Written by: Karin Huffman Travel Writer for The Ozark Gateway Region
If you’re looking for a peaceful, quaint and comfortable cabin along the river, Trukees Canoe and Cabin Rental near Imboden would be the place I would recommend.
My husband, Nathan and I were lucky enough to spend not one, but two nights accommodated by Trukees. They were even nice enough to let us bring along our pup, Rose as well.
The first night, we stayed in the Driftwood Cottage, getting its name for the unique, driftwood inspired furniture, that overlooked the Eleven Point River. When I say overlook, I mean you could almost stick your toes in the river, we were that close.
It’s hard to beat a quiet evening away from it all with the only sounds around are that of the river and the cows happily grazing across the field. I sat on the porch swing for hours, with not a care in the world before we enjoyed a fantastic meal overlooking yet again, the river.
Time truly seemed to stop while we were there.
Another neat thing about this cabin, is the neighborhood dog, Jake who we met as we were unpacking the car, almost as if he was there to wish us a great weekend.
Another unexpected surprise was the lack of cell phone service, which some may be irritated by, but we chose to make the best of it. We took advantage of the DVD player and watched a few of our favorite movies.
Waking up in such a peaceful area is a bit surreal. No kids running around, no alarms going off, just us and a magical sunrise. And we still had a full day ahead of us as a float trip was next on our list.
We packed up and headed to our next location which was in the form of a one of the most beautiful cabins I’ve ever been in.
The Hilltop Cabin living up to it’s name sitting high upon a hill looking over the Eleven Point River was customized perfectly for a weekend getaway.
Trying to find the words to talk about this place is tough because there are so many great things; from the insanely comfortable loft with the most comfortable couch I have ever been on to the relaxing clawfoot tub that I may have spent too much time in, it was wonderful to say the least!
After settling in, we drove down to the river to meet our float guide, Jessica. She knew the area like the back of her hand, and was the best! Once we made it to our float launch, we said our goodbyes and took off on the river.
The weather couldn’t have been better, and the river itself was just as peaceful as I thought it would be. The almost two hour float trip was magnificent with the sun shining through the autumn soaked trees, and the water was as swift and smooth as one could wish for.
Once back at Hilltop, most of our time was spent on the front porch yet again, but this time we enjoyed a quiet evening with a roaring fire from the outside fireplace.
After enjoying another great meal cooked by my husband, we retired to the loft to watch a movie, but we mostly laughed and talked more than anything.
Waking up the next morning knowing that we had to leave was sad, but being able to experience such a great time was priceless.
Trukees can accommodate any type of traveler, so whether you are looking for a shanty on the river, a tent or RV site, a cabin or an upscale cabin, they have exactly what you need.
Any questions you have during your stay are answered within minutes, and the prices are perfect for any adventure you are wanting.
No need to worry about getting from one point of the river to the next, because they will transport anyone with or without their own equipment.
Beginning May 3, Trukees will continue their tradition of “date night” every Friday and Saturday night that includes dinner from James House Ranch and a canoe float afterwards.
If “date night” isn’t what you’re looking for, Trukees will have plenty of events scheduled throughout the summer months with something for everyone.
They will play host to the Great Eleven Point River Float set for July 10 with transport vessels available for rent.
The second annual North Trip is scheduled for the first weekend of August with a float from the upper Eleven Point River from Dalton to Stubblefield.
“Vessels and transportation will be set up at our camping lot in the Stubblefield area,”Trukees owner Teresa Junkersfeld stated. “Floats can be from Myrtle, MO or Dalton to Stubblefield depending on length desired, and it gives floaters an option of floating different parts of the river and a change of scenery.”
“The river is usually a really pretty clear blue this time of year,” Junkerfeld said. “It’s so beautiful up that way and we like to share that with our visitors as well.”
Another new addition to this year’s float season is Lynn and Lou’s Boutique which carries river and floating attire and accessories.
For more information, check out Truckees Canoe and Kayak Rental on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Trukeescanoekayakandtuberental.com,, call at 870-810-3486 or 870-378-2475 or visit them at 7060 Hwy 62 in Pocahontas.
Karin Huffman is an Independence County native who graduated from Cushman High School in 1996. Traveling throughout the state is one of her passions, along with writing about her adventures.
Taking over as travel writer for the Ozark Gateway Region is a dream come true for Huffman who lives in the region with her husband Nathan, two daughters, Grace and Stella and son Kaden.
As a family, they enjoy canoeing the Poke Bayou, Salado Creek and the many waterways along the White River in Independence County. Camping and hiking throughout the region is a must for them in the spring and fall as well.
Huffman is an avid nature photographer who will do just about anything to find the perfect waterfall shot, and has visited many in the great state. From Twin Falls and the Richland Creek area in Northwest Arkansas to little known places off the beaten path, waterfalls will be found.
Huffman has been a travel writer for the Eye on Independence Magazine as well as a staff writer for the Batesville Guard, and is looking forward to devoting her time to traveling throughout the eight county region that the Ozark Gateway offers.
If you would like to contact Huffman about an adventure or would like to know how to get more information out about your area, contact her at 870-307-5473 or karinozarkgateway@sbcglobal.net.