Galena, MO

I noticed the James River was looking normal again, about 40 feet lower than it was last spring and I decided to get the boat and head for the Corps of Engineers launch ramp in Cape Fair. Last time I was there I was driving in the edge of the lake to get to the area where the launch ramp used to be. This time it was back to normal and everything went great. Only one other boat trailer in the parking area and a very quiet lake to fish. Caught a couple nice ones and had a quiet afternoon all alone in a secluded cove that left me refreshed and happy I went. I know a lot of folks are wondering if they can get their boats in the water again and is it safe to boat again so my opinion is yes. I did not see any floating logs or pic-nic tables like I did a few months ago and the levels are good and the fishing is improving. Never to late to get in one more trip to the lake and Table Rock Lake is always worth the drive to me. Of course it is just 20 minutes to the launch from Galena and that makes it quick and easy for a short fishing trip.

My wife reminded me that this is our normal month for the most rainfall and after all we had received earlier this spring, I had forgotten that fact. Watching those wet Iowa folks helping each other out in the flooded streets of their towns reminded me of how great American neighbors really are. I talked to a farmer the other day that lost his brand new tractor in a flooded stream that he had forded sucessfully for years, but this is just not an ordinary year. I believe we are seeing new records set because we are in either a 100 year or 500 year or 1000 year cycle of flooding like we have never seen before. Unfortunately it seems there is more on the way, hang on, keep your head above water, and keep on being a good neighbor. That is what being a mid-west citizen is all about, help, give, & pray for each other.