Your 2014 Jackal Shirt

Relive the legend of the Godzilla Knife this year by picking up the 2014 Jackal Shirt.  The cost of shirts will be $10 and can be purchased at your local Man Barn.

Everyone gets everything he wants. I wanted to print t shirts, and for my sins, they let me.

It was a late night last night and I only got through about half of the shirts.  This will be the first multicolor Jackal Shirt and i am very proud of it.  I'm also planning on doing poster editions of the print, let me know if you are for sure interested in a poster so I will have enough. 

Let It Fly

Here is a little something from our last Man Barn gathering.  In celebration of the new stainless steel addition to the Jackal arsenal of awesomeness, the crew rode out to the Wheaton farm for some fire and firearms.  This was one of those moments when we just had to do something over the top to make sure we were making the most of the situation.  Or at least that is the way I usually feel about things. 

I can think of a lot worse ways to waste 30 seconds of your time.

Be sure to check out some of the other posts, comment, and make posts of your own.  This blog is for all the Jackals, so enjoy it.

Prepare for the Worst!

I acquired these two beauties at a surplus auction a little while back.  Unhappy with the cheap Taiwanese fabric wrapped around the scabbard and the handle, I spent a little time updating them this week.  The digital camouflage wrap, grip tape, and some black spray paint has brought new life to these two.  The blades are 440 stainless and the scabbards are made of wood.  While I don't expect them to last too long, they should be a whole lot of fun for a while.  For size reference, the board that they are laying against is an old 2x12.  The shorter one is about 18 inches while the longer one is around 30.  Hopefully they will serve me well against the carp, rafts, and river skanks.

Float Schedule

Its time to get a schedule posted on the blog.  It has taken me way to long but its finally up.  As of right now the first two are etched in stone, there is a little wiggle room on the last one although I really don't see the dates changing.  Here is the way that float season 2014 is shaping up.

June 14-16: The Buffalo River with Jacks Fork as the fall back plan.

July 4-6: Flat Creek - This will also be the Boil, so strap yourselves in.

August 8-10: Possibly the Niangua, also open for suggestions.

There was some discussion on the schedule over email but there were not many responses.  Hopefully, everyone does their best to spread the word.  This is shaping up to be one heck of a float season.  There seems to be a lot of verbal commitment from several new guys out there, which makes me even more excited.  Everyone knows how much we need to keep the momentum going, but a reminder never hurts.

In addition to the schedule, it is worth mentioning that the Jackal Odometer has finally surpassed the 500 mile mark.  Although last year was the fewest miles we have logged since we started this whole thing, we did hit a milestone.  I'm looking forward to throwing a few impromptu floats in this year that will help boost some numbers for 2014.  The float log is up to date and will soon have its own page on the blog.  

Van vs. Bus

Jackal transportation is a crucial component of float trips and usually a great time in its own right. With the creeper van currently out of commission I have been keeping my eyes open for viable alternatives. These are two of the vehicles that are going up for public auction where I work. The question is which one would make for a more exciting ride? Each have their own unique brand of awesomeness about them.  The first is the Ford club wagon. It comes complete with three rows of seating and cargo room in the back. It is a stylish red and equipped with student organization logos which are sure to attract the unsuspecting teen.

The next option is a 1985 Chevy 30 mini bus. Recommissioned as a construction transportation unit it was used to haul students and tools to the job site. It has four rows of seating with cargo area in the rear. Comes equipped with flashing lights and a three speed fan for the driver. Taken out of commission three years ago it is craving a new owner and the open road.

We want to get your feedback on these two options. Please comment below. Remember, we are just a short seven months from float season. 

Post The Damn Things!!

This is just one of many amazing photos that were captured over the course of the past few months.  It has taken a while to get them all posted but there they are.  The photos tab is a great place to kill about 14 hours of your life trying to remember what the hell happened on these trips.  You can thank the Predator for providing the motivation to get these pictures up.  As with most of the 2013 season he has been a driving force behind a lot the cool shit that has went down.  I'm throwing my vote for 2013 MVP his way.  Check out the Flat Creek/Eleven Point pictures this year for my justification.

Enjoy!

Choochin'

Here is one last video from the first float of 2013.  I was lucky to get a few good ones with the flip camera on this trip.  As usual the Tugboat was choochin' at full force on day two of Big Sugar.  There is something about riding behind this guy that I love.   The combination of music, pipe smoke, and flowing water just does it for me.  There is never a doubt that when the Tug is having a good time.  In fact, there is a direct correlation between the level of fun he is having and the amount of smoke produced from his pipe.  Even the addition of pipe filters couldn't slow this guy down.  Fortunately, the couples float is coming up just one short week from tomorrow so we can all get our Tugboat fix.  Early discussions indicate that we will be hitting yet another new stretch of water on Indian Creek.  This is an underutilized river in my opinion with crystal clear water and wonderful swimming holes.  So bring your appetite for Friday and be ready to rage on Saturday.  I hope everyone is ready for the pig!

Old Dogs

It is great to see those that paved the way for us come on a Jackal trip.  When you think about all the people who refuse to come or end up walking out because its too rough, it really makes you appreciate what these guys did.  Hell, they wrote the book on having a good time so its fitting they come show us how its done.  At every turn they were soaking up whatever the river had to offer.  They set the pace all night long and were ready to roll the next day.  I only hope I can hang this well.  Truly impressive.


I also love how creepy the Jackalski is in this vid.  He is always ready to make a movie.

Recovering from Moon Burn?

Keeping up the review of last year's floats I came across this little jewel.  The most talked about event of last year has to be the night float.  I don't know how far we went that night or what time we stopped, I just remember how bright the light was off the water.  Sometime early Saturday morning the lead boat pulled over and started a fire on a gravel bar, a piece of driftwood as a pillow I slept.  My best night on the river, ever.  Everyone has their favorites on the water.  That was mine.  I was surprised when I saw this movie the first time and was glad I thought to pull out the camera.  There isn't much more to say about this except that I'm ready to do it again.