Float Schedule 2011



The final stretch on Spring River

As winter settles upon us the cold weather and short days keep us inside, causing River Jackals to think about swift water and warm nights on the river. This year the Jackal faithful have big plans for the summer of 2011 with the addition of two new rivers to the repertoire. Everyone is excited about the possibilities and hope that 2011 will exceed all others in both numbers in attendance and excitement on the water. This post is intended to get everyone thinking about next summer and putting some float trips on the schedule early so everyone can plan on making at least one, if not all, of these monumental trips. Three trips are scheduled and I encourage everyone to mark your calendars and stay in contact via this blog and email to get excited about some time on the river this summer.

Float Trips

• May 14-15      Flat Creek

• July 2-4          North Fork

• Aug. 12-15     Current River

A Jackals October

The Jackals of Southwest Missouri have tightened their grip on the Ozark waterways through their recent success at the Paddlefest and continue to spread the name of River Jackal.  There are many things for the hoard to celebrate from this past season of floating and the first canoe race would have definitely made the top of the list.  Let alone bringing home first and third place.  It is always a proud moment to see the brotherhood make such a strong showing. 

While the Ozark water is where we call home, some of the Jackals are spread out across this fine country and it is our duty to see that the Jackal Way is known to all that we encounter.  This is why the shirt of the River Jackal is such an important component.  We have known since we first laid eyes on them that the shirts would be legendary and become the calling card of our group.  However, it is only since the crisp fall weather has fallen upon us that I have realized the true power of the Jackal hoodie.  This garment has garnered the attention of all who encounter in and they stand in awe of its power.  The Jackalski has brought great joy to this River Jackal, through the production of these hoodies, even into the months of October.

It is this month that I am so excited to write about.  With this post I'm announcing the whitewater training that I will begin in the coming weeks.  One area that I have always hoped to explore has been the area of white water kayaking.  Since the monumental float of the Admiral, KCP and I on the flooded shoal creek in the John Boat, I have seen the power of the river and dreamed of conquering even mightier waters.  The training, being held on the TTU campus, will culminate in a trip to the Texas hill country and the San Marcos and Guadalupe rivers.  There are many exciting possibilities with this trip and the Jackals are opening doors to many new opportunities.

Jackals dominate Paddlefest

As most of you already know the River Jackals attending the first annual 8 mile canoe race, held on the Elk River at Pineville, MO. This being the first canoe race a Jackal has entered, we were prepared to expect the unexpected. Nerves were a little on edge, for we wanted to represent the Jackal name appropriately and there was a descent pot of winnings at the finish line. Luckily the water was up, which eliminated any need for canoe dragging in the shallows, so the biggest challenge was navigating through the snags, bends, and idiots, as well as the keeping up with the physical demand. Jackal team 2, composed of Rear Admiral, and KCP, got off to the best start, after a foot race to the canoes, with Jackal team 1, composed of Master Motorboater and the Wiley Winkleman on their tail. Jackal team 1 took the lead at 59 bridge and never relented from then on. Family supporters cheered us on at several locations and the National Guard was stealthily concealed at every river bend in efforts to catch any potential cheaters. The paddling was fast and furious all the way to the end with Jackal team 1 taking first place, with a 1 hour and 5 minute completion, and Jackal team 2 bringing in third. We had a blast of a time and fully intend to dominate the event next year and hope more Jackals and Jackal fans will be up for the challenge.

Its not easy being a Jackal

Once again I wanted to include the departure photos for the Shoal Creek 2010 adventure to Grand Lake. The seven man crew is looking salty, all but for one, that is. For the Rear Admiral sometimes likes to take it to the max the night before the float excursions and perhaps the morning came a little too early for him. However, it was nothing a little homemade pancakes wouldn't cure...eventually. We had an outstanding trip of which marked the completion of a long time goal the River Jackals can now mark down in the play book.

Shoal to Spring

Quite possibly my favorite memorie from the 2010 float season came at dusk on Spring River just before the Twin Bridges.  It was a long day of floating that we were all aware would be challenging but maybe not quite as prepared for what we were going to experience.  As we rounded the last bend and I snapped this picutre of KC Paul, solo and one with the water, I understood why we planned this float.

