Home is where the heart is

[DarthVMAX]

And there is always a place in my heart for the Ozark Mountains. I am a born and bred Kansan (still live there) but I try to get to the Ozarks as much as possible, particulary the Table Rock Beaver area. I have spent many summer/fall vacations there since I was a baby and still go to the same place on Table Rock with the same group of people (my folks started going while in college right when the lake first opened). I am in the military and after I retire I hope to be living as a "baldknobber" someplace.

This is a very neat site that I discovered. and plan on post some fish stories when I get back to the States (currently deployed).

See ya on the board!

p.s. Mr. Agnew, I simply love your artwork. My very favorite picture of yours is the "bust" of the Timber Wolf with its paws crossed, I display it PROUDLY in my den.

[Phil Lilley]

Where abouts in Kansas are you from? I grew up in Parsons- same thing- vacationed here as a child and loved it so much we moved here.

[KRflyfisher]

I am a native Ozarkian, and am proud to have that hillbilly blood running through my veins. I currently live in Kansas where I am in grad school and serve as a youth pastor. One day I also hope to return home so I can "lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help." as quoted from Psalm 121 by Harold Bell Wright in the The Shepherd of the Hills. If I can only convince my wife to move away from her mother!

DarthVMAX- Where are you serving? I have the highest respect for our soldiers and just let me tell you now, Thanks for your sevice and sacrifice. It means something to me. Here's to you getting back home and hookin' a big one!

KR

[Danoinark]

DarthvMax

Welcome. Now take real good care of yourself where ever you are and get back home with nothing but stories to tell. Look us all up when you get back and I bet there are a whole forum full of folks here that want to shake your hand and show you a special place to wet a line. Thanks for all you do to keep us free.

God Speed.

Dano

[DarthVMAX]

Thank you for the warm welcome and thoughts. Lets just say I am on the other side of the world with lots of mountains and dust LOL. I live just SE of Wichita in a little town called Rose Hill. If I can't make it to the Ozarks you will most likely find me in the "little Ozarks" in SE Kansas between Parsons and Cherryvale on Big Hill Lake.

KRflyfisher...where are you pastoring?

[KRflyfisher]

I have had the priveledge of being the youth and family pastor at Living Hope Church of the Nazarene here in Olathe. I've been here 5 and a half years working with 7-12 grade and thier families mostly. These are good folks, great kids. I have been doing youth ministry since I graduated high school and have a few of my youth group kids in the service, and they are serving in places similar to what you describe. Now we'll add your name to that military prayer list.

Never Fished Big Hill- What is it known for?

KR

[DarthVMAX]

Big Hill Lake is a VERY good Bass fisherie. Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Spotted. It is also an excellent Crappie and good White bass lake. Its only about 1300 acres but seems bigger. It is nesteled in a valley with hills and TREES all around it. The water is clear and the campgrounds are prime. The terrain is very similar to the Ozark Foothills. Oak, Hickory and Walnut trees completley cover the area. At night during summertime the smells and sounds transport you to your favorite Ozark lake. Katydids fill the night (sometimes to the point of having to raise your voice just to have a conversation LOL)with their "katy-did, katy-didn't" song along with the "Whip-poor-will's" calling. I "discovered" Big Hill when my CLub had a T on it. It's the best kept secret in Kansas as far as I am concerned. It is an hour and 45 min drive from Wichita which is nice....just far enough that the Wichita crowd doesn't make the drive.

KR..GOD bless YOU for being there for our Youth in a time of terribly powerful secular infulence.

[KRflyfisher]

Thanks I appriciate that, it is an honor to be a part of thier lives and to see them grow into strong men and women.

Sounds like I need to be planning a quick trip to Big Hill sometime soon! Any idea how long they have been stocking the smallies? Seems like KWP has been producing some pretty nice fish lately, I think a guy broke the state record last fall on Milford with a fish weighing in just over 6 1/2 lbs I think. I know that the area is known for spotted bass, and I would like to get into some of those, my grandpa used to call them Kentucky Bass, but I pretty much just like to catch anything with some fight in it.

[Phil Lilley]

I have pics of Big Hill when they were working on the lake-bottom before filling it. Our boy scout trout used to hike and camp out there in the mid 70's. There's a place on the ne side of the lake- a small lake or big pond- that we used to call Bath Lake. Big Hill actually runs up again the dam of the small lake I understand. Anyhow- I almost bought that place way back when- had dreams of creating a fishing/hunting lodge. Wish I had bought it now cause with Big Hill the property I'm sure is worth alot more today.