We had one of those weekends with absolutely nothing to do. No kids, grandkids, or plans with anyone else. So I decided we would take a road trip. There are so many places I go to float and fish that have so much more to offer. But I never seem to have the time to look around. It was always camp, float, camp, float, then leave. Sometimes I would look around on a rain out.
Did you know Alley Springs campground had a old mill and a spring to tour? I have camped there many times and never visited. Same thing with Round Springs. I never looked at the spring or took the cave tour. All of those brown signs pointing out points of interest along the way that I never had time to look at.
Tossed the clothes and drinks in the truck and left out. Brunch at Baily Jo's in Arcadia, nice BBQ meal. Toured the Fort Davidson Site, something I had not done in 10 years. Drove to the top of Tom Sauk Mountain and looked around there. Things have really changed there also. Went down to Taum Sauk lake and looked around, no tour of the upper lake anymore since the remodel. Lake looks fishable again. Down thru Lesterville, across to Black, thru Salem, then out to Licking. Spent the night at the Tarry Inn, had another fine BBQ Dinner at Olig's BBQ.
Checked out Sunday morning, breakfast at Chris's Diner which had a good breakfast buffet. Hit Welch Spring from the bank, something I had not done in many years. Across and down the Devils Backbone to Akers Ferry where we looked at Current River from a broken down ferry. Next stop was the Devils Well which has been revamped since the last time I was there many years ago. Across to 19 and down to Round Springs. Declined the cave tour, better half was not wanting to do a 2 hour tour with just a battery lantern in a hole in the ground. Walked up to the cave and toured the spring while we were there. Went back to Echo Bluff to see what the new park was about. I gave my review in another thread.
Off to Eminence down 19 to Jack's Fork. Went to Alley Spring and toured the mill and spring. Had a nice greasy lunch at the Dairy Barn in Eminence. Veered back east on 106 and showed her 2 Rivers, a place I camp at from time to time. Drove to Rocky Falls for the first time. Interesting waterfall, a nice swimming hole on a warm day. It was busy. Drove around Powder Mill access. Came back thru Ellington, across Clearwater Lake and back to farm.
Did not fish a lick. Never pitched a tent or cooked a meal all weekend. It was pretty relaxing. Only took a few minutes to unload the truck when it was all over.