on it like they had done with most of the other Ozark Mountain streams. To preserve it, local conservationists got the Buffalo designated the first National River.

From the Visitor Center we walked along the shoreline of the river. Here the opposite bank is also lined with a sheer rock face. Unfortunately this time of the year, the water level is very low scuttling our plans for a canoe trip. We would have had to paddle all the way. Instead we drive upstream to the Ponca Wilderness area. Here the Buffalo is lined with its tallest and most picturesque cliffs soaring almost 500 feet high.

Afterwards we continue west out of the Ozark Mountains. Although very scenic, the whole region is fairly isolated with few roads. After a few hours following narrow, winding roads we emerge on the west side of the state and spend the evening in Oklahoma.