This all came after a wonderful first day on Shoal Creek.  We put in off of Old Senic Drive north of Neosho early saturday morning because we knew we had a long two days ahead of us.  The feeling of being back on Shoal Creek, after a year of being apart, had the Jackals excited to see what the Spring River addition had to offer.  With Bloody Mary and Whiskey Tea in hand we set off on our adventure.  While rope swings and jumping trees were in short supply we made up for it in great conversation and the occasional "around the world."  We made camp by around 8:00pm and settled in for the night, cooking poor man steaks and skank biscuits to fill the tanks. 

That night one of our favorite campsites kept the tradition alive by providing a heavy rain storm to test the Jackal resolve.  The group stayed strong, and those without any sort of shelter stood in the rain and tended to the fire.  The poor conditions drove us out of our beds early and breakfast was cooked in the dark, canoes were packed, and we were off on an adventure that would hold some suprises for the crew.  The loss of the GPS early ment that the Jackals would have to rely on pure instinct in order to set the pace on the river (which is why a map is not included with this post).  The crew of seven Jackals performed beyond expectation, navigating dams, paddling the long stretches, and cleansing Kansas with flame.  In hardcore Jackal form we made our destination, as planned.

The Shoal Creek Float

Whenever I hear these words I get excited.  Shoal Creek has provided us with some of the most memorable experiences on the water so far and is the birthplace of the River Jackal hoard.  Many a jackal grew up in the upper reaches of Shoal Creek, learning to swim and rope swing for the first time and to us that river is home.  So it is only fitting that when the annual Shoal Creek trip comes around that every Jackal within driving distance is getting their A game ready for one hell of a time. 

This stretch is shaping up to be quite the trip as we will be putting in at a location further down river and taking the water of the Shoal further than we have ever been.  The fall of death at Joplin and the Spring River dam will be two of the more interesting obstacles to overcome on this trip.  Last year the falls took quite the toll on our band as we were unprepared for the portage and ignorant human beings that stood in our way.  Be prepared this year to pack light and attack Joplin with a vengance because who knows what the damn holds at Spring River.

Keep your paddles oiled and we'll see you on the 14th!

The Tree Jump

This is the moment that I'm always waiting for, the opportunity to catch a Jackal on film doing something crazy awesome.  This video, captured by the amazing Jackalski, is of the Master Motorboater getting some air out of a nice tree on day two.  While the last River Jackal float trip on the Elk River was a short one at only 28 miles but it was action packed.  Even though it rained for a good portion of the day on Saturday we still came accross a few hundred floaters out enjoying the 3rd of July.  The 4th proved to be the go to day as we found several places to swim, jump, and raise hell.  Keep your eyes on the blog for a few new pics from the float as I get them posted.

Jackal Photos!

Here is a quick post to update you about the Jackal Photos page.  Great strides have been made in putting the pictures on the web and sharing them on the blog.  Just click on the link to Jackal Photos at the top and enjoy the three albums that are up so far.  More pictures will be added here as they arrive so keep a look out for them after every event or float of the river jackal hoard.  These links aren't the highest quality so if you find one you really like let me know and I can get you a copy of the original.  If you have pics you would like to add let me know and I'll get them posted.  These go back to the float that started it all Shoal Creek 2009 - The Bachelor Party.

Happy Floating!

Reasons to Celebrate

It isn't often that you get to enjoy this type of water.  For our smaller bodies of water the early spring float is the only way to go in order to take full advantage of the rain and high water levels.  And when you do you are rewarded with action like this.  Early in the float just beyond the dam, the creek provided just what a Jackal is on the hunt for, a little excitement.  There really is nothing like shooting some swift water at 9:15 in the a.m.  The guide had no problem and Humping to Please is sizing it up ready to attack.

The other benefit of the early float is that the hoard can enjoy some nice water time.  This shot taken only a few minutes later shows how the water opens up for some relaxing flat water.  With paddles out of the water the Admiral is preparing to pass around the whiskey bottle.  While it is always the true drink of a Jackal there was some experimentation during this float that proved to please the senses quite nicely.  You can expect to see several new concoctions on the water for the Elk River.

