From the Highest Mountain to A Low Point Almost.

[jdmidwest]

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.

 

[Gavin]

Sounds like a fun road trip. Wife and me like to stop at the abbey in Arcadia when we roll through. Food is good and it's fun to walk the grounds. Think they rent rooms to, but have not stayed there.

[jdmidwest]

I saw a crowd there. I was in there years ago. Used to hit antiques in Arcadia, but almost all shops are gone. 

Its nice to have trips without purposes or missions. More relaxing. 

[DADAKOTA]

14 minutes ago, jdmidwest said:

 

Its nice to have trips without purposes or missions. More relaxing. 

Love trips like that.  My wife and I call it wandering.  No itinerary to keep just mosey along and stop and see whatever you want.  We get off the interstate and meander along the state and county highways and roads.  About the only rule we have is no eating at any chain restaurant.  Find some really neat places.  From wineries to museums to  craft breweries to you name it.  A few years back we wandered from the Lienenkugel brewery in West Central Wisconsin all the way to the tip of Door County.  

[jdmidwest]

I seldom eat at chain restaurants, either on or off vacation.  Sometimes but seldom.

Limited cell phone access is a must on trips like that also.

[ness]

19 hours ago, jdmidwest said:

I seldom eat at chain restaurants, either on or off vacation.  Sometimes but seldom.

Limited cell phone access is a must on trips like that also.

I'm with you -- especially on road trips. Avoid the chains, finding the local gems is part of the enjoyment.

I love a good road trip.

[jdmidwest]

The trip brought up another touch of reality.  There is a bashing going on in another thread.  100 years ago, the entire area I was touring was a decimated wasteland.  Logging had taken its toll, forests and wildlife were gone.  Thanks to the MDC and the NFS, it is a nice scenic area to spend time in.  Not pristine and totally wild, but beautifully forested and managed pretty well.

[oneshot]

On ‎8‎/‎10‎/‎2016 at 5:11 PM, jdmidwest said:

The trip brought up another touch of reality.  There is a bashing going on in another thread.  100 years ago, the entire area I was touring was a decimated wasteland.  Logging had taken its toll, forests and wildlife were gone.  Thanks to the MDC and the NFS, it is a nice scenic area to spend time in.  Not pristine and totally wild, but beautifully forested and managed pretty well.

Much sooner in the '60's much of Southern Missouri was being sprayed to kill the Oak Timber, burnt and dozed and planted in Fescue. This to this day has changed Farming practice in this area.

When we farmed we had variety. Main thing was Milking but also had Beef and Hogs. We raised Grains for Feed and to Sale. Yes there actually was Grain Farming in Southern Missouri it just took more work.

Things were sure different back then but Loved it. You actually knew your neighbors.

oneshot

[jdmidwest]

I know my neighbors just enough now.  They live too close and they tend to distract me from time to time.  And I have to watch out for them when I step out to shoot somethng.

I grew up without them for the most part, it was a half mile hike either way to see them.  All I had to avoid shooting was livestock.

[Brian Jones]

I've saved your trip recap in a word file in hopes that the Mrs. and I will someday have a free weekend to take this trip.