items to their kayaks. Every trip requires a chocolate


break, where the women share their favorite chocolates with the group. It’s their go-to float finisher. “We all became so comfortable with


each other so quickly,” said Doshier, who served as RC on a recent Buffalo River float from Baker Ford to Gilbert in Searcy County. TheWHOYakers have been key in providing physical activity and social- ization to many women. “Everyone helps each other out,”


Linda Karr said, while paddling her sit-on-top kayak. “You don’t even have to ask for help. This is one of the nicest groups of women I have ever known. I really enjoy these trips with them.” Down river, the lyrics to “America


The Beautiful” echo off the massive bluffs lining the Buffalo River. “I don’t mean to sing, but sometimes


it just comes out,” said 69-year-old Dot- tie Bailey, of Mountain Home. Bailey, who wants to float Missouri’s


Niangua River in the near future, said theWHOYakers are proving that wom- en can excel at a water sport by them- selves. “We have each other,” she said. “We don’t need anyone else.”


Tricia Turner (foreground) and Wendy Fullwood approach some rapids.


Members ofWHOYakers float by a towering bluff on the Buffalo River.


22 Living Well i June/July 2014


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