The mighty hoard

I realized that we had not yet posted the ritualistic departure photo yet for Flat Creek 2010. All twelve members, plus the finest k9 specimen a jackal could ask for, are present and wielding beards, machetes, and beers. Always a quality moment in time when you can get a photo of the river hoard together, for there are only two moments when you can gather jackals long and still enough for a photo, and that is at the beginning and the end of their highly anticipated adventure.

For no float trip is ingrained in time without a quality campsite photo, I felt it pertinent to show the campfire smoke billowing in the background, 1.5 inch sirloins grilling in the foreground, and one well behaved Boxer female staying dry on someones sleeping bag. Notice, even in the evening most jackals refuse to wear their shirts. Maybe it is the lava hot campfire stoking in preparation for supper, or maybe its the wild beast within. This campsite near Terd Cliff is a fine representation of the many bad mother gravel bars that Flat Creek has to offer and it is from this site, in probably the most isolated country in Barry county, that asthma boy had to be evacuated on foot. Then there were 11.

Campsite Coffee

As we start to think about the next float it is always important to look back and think about the highs and lows to be better prepared. One thing that I've made a mental note to remember is to pack the coffee cups. The morning on the river just isn't complete without some campsite coffee to get things started. For the Admiral, unfortunately, he was required to drink his from a discarded corn can from the night before. The important thing to know is that a River Jackal is resourceful and never slowed down by an item that might have been forgotten.

While everyone might have a different style when it comes to camping and floating I believe that the only thing you need to know is that you should get out there and take advantage of every opportunity you can. Start thinking about the July 3rd and 4th float and we'll see you at the Man Barn.

The Amazing Jackalski!

Here is the first attempt at linking a Float or Die YouTube video to the blog.  This video pretty much explains itself but I'll give those who weren't there a little background.  This was shot at Meth Bridge on day one of the Flat Creek trip which is one of the favorite stops along the way.  The Jackalski saw several young children climbing the frame of the bridge and jumping off.  Not one to be out done, he scaled the bridge and put those kids to shame.  As you will see from the video there was quite a crowd gathered there that day so the Jackals were able to leave a good impression on all who were present.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViGTFkDlUvM

Land of the Free

There is no doubt that the Jackals love America.  This photo was taken on the eve of our last adventure on Flat Creek.  The Man Barn was once again transformed into a place of celebration.  The hoodies that are seen here are courtesy of the Jackalski and are sporting the artwork of the Dreaded Rear Admiral.  We are photographed in front of one of the Man Barn's most prized possession.  The big ass American flag that graces the south wall.  The flag which was added last fall is an immediate reminder that we love our country and the many opportunities that it provides us.  It's good to know that one has a place that they can retreat to such as this when they need an escape so that they can enjoy life to the fullest. Some place that your free to say and do what you please without worrying about what others might think or say.  While the Man Barn may reside on the Cockleburr Ranch, it exists because of the brotherhood of the Jackals.

Rope swings make my face hurt.

Since we are in the rope swinging mode, I thought I would include some quality moments from flat creek, courtesy of the Jackalski. Above we have the Animal and to the right First Class Seaman, both catching some quality air. The Animal appears to be catching some good hang time, probably due to his three feet of hair. Also, I thought it would be good to include Soundwave, with his new tattoos, and the First Class Seaman at the helm.

Flat Creek 2010

I think that this picture pretty much sums up the amazing trip that we had on flat creek June 5th & 6th.  12 brave souls set out on an amazing journey but only 11 managed to make it to the end.  (Which was unfortunate, but sounds cool here.)  The water was perfect, as we expected for an early season float, and set the stage for one heck of a good time.  The Jackals had several new faces on the water with us which was truly a blessing.  With some last minute cancellations of D-bag Dustin and Iron Mike we were worried that it might be a skeleton crew.  Oh were we wrong.  The additions proved to be quite sea worthy and added a lot of great conversation and excitement to the mix.  Some of the biggest props have to go out to cousin Nick and Wink for their rope swing extreme.  They pushed the Jackals further than ever before with their ability to master the rope.  This picture of the Master Motorboater shows the Jackals doing their best to keep up. 

