I may be moving to the FLW, Mo area this summer, for a job on post. I know nothing about this area other than staying at a friends on the way up to Alaska after I retired from the military. I dont know exactly when I'll be arriving but hopefully before the kids start school. Is there anyone on here that is willing to deal with questions about the area and a point of contact with the local cruiser community. Thanks in advance
I would be glad to answer some general questions as I live about 1 1/2 from there and have been through that area many time. Another contact would be LUNYOU here on the board. He lives in Rolla. This is the link to his MUD info so you can pm him.
I have family in Cuba, MO near that area... although its been a very long time since I've been up there. I live around 2 hours from FLW. When you get to the area you're welcome to join in on any wheelin trips, we have a lot of good places to go in this area!
Although I cant really help with info on the FLW area, I'd be happy to answer any questions or help point ya in the right way for good camping areas, boating areas, and things to do in the SW Missouri/NW Arkansas area.
Thanks guys, Thats exactly what Im looking for "good camping areas, boating areas, and things to do in the SW Missouri/NW Arkansas area" My wife and I are pretty torn on leaving Alaska, returning here was our retirement dream after the Army. But I have an opportunity for a better paying job at FLW, in a MUCH cheaper cost of living area. I have been looking on line and found a couple of your local private OHV areas (SMORR & FlatNasty), are there areas to wheel outside of private parks?
While it cant compare to the wilds of Alaska, this area does have lots of outdoor play areas. There are many streams to float and lake to fish on. Look up some of these rivers.
Current river
Jacks Fork river
Elevenpoint river.
You have large sections of the Mark Twain National forest Camping and trails for Hiking are unlimited. Many types of hunting with White deer and Turkey being very abundant.
You can wheel on any of the roads going through the national forest but its more senic driving than hard trails. You can also drop down into Arkansas and drive a lot the their forest. They are a little more liberal on off roading.
Besides the parks you mentioned you also have Washita which is about an hour east of Flat Nasty.
There are also parks and areas within a few hours.
Disney is a public area on Grand lake just over into Oklahoma
Cass arkansas has several areas
Bryds adventure center in arkansas
Superlift is a park with several TLCA and TTORA event held each year in Hotsprings
One of my favorite spots is the Buffalo river in Arkansas. It was the first river that was made into a national river. Beautiful river.
Lots and lots more so ask away.
There are three TLCA groups that operate out of Missouri.
Tornado Alley Cruisers are Mostly NW MIssouri and Kansas with members in Columbia.
Gateway cruisers are out of ST louis
Ozark Mountain Cruisers are mostly in the SW Missouri area. All seem to wheel a decent amount of time so you should have several options on place and trucks to wheel with.
Plus for boating: Lake of the ozarks is a decent lake for speedboats and social gatherings... but not the cleanest lake, or the smoothest for smaller boats. Table Rock lake is where I do most of my boating... has quiet parts and congested parts, and not near as dirty as lake of the ozarks. For smaller lakes and fishing you have stockton and truman... There is also Bullshoals, Beaver, and Taneycomo. I remember going fishin on Bullshoals a long time ago, but I havent been on any of the three last ones in a long time (for no reason in particular, just prefer table rock or lake of the ozarks for my boat.)
Some other rivers for float trips are the Niangua, Flat creek area, and the Elk river to name a couple more. You shouldnt have any issues finding a river or large creek to do some fishing or canoeing.
I grew up in Texas County, Houston, which is pretty close to FW. In addition to all the things that have been listed, the Big Piney river runs through FW just before it joins with the Gasconade---great fishing!
There is plenty of National Forest surrounding that area. There is the Paddy Creek area which is a nice area.
BTW---I have a good friend who lives in Wasilla he was in the Air Force---just retired, works for a freight company as a flight engineer
Again, thanks guys. I have been googling the rivers and forest areas. Looks like alot of great outdoor areas. I can understand why my buddy tried to talk me into staying in the area when we drove through, or it was because Im a worse fisherman than he is . I will post up with more questions as they come up.
Well guys it looks like a go for the job. I got a call from my buddy down there and they are hiring 7 positions and Im top of the list if I want it. It looks like I will be heading out the end of September or begining of October. I wont be bringing the family right away, the wife wants to let the middle boy finish high school here this coming year. It will also give some time to purge some of her crap, uurrrr I mean collectible items in yard sales before I haul the left overs down in the uhaul.
I will be towing the 40 down on a trailer so I wont be cruiserless, but I will have some odds and ends to finish on it before I can wheel it though.
Congrats on the job. Let us know if we can help with anything. See if you can get here for the TLCA event 24-26th of Sept. Great way to meet some new friends.
Congrats on the job. Let us know if we can help with anything. See if you can get here for the TLCA event 24-26th of Sept. Great way to meet some new friends.
what Thad said...