Mayers

[semble]

I know the channel moved a few years ago. Any access to river from Mayers anymore?  Planning on a 2 day float this weekend and was thinking about the lower bourb.

[Ken1949]

Access at Mayers is difficult. The last time we were there was four years ago. It probably has not improved. The channel was about 1/4 mile from Mayers because of the channel relocation. I would put in farther upstream on the Bourbeuse or try the Meramec.

[semble]

Thanks, that's how I remember it.  If we decide to use the access, we will scout first.  Have no interest in the meramec on the weekend but, we are thinking about going futher up the Bourb.

[snagged in outlet 3]

Meramec on a weekday Is pretty busy now too.  Ever since Covid the crowds have increased everywhere 

[semble]

On 7/25/2020 at 8:04 AM, snagged in outlet 3 said:

Meramec on a weekday Is pretty busy now too.  Ever since Covid the crowds have increased everywhere 

I've been getting off the water earlier and earlier to avoid them.

[snagged in outlet 3]

1 hour ago, semble said:

I've been getting off the water earlier and earlier to avoid them.

I know what you mean.  It’s blazing hot and you get to the ramp with 20 people there loading kayaks and putting on sunscreen.  

[semble]

26 minutes ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

I know what you mean.  It’s blazing hot and you get to the ramp with 20 people there loading kayaks and putting on sunscreen.  

Not even any yaks or rafts this time.. all jets. Better to deal with them while their coolers are still full, although less entertaining.

[Conor]

Leaving via the lower channel might be easier as it is shorter and not as mucky as when you come in from the top.  This is likely flow dependent though and might be a real hassle at lower water.  For the lower part, I prefer Mayers to Union due to better flow and scenery.  Union to Uhlemeyer has the dam so 4 miles of really slow water and then the dam itself to contend with but that isn't a big deal.

Mayers is a nasty access but gets you on the water.  There are always dumped tires, dead deer, etc. there plus the fact it is a mucky pit isn't a help.  I guess fixing this or buying land somewhere else and moving it is out due to cost.

Conor

[Giltweasel]

Mayer's as of last month was flowing well at the ramp. I like the shallows around there with all the mussels.  Within the last two years there I've pushed my fist into the mud/sand and pulled up 20+ quarter sized mussels in my hand.

Makes me think it's not quite as toxic as in my youth.

[Conor]

My first experience was a half mile or more slog though the upper end of Mayers.  It was hot stinky mud the entire time and there were roundworms in the mud.  This is the type of place where I figure you would get a brain eating amoeba.  I was sinking in and covered in mud by the end.  Stinky gas was bubbling out the entire time and this area always has lots of trash.

The next time around the upper access was open because I was at high flow.  It was much better but I really think coming in from the bottom is probably the best way at this place at normal flow.  I have left that way to head to Union and it isn't so bad.

Conor