A Tradition or a Way of Life?

First of all the credit for this amazing idea and pictures goes to Heath. Yesterday, while not working, he decided we should revisit the past and delve into why we are the way we are. These photos reflect how Heath came about his river lust, for his late father, whom is behind the camera no doubt holding it with one hand and a PBR with the other, knew the power of the water and was not to proud to grill and devour a trophy 6 lb. smallmouth bass on the very banks of the river he caught it from. He would have made a fine Jackal no doubt. Now I ask you all to examine the river camp photo. Those of you that attended last years Flat Creek float may recognize the fire grill that is being used. Yes, the same one. Countless are its miles of water passed and pounds of fish and potatoes cooked. Now to the picture I have dubbed "The Three Wise Men". Is there any doubt that those before us have set the stage for Jackal life, just as those have before their time? I think not. And finally the third picture, which bears a striking resemblance to one of our favorite photos to date, taken from the Flat Creek 2009. Men, as you study the photos, ask yourself, are we filling the shoes properly. I reply with a resounding "YES', in many ways with respect to fine cooking, cold booze, and good tunes (notice the radio antennae just to the left of the left shoulder in the bottom photo. No doubt Soundwave in its infancy searching for a signal). However, as I look back at our photos I can't help but believe we are being put to shame in the facial hair and bear chest categories. I for one can't wait for our new Jackal shirts to be made, however we must be willing to shed them when the time calls. In regards to the facial hair, even with the efforts of several Jackal power beards and goats, I don't know if we will ever match up. These guys are heavy hitters and will be further proven in more photos to come. I will do my best though, and it begins now. I hope all enjoy this post and keep in mind that we are not pioneers in the sport, but rather have a tradition or way of life to uphold only to form it by our own character and ideals then pass it on to the next generation of Jackals.

The New Jackal Initiation

This is a great story and should probably be considered as one possible method of Jackal Initiation.  This story, coupled with the fact that he is wearing a pair of Iron Mike's bibs makes him a perfect candidate.  That being said I will be looking for a flounder gig to take on our float trip.  Just in case...

A.C. Adams was flounder gigging on the back side of San Luis Pass last week with his cousin. His cousin had gone to the truck to drink more beer as it was a slow night of gigging. A.C. was approximately 100 yards from shore when he heard some loud splashing coming towards him. He said it was very unnerving because it was so dark outside of the lanterns’ perimeter. All at once two large vicious hogs in approximately 16 inches of water started attacking him. He immediately lashed out with his flounder gig and started stabbing a hog. As it made a piercing scream in anger and agony, the second hog cut him in the leg with his tusk while biting him. A.C. screamed for help toward the bank at his cousin who never responded. A.C. then turned with the gig stabbing the second hog and the fight was on. One hog knocked him down to his knees and bit him on the forearm. A.C. told me, “At first I could not believe this was happening and then I thought these hogs were going to kill me.” He got back up stabbing at the hogs over and over as they were snapping at him. Finally, one hog went down and lay in the water squealing. That left him one on one with the larger hog. The big boar would not give up and the fight lasted for two to three more minutes with Mr. Adam’s stabbing the hog twenty-five to thirty more times before it went down. He limped back to the truck and got his pistol. He woke up his drunken cousin who had passed out in the truck and they waded back out with the intention of finishing off both hogs. When they got back out there the hogs were dead. They tied ropes to the hogs and dragged them up to the bank. They got the hogs loaded into the back of the truck and stopped by the hospital where A.C. Adams received twenty-one stitches in his left leg, eight stitches in his right leg, six stitches on his forearm and a tetanus shot. Here is a picture of A.C. Adams with his two hogs that he gigged while floundering in West Bay.

2010 Season Shirt Design

Most of the credit for this design should go to Phil for his amazing vision.

Coat of Arms

I decided to take it upon myself to design a Coat of Arms for our little floating society.

