Floating a Missouri stream is one of my favorite ways to spend a day off. Sometimes I fish, sometimes I watch birds, sometimes I just relax and truly "go with the flow." But the key to a great float is preparation. Figure out what you're going to need, and be sure to take it along. First...know where you're going! A lot of publications are available to help you...like Missouri Ozark waterways, a paddler's guide to Missouri, and topographic maps. Next, there's the canoe. Plastic ones often work best in our Ozark streams, since they are light and more easily slide over gravel and rocks. If you don=t own one, you=ll need to find a good canoe rental agency. Make sure your canoe has both bow and stern pull ropes. Now for the rest of your equipment. By law, you must have a personal flotation device aboard for each person in the boat. Life vests work best...but you need to wear them, and keep them fastened! Clip-on seats and cushions can make your trip more include a large sponge to remove water from the canoe...a dry bag or water proof bucket with lid for cameras, wallets, keys, first-aid kit...a trash bag to pack trash out...and a cooler for lunches and drinks or to store the fish you catch. Take steps to protect yourself: bring along sun screen, a hat, sunglasses, and wading shoes. And don't forget rope to tie the cooler and waterproof bucket to your canoe.