Ozark Outdoors Challenges YOU to get in on the canoe and kayak race! We are calling all Americans, young and old, to find their passion on the water. Who knows - Maybe your 8 year old daughter will be the next Olympic Gold Medalist in the 1000m kayak sprint! Let Ozark Outdoors be your “Flat Water Training Center,” and let the games begin!
When you think about snow, what comes to mind?: White, sparkling diamonds, scarves and gloves, frigid temperatures, hot chocolate, warm fires, snowmen and igloos? Most people would give similar answers, however; because of the wonders of snowflakes, these answers are also different. The snowball you threw at your brother's face yesterday is nothing like the snowball you threw at your sister's face today!
For about a week now, snow has been covering our back yard with this unique blanket, each patch in the pattern built and sewn differently to create a masterpiece. The photo opportunities right now are priceless.
You can't enjoy the snow from the recliner in your living room, so bundle up, head outside and build a snowman, create a barrier between you and your children so you have something to hide behind when they attack you with snowballs, rent a snow-covered cabin in the heart of the Ozarks, and capture these memories on film. The window of opportunity is closing.
The ripples of the Meramec stay uniform, never stepping out of line until just around the bend, a merry-go-round sucks the children in to play before they are quickly tugged back into their formation. Jealous, I sit back and watch this parade as it continues downstream, always aware of where it has been and where it is going. The water never doubts or questions its direction but trusts its banks and fellow streams. Jealousy is the only way to describe this feeling; jealous that we can’t have such a luxury. Standing over the water, a dim reflection shows hope that I can somehow be part of this paradise. The watery outlines of my silhouette are a promise between nature and man: We are always welcome here.
If only we can trust Mother Nature like Mother Nature trusts us. We act out of fear, misunderstanding and denial. The river acts out of trust, peace and freedom. We often take the river and its surroundings for granted, unearthing those promises by disguising its trust with ignorance and pride.
After an hour of waiting and the winter clouds killing the sunlight, I spotted a bright white dot in the distance start to grow. The closer it got, the more my heart pumped. Looking through the lens, I held my breath, focused on Baldie and hoped for the best. I caught him! Check these out…
Whass Up? The foundation; a concrete slab covers the yard next to the store.
Eyes on the prize – The gentlemen of OORR can’t wait to see your face when you come to visit this summer. Our expansion will pave way for a more efficient check-in process, more store merchandise, and a more comfortable atmosphere at Ozark Outdoors. Even the dogs, our team mascots, help make sure everything measures up properly.
Whass Up? Walls of timber standing tall on the west side of the building to make way for the incoming addition.
The expansion is here ~ Stay tuned for continuous updates. Be part of the action, check back regularly, and watch our resort grow! It’s all because of you, our valued guests, we work hard so you and your family can escape and have fun!
Whass Up? Our appreciation. Without people who love nature as much as we do, we wouldn’t have friends to share it with. Thank you!
You can see these and more picture on our Facebook page.
While the Indian sun was ripening their noses, turkeys were basting, rolls were rising and deserts were cooling, preparing to be a feast for many. Dozens of staff, customers, family and friends gathered around together and honored the blessing of the food, engaged in interesting fellowship, played a few games, shared stories of the year past and danced the night away!
Throughout the evening, a slideshow played reminding all who attended what a fantastic year we had. Every single person in the Confluence Center had made a difference to this industry. If you weren’t able to make it down for this year’s Extravaganza, then we encourage you to do your best to join us next year. Between a perfect float trip and a perfect dinner, the next best thing is to have you there with us!
Surprised to find everything covered in white, I raced to work to catch a few still shots before the sun’s rays stole the blanket of diamonds. Walking through the fields was nothing short of a field of glitter. The sun and I both could not wait to reach down and touch Mother Nature’s riches. 
Cold and Frost will continue to knock on our front doors for months ahead. Don’t ignore it; embrace it. Wrap yourself in warmth, fill up your thermos, put on an extra pair of socks, and welcome these friends with open arms. 
