Did you know that there are 19 locations around Big Cedar Lodge for geocaching?  Some of you may wonder what exactly geocaching means.  If you have ever been on a scavenger hunt or a treasure hunt and had a good time, you will most likely enjoy geocaching.  What’s the difference?  This is a high tech version of a treasure hunt with locations all over the world.  Instead of using a paper map to lead the way, geocachers use GPS systems to track the location of each cache. 

Another great thing about geocaching is the unique experience it brings to treasure seekers.  There are many different types of caches at each location.  For instance, once you find the location you are looking for, you may come across various types of tracking devices.  One of which could be a basic log such as a Tupperware container with a sheet of paper and a pencil to log your discovery and date.  Another device could be more high tech such as a Travel Dog Tag or Geocoin which track their location from the beginning to present day. 

Right now, there are a few of these high tech gadgets at different cache locations around property.  When they are found, if you take the “treasured” tag or coin with you, it is important to put it at another location to log its travels. 

Some tracking devices are less elaborate.  One example that has been at Big Cedar Lodge recently is a little Tigger doll that came here all the way from England.  The participant who started Tigger on its journey implies that this little guy would like to travel the world. 
Does this new-age treasure hunt sound intriguing enough for you? 

If you would like to learn more about this activity and help tracking devices like Tigger travel the world, please contact Melanie Lowry, Assistant Activities Manager at mlowry@basspro.com or 417.339.4788 and we would love to answer any questions you may have about this and other activities offered at Big Cedar Lodge.  Sign up for geocaching today at Guest Services! 

Big Cedar Lodge offers countless ways to escape from the summer heat.  Everybody knows jumping in the pool is a great way to cool down after a day in the sun’s blazing rays.  There are two pools at Big Cedar Lodge: the Devil’s Pool and the Swimming Hole complete with shuffle board, snack bar, and sand volleyball. Our guests can also enjoy the lazy river, slide into the indoor pool, or relax by a third outdoor pool.  All found next door at the Wilderness Club. 

A cold beverage can erase the midday stress brought on by the heat.  Stop by the Buzzard Bar or Truman for a blended coffee drink, beer, wine, or a healthy, fruit smoothie.  Truman also serves ice cream for those who happen to have a sweet tooth!

If you are an adventure seeker, maybe you will find your refuge from the summer heat at the Bent Hook Marina.  At the marina, you can rent a ski or pontoon boat and go tubing, skiing, or wakeboarding.  There are also canoes, jet skis, and paddle boats available for rent.  Or you can simply jump in and go for a swim with the bass and crappie! 

Make sure to know the following signs of heat exhaustion. Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and fainting.   If heat exhaustion is not treated, it can lead to a heat stroke—when the body cannot control its temperature.  With heat stroke, body temperature may rise quickly to 106° F. or higher.  Heat stroke could be fatal or cause permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.  Seek medical treatment immediately if the symptoms are severe or the victim has heart problems or high blood pressure.

Cool-Down Tips

If a person shows the signs of heat exhaustion, here are some tips to help cool off:

•Move to the shade and preferably to an air-conditioned environment.
•Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages.
•Rest.
•Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
•Wear lightweight clothing.

Prevention Tips

In hot weather to protect yourself against developing heat exhaustion:

•Drink more liquids, regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.  (If your doctor limits your fluid intake or you are on a diuretic medication, check with your doctor on how much you should drink in hot weather.)
•Don’t drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar—these will cause you to lose more body fluid.
•Avoid very cold drinks—these could cause stomach cramps.
•Stay indoors, preferably in an air-conditioned place.
•Take a cool shower or bath.

If you have to be out in the heat:

•Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
•Cut down on exercise.  If you must exercise, drink 2 to 4 glasses of cool nonalcoholic liquids each hour.  A sports drink can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.
•Rest often in the shade.
•Protect yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.
•Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

Source:  “Extreme Heat,” U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on http://www.nwhealth.edu/healthyU/findBalance/heat.html

Still trying to perfect your beach body? Big Cedar has the perfect solution, hiking!  As a wilderness resort, Big Cedar has many great scenic views and about 2.5 miles of trails that allow you to take advantage of the beauty.  We also offer a one mile walking/jogging trail that starts at the fitness center. 

While you are out on a hike, you can watch for the 150 species of birds that the Missouri Department of Conservation records as regular nesters in Missouri.  From the Missouri state bird, the bluebird to the wild turkey, there are many stunning birds to spot. Hiking can also be a great way to relieve stress and simply relax as you take in all that nature has to offer.  Big Cedar Lodge has beautiful waterfalls, several miles of frontage on Table Rock Lake, and we have planted over 1,000 flats of flowers this year for you to enjoy! 

To beat the summer heat try taking a walk in the morning before breakfast or in the evening as you enjoy the sunset.  Truman opens at 6:30 in the morning (for all you early risers) if you would care to stop on your walk for some coffee and a bite to eat.

Dogwood Canyon now offers segway tours, a unique and environmentally friendly way to connect with nature.  The segways provide a way for you see the park from a different aspect then the tram tours, walking, or biking the trails.  Anyone 10 years or older can ride the segways, and they are super easy to use! 

During the Glory Hole Tour, your guide will take you past Hope Chapel and share with you the rich history of the canyon.  The segway tour allows everyone a chance to get close to Thunder Falls and the Great Spirit Rock Shelter, two immense, natural waterfalls.  A great photo opportunity! On the way back, once you have had a chance to see all of the sights, you might just get a chance to really see how fast you can go on the segway!  But never worry, safety is always our main concern, and helmets are always worn.  After the 90 minutes fly by, the tour ends at the Glory Hole, where you will get to see your guide feed trophy rainbow trout.

With summer heating up the Bent Hook Marina is the place to be for lake fun. With the water surface temperature now reaching 80 degrees plus, water sports are in full effect.  Now that everyone is out of school and spending time at the lake, boating safety is more crucial than ever. We make sure that everyone is familiar with the lake laws and restrictions to ensure a safe and happy summer. 

As boat traffic picks up there is more of a chance of an incident but we tell our folks to drive defensively, don’t take anything for granted, always watch what’s going on all sides of you and make sure to mind NO WAKE restricted areas and swim beaches. Most dangerous spots such as shallow points and under water hazards are marked clearly by DANGER BUOYS. These are also good references on where not to go!

We equip all of our boats and rentals with the necessary safety devices like PFD’s, horns, fire extinguisher, ski flags and lake maps.  Keep your eyes open, be safe and have fun!