WESTSIDE — With all the rains earlier in the summer, river traffic may have slowed. But that changed last week, with the onset of hot weather and plenty of water in nearby rivers to enjoy a float trip and to cool off in the water.
The Elk River, just north of Eagle Observer territory, was full of kayaks, canoes, rafts and tubes as area residents and visitors took advantage of the sunny days and the cool waters for an enjoyable afternoon last Wednesday.
And, to the south, at the Siloam Springs Kayak Park, there were no kayaks on Thursday at mid-afternoon, but a number of area residents rode through the rapids on tubes while others played in the pools along the edge of the river.
In Sulphur Springs, a few children swam in the pond at the park, diving off the dam and into the cool waters.
Area lakes were busy places too, with some fishing and a few taking a dip in the waters.
With all the rivers, lakes and pools, opportunities to enjoy the water and cool off on the hot days of summer are abundant.