Related Links: [Ozark National Scenic Riverway] - [Map of Current River]

A group from First Presbyterian Church returned Monday, July 5, 2010, from the 6th annual Maury Kellogg Canoe Trip where they camped at Round Springs Campsite along the Current River, located 16 miles from Eminence, Missouri.

This year the group traveled 8 miles on day one from Cedar Grove to Akers Ferry, the second day they canoed 10 miles from Pulltite to Round Springs using canoes supplied by Aker’s Ferry Canoe Rental which has been in business on the Current River since about 1960.

 

They made frequent stops down the river and enjoyed the cool rushing water of Welch Spring, the scenic rock formations, river wildlife and a warm swimming hole.  The  campground served as the location for some excellent dinners, good sleeping and early breakfasts around the fire.  Music, smores and minute mysteries entertained the group in the evenings by the camp fire as wild horses grazed nearby. 

Church family canoe trips date back to the 1970’s.  Maurice Kellogg started the “tradition” when he was arranging canoe trips for school groups, bridge groups, scouts, church groups and other adult groups.  Although he no longer is a participant, he has organized these canoe trips for the past six decades, and still will give advice and direction for those making the trip.

Kellogg and his wife, Alice, are still associated with the trips because of his past leadership and also because of a memorial fund set up by the Kelloggs in the name of their son, Evan.  The fund helps finance the canoe trip as well as other as other activities at First Presbyterian Church.

The group was blessed with a safe trip (with the exception of a minor bus accident) beautiful weather and a wonderful fellowship inspired by the leadership of Maury Kellogg.

Those who made the trip this year were: Robin and Tom Bauerly, Jeff & Melissa Calhoun, Lynn, Cindy, Max & Jack Cavett, Dan Curtis, Jeanne Stierman, Jeff & Rose Elam, Griffin Bloyd,  Mike, Bryan, Tucker, & Kathryn Hays, Kim Johnson, Lisa, Jeffrey & Timothy Mooney, Eli Deneke & Jackson Axley.