Hemitite Lake Beginning of the St. Francis River

I had to start the New Year off right by doing some paddling of course, but the question was where. No good flowing whitewater anywhere near to get the blood pumping for a wild ride, so decided on another type of adventure. Hemitite Lake in the Bismarck Conservation Area in Missouri I am considering a starting point ( For Myself) to paddle all of the St. Francis River from the lake to the Mississippi River, 426 miles or so I think Wikipedia says....Let's see if thats true! Yes, the St. Francis River does start further up a few mile, but may not be capable of paddling. Will be fun to try it out! May yall have a Happy New Year!

[@BradDavis1974]

Probably should have brought a fishing pole, my friend. Cool video. This was the first NYD since I started paddling that I haven't spent on whitewater on the Saint. Kinda depressing. Honestly, I haven't been on real whitewater since WoR back in July of last year. Hoping it's like riding a bike when I do get back on the water, but I'm probably gonna look like a fool...lol

[@josephszabelski5509]

Was depressing no being able to be on some whitewater for the start of the year. but just being out on some water to paddle seemed to help lol. Been since Oct. since I had paddled and I sure could feel it then, even with using my erogometor