Cover Photo Courtesy of Arkansas State Parks

Fellow adventurers, we’ve made it! Another splendid but scorching summer season has come and gone and left us with………. something I like to call Septober. Before you question my sanity (you’d have to take a number) let me assure you I haven’t forgotten how to spell September, or October for that matter. There just doesn’t seem to be an adequate name for that interesting and at times frustrating time of year that is September and early October in The Natural State. Yes, there’s the evocative Indian Summer, but I’ve always felt that applies more readily to northern climes. After all, summer must leave the stage before it can reenter for its encore.

Fortunately, Septober presents its fair share of opportunities for Arkansas adventure. Would you like to hear about some of them? Of course you would!

Cleanups

In keeping with this edition’s conservation theme I’ll begin with cleanups. September is a busy month for conservation groups around the state. As you just read in our blog, last Saturday was the Great Arkansas River Cleanup. But, did you know that’s just a drop in the river….I mean bucket… that is Keep Arkansas Beautiful’s annual Great Arkansas Cleanup? Yep! Read all about it here, then get busy!

Lake Ouachita Island Camping

Lake Ouachita is a magnificent jewel in The Natural State’s crown. That’s not exactly an epiphany, but somehow it seems half the state forgets this gem exists after Labor Day. This is excellent news, fellow adventurers! Why? Because all you need is a John Boat, kayak or canoe and a little bit of skill and common sense to go camp on one of Ouachita’s many islands. My friends, there’s nothing like it! Innumerable trees for the hammocks, a giant swimming pool available on demand any time of day or night, majestic birds coming and going and great fishing opportunities all await right at your island’s front door.

If you go, be cognizant of the weather and safety requirements, and please, know and stay within your limits.

Arkansas Canoe Club Rendezvous

This year marks the 26th annual Arkansas Canoe Club Rendezvous, an entire weekend full of fun on and off the water for all ages and abilities. You needn’t be a club member to attend, but take our word for it. Before you leave you’ll want to be! We’ve been involved for years and it’s a can’t miss Arkansas Adventure.

Show Your Gear Some Love

Septober is a great time to go through your gear and ensure it’s in proper functioning order before prime outdoor adventuring season. Summer can be hard on the gear we depend on out there. Check tarps and tents for seam issues, holes from errant embers, and general states of disrepair. Miraculous things can be done with Tenacious Tape or Tear-Aid – miraculous. Be sure the afflicted area is clean and dry first.

Check sleeping bags for holes from which down could escape and patch them with, you guessed it, Tenacious Tape or Tear-Aid. Check sleeping pads for leaks and fire up camp stoves to be sure they’re in proper working order.

Now is the time to repair or replace gear as necessary, not when you’ve arrived at the launch, campground or trailhead. Don’t ask us how we know this……..If you have any questions about how to approach a gear issue please don’t hesitate to drop us a line. We’ll do our best to help you sort it. We love gear!

This is just a sampling of the adventures an Arkansas Septober has to offer. Want to know what else is available? Go find out!

See you out there!

Deuce