Drought Hurting Canoe Rental Businesses
The hot and dry weather that is hurting local farmers this summer is also having an impact on the recreational river floating business.
L.D. Stephens, who owns War Eagle Resort near Tahlequah, Okla., says the heat is to blame for business being slower than usual this year.
“The only thing really hurting our business a little bit is this hot weather – this 110 degree weather,” said Stephens.
Last year, the Illinois River flooded, causing some damage at the resort, as well as at neighboring businesses along Highway 10.
Stephens says despite the triple-digit heat, people are still coming out to float the river in canoes, kayaks and inner tubes.
“I’ve heard the water may be a bit down, but we’ll tough through it,” said one of the seniors from Greenwood’s football team, heading out to float Saturday afternoon.
“We’re pumped. We’re going to have a good time out here today, looking forward to the great season. Just taking a day off right before practice starts. You know – just chilling out for a bit.”
The football team is just one of several groups that made it out over the weekend.
“We have four church groups out this week. And we have a big church of 160 coming Monday. And we have a big crowd here today. All of our housing is full,” said Stephens.
The War Eagle Resort will be open for the next few weeks, until school starts.
