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The Buffalo River will probably be the subject of many blog entries written on this site. I apologize for the repetition but it is my favorite place in the world. This weekend I enjoyed a short float trip with friends from Pruitt Landing to Hasty. Enjoyed might be an understatement. I LOVED it.

It occurred to me the other day that not everyone knows what a float trip is. In the ozarks it is a common summertime pastime adored by friends, sisters, church groups and frat brothers alike. A float trip is simply a journey down the river in canoes, kayaks, rafts or even inner tubes. There will be some paddling involved, and in the summer maybe some dragging, but mostly floating. The Buffalo River area features several concessionaires that will outfit you and your group with the canoes and shuttle services you’ll need. For this particular trip we used Riverview Motel and Canoe Rental in Jasper, AR. They made it easy for our group by dropping us and our rented canoes off at the put-in and picking us up at the take-out to return us to our cars.

Despite rainy days, fishless trips and soaked or lost belongings, I’ve never had a a bad float trip. This one was no exception. The emerald waters, towering bluffs and busy gravel bars charmed me as usual and I observed scenery so beautiful it almost hurts. However what stood out to me the most on this trip was the people. Often in the late spring and summer, you will be surrounded by other floaters – I’m afraid the secret is out, the Buffalo is awesome. You can either chose to be annoyed that you’re surrounded by so many strangers, or embrace these people as your new friends. There have been instances in my life where I felt like I was suddenly friends with hundreds of people all at once. For example, in 2010 my husband and I welcomed the new year in Time Square in New York City. After the ball dropped, everyone was singing and swaying together, hugging and shouting “Happy New Year” and I believed they were sincere! For the next 10 minutes, we were all friends and we all wanted the same thing. On the float trip we laughed, splashed, shared drinks with and even helped rescue some of our fellow floaters. Canoe comradery. We were a giant flotilla of fun, all after the same goal I believe, to make a connection. A connection with nature, family or friends. Consider befriending the hoards of people that surround you on your next float trip, make it a party and enjoy the beautiful ride.

Pssst.. don’t forget to be safe during your float trip. Everyone needs a life jacket and children 12 and under have to wear them. No glass containers on the Buffalo River. Don’t drink too much. Just don’t. Every fotilla of fun has “that guy” and trust me, you don’t want to be him. Wear your sunscreen. Also, don’t forget your AR fishing permit if you plan to do battle with smallmouth.

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