I also want to describe the elements of this design. Starting at the top of the shield (acting as the Helm where traditional a military helmet would sit showing the rank or social status of a group) I put the head of a Jackal. This particular head was rendered after the Egyptian God Anubis the protector of the dead during their journey in the afterlife. For the Mantling, or the background for the Helm and Shield that represents the protective covering worn by knights for protection from the elements and decreasing damage to ones helmet in battle, I used the design from a particular Polish Coat of Arms I found. Moving on to the shield itself I added two pistols the primary arsenal of a Jackal and representing How a Jackal must be prepared for anything. Below the pistols you will see a jug of moonshine, at the core of every Jackal you will find a bootlegger, more importantly a rebel. To the left of that a blade. This particular blade was sketched after the crude handmade knife of Rambo 4 representing that a Jackal is capable of anything when pushed and to a Jackal floating is easy as breathing. Appearing behind the shield is two hand made sassafras paddles a Jackal's paddle is his signature his fingerprint and most importantly his number one tool on his journey. Underneath the shield are the supporters, two dead armadillos holding up the shield. These armadillos represent the insatiable desire of a Jackal and how he will stop at nothing to reach his destination. Lastly the motto lies under that completing the Coat of Arms

Profile of a Jackal

Some might wonder what it is that enables one to call them self a river jackal. It really goes beyond the desire to be outdoors and enjoy a stretch of moving water. Anyone who enjoys the great outdoors can appreciate the joys of a canoe float. The Jackal way is to take it to the extreme. Trying to take on the Jackals is like a Somali pirate trying to board a Navy Warship.


We believe that we embody the true spirit of a river man, that the prison that we call civilization and chains of work are keeping us from our true calling, and that the most inspiring places are those that never stop moving.

We don't go floating because we like it. We do it because it keeps us alive.

The End is Only The Beginning

I wanted to make sure that the second post was able to conjure up memories, that everyone who made that first journey with us, will never want to forget. Unless you are Scott who nearly went blind after the first day because he was worried that his eyes might get sun burnt, or possibly Troy who after high jumping onto his back with cigarette in hand, getting ejected from a canoe and forgotten, or wedged under a bridge to have some ignorant lady photograph his peril. These are only a small fraction of the stories that I think of when I look at a photograph of nine men and a dog who spent 3 amazing days on the water. When observing Luke's exuberance in consuming his Bush Lite you would never guess that he was nearly sucked into a dam after two unsuccessful attempts at reaching shore. I am not sure how many people have had the opportunity to look at these photos but the image that you see is only a punctuation mark at the end of the phenomenal story of our river adventure.

The second picture has produced some of the best stories about a night on the river that I have ever heard. If you noticed the railroad bridge in the distance in the right of the picture it will give you some insight into the wake-up call that several members of our group received. It is difficult to get an idea of the campsite that first night. You might say it lacked some of the features one might desire in a place to bed down. However, being one of the only clear locations we could get to before the sun set we took advantage of it. As the night air began to cool we got out the warm clothes that we had packed and worked to gather firewood that was quite scarce. The supper that night prepared by Scott in his war shield of a skillet was good beyond description.

It Has Begun.

It is an epic day! We are now well into the 2010 float season, with a Shoal Creek run under our belts, and our first float blog up and running. There are many things we have yet to learn but the world wide web is at our fingertips and it is an exciting time. I felt that today was the most appropriate day to begin this record of our journeys on the water because we just set a record high for the date in Lubbock, TX of 91 degrees. Any honest river dog would be out with his oar and a Bush Lite taking in the sounds and energy of the water. However, situations as they may be we must continue to look into a deep pool and remember the floats gone by and those which have yet to come. I wanted to start by looking back at one of the most amazing floats I've ever been a part of. Last summer, we discovered some of the finest water that the Ozarks has to offer in the Flat Creek. I believe that this picture was captured in the morning of day two as we admired the beauty that the hills around McDowell had to offer.

It is hard to believe the things that you can see from a seat eight inches above the water. That is why I felt the need for this forum for documenting our trips together and the gatherings of the River Jackals. This site will be a place to plan and remember the details that are too often forgotten after the canoes are put on the trailer or the door of the man barn closes at the end of the night. I hope that all who read this get some enjoyment from our ramblings and some insight into the mind of the River Jackals.