Dirt Roads ~ High Heels: September 2018

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Tropical-ish in Missouri

You guys! I have been waiting to post about this for a couple of weeks and finally, I had a minute to share! Remember Devils Well that I talked about on my last blog post? Well, if you don't, go back and read it! Because it's the trail head, which leads to something you would never expect to see in Missouri; Cave Springs. The only way here is to hike or by canoe...I supposed you could take a helicopter, but that seems a bit excessive.

So, we hiked. Cave Springs Trail is a 4.6 mile loop not far from Akers Ferry in the heart of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. We started the hike late morning knowing it would probably take us around 2-3 hours, but the goal was to make it to Cave Springs which is about half way through the hike. As we made our way, the trail wasn't very clear but we were able to follow the tracks. We had a small guide map that gave us coordinates for waypoints and various distances between landmarks. As we embarked, it wasn't really making sense but we kept going anyway. We made it to the Current River and could hear people passing by canoeing or rafting but it seemed we had come to a dead end. After spending about 30 minutes trying to figure it out, we finally hollered down to a guy who told us the Spring was about 2 miles up the river; a bit perplexed we took off that way hoping to find a glimpse of another trail. Persistence pays off, we found a path we hadn't taken yet, so we took a chance. This has to be right, right?

We walked and walked and finally hit Overlook Junction...and that is when we figured it out, we had taken the trail backwards, no wonder the landmarks weren't matching up. I was a bit frustrated but was reminded by the BF, this is what makes it an adventure. He was right, all was well in my world again. Ha! Once we made it through Overlook Junction, the sign appeared; Cave Springs, 0.7 miles. I literally wanted to take off running! Let me tell you, 0.7 miles seemed like 10! The paths were very overgrown, but we made it. As Cave Springs appeared, I was in awe. It was one of the prettiest places I have ever seen, in the Midwest anyway. Tropical appearance with ice cold water, so instantly I was reminded we weren't at the Caribbean. But, after the hike, the water was the perfect temperature to cool off in before heading back on the trail. 1.3 miles to go before hitting the "end" or for us, the beginning. How we missed that, I have no idea. But how many people can say they started at the end? Raising my hand now.

That evening back at camp was another adventure as I was taught how to build a fire. No matches, no lighter fluid, no lighter; just kindling, vaseline cotton balls, magnesium, a knife and flint. My teacher was patient with me; and eventually I finally started to get the hang of it and let's be real, kept us warm for the evening with my newly built fire. We attended Game Night at the Shelter House and when we told the ranger we hiked the Cave Springs Trail, he was a bit shocked. He informed us that that trail doesn't start being tended to until Fall, so he wasn't surprised when we told him the trail was hard to follow. Just call us Pro-fessionals Mr. Ranger! Can I get a one your cool Ranger outfits please? More card games around the fire and a few more pages of The Hatchet before calling it a night.

The next morning, after BLT's for breakfast, we packed up camp and headed out. We decided to take the long way home on back roads and going through small towns to explore more of the area. We detoured to check out Round Spring and Round Spring Cave. Unfortunately we didn't get to tour the cave because "no dogs allowed"; but for good reason though, it's underground and a bit strenuous. We did get to view the beautiful blue Round Spring which is 55 feet deep and cycles around 26 million gallons of water per day. No swimming here folks, it's for viewing only! Round Spring was one of Missouri's first state parks in 1924 and was donated to the National Park Service in 1964.

As we continued South, we drove through Eminence and passed the Dairy Shack; think old fashioned, outdoor ordering, and fried food. There wasn't even a discussion, lunch was about to be served. Hamburgers, fried cauliflower, chicken strips, cheese cubes and one very large Coca-Cola classic. It was a good day.

To New Places!

Shona

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Monday, September 24, 2018

Down to Devils Well

Up with the sun and the sounds of nature, the creek running cold and swift, we were about to start Day 2 of our long camping weekend. After breakfast and packing up camp, we headed East through Mark Twain National Forest. Not really knowing where we would end up, but knew soon we would need to fill up the truck with gas or we weren't going to make it far! We ended up in Roy, Missouri, a quick stop for some snacks and coffee and we were on our way to the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. There were many camping areas to choose from, but we ended up heading to Pulltite. As we drove through, we quickly realized how finding a spot was going to be a challenge. Most people have reservations, luckily there was one non-reservable spot left, Campsite #18. We looked at each other and said, we better take it! Even though we typically like areas a bit less crowded, we knew our selection would be limited so here we are, home for the next 2 nights!

We set up camp and headed to the Current river to cool off and let Lola swim around. It's busy this time of year; end of season canoeing and rafting make this a very popular spot to camp. We visited the General store for a few more goods; picked up some hiking info for the next day, and settled into camp before heading up the shelter house to listen to Ranger Jess talk about turtles. It's probably supposed to be for kids only, but I got a sweet sticker out of the deal so it was a win-win and very informational! Hot dogs over the fire for dinner and card games before calling it a night.

The next morning we made breakfast and prepared for the day. We took the short drive North to Devils Well near Akers. Devils Well was formed when the roof on a cavern which contained an underground lake collapsed, resulting in a sinkhole with an opening where you can view the lake, 100 feet down and 80 feet deep. Hence the name, Devils Well. There is a spiraling staircase that directs you for viewing and as you make your way down, the temperature drops drastically, and the cute little fall located at the bottom is ice cold. Take a flashlight, it's a small space and rather dark! Devils Well has been explored since the 1950's and in 1956, two species of blind cave fish were observed. In 2015, the Cave Research Foundation identified two more species; cave crayfish. It holds up to 22 million gallons of water and is part of the water supply system filling Cave Spring on the Current River, which can only be accessed by canoe or hiking.

On the next blog, I'll share more about our adventure on the Cave Spring Loop Trail, a 4.6 mile hike leading to Cave Springs and Overlook Junction.

Happy Exploring!

Shona

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Monday, September 17, 2018

Camping Gear, Zero Plans, and Missouri Highways

It's that time of year again, camping season. We took off for the long holiday weekend, Labor Day, without any reservations and decided to see where the back roads of Missouri would take us. Normally we wouldn't camp before now, it's way to warm, but the temperatures were going to be in our favor. The morning started off rainy but a few hours East and the sunshine decided to grace the sky.

As we made our way on Hwy 50, we decided to take a small detour to Hermann to grab a bite to eat at the local park there. Nothing better than a sandwich, chips and and an ice cold Banquet to satisfy a person. We needed to stretch our legs anyway and let Lola run around. Southbound on Hwy 19, we figured we had better decide where we wanted to set up camp for the evening. A quick google search in the Mark Twain National Forest led us to Red Bluff Campground. We had no idea if any spots would be available but took the chance. We drove up the park and actually found the perfect location. It was a smaller campsite but had some amazing views and a crystal clear creek running right across from where we landed. The BF made a quick run to talk to the camp host and I started setting up camp.

It was time to cool off, which meant a quick change into our bathing suits before heading to Huzzah Creek. The water was running and the temperature was perfect. The rocky bottom creek ranged in depths anywhere from 6 inches to maybe a foot, so it was great for wading and letting Lola cool off. As we made our way further down the creek, I was trailing behind; flip-flops are a bit of a challenge when wading. Never did I think I would look down into the perfect clear water to see a snake, popping it's head out of the rocks staring at me...you can imagine my reaction. Screaming, jumping, trying to run to shore, and avoiding the snake, all while trying to keep my shoes on without falling down. Picture that, you are welcome. It took me a minute to catch my breath before I realized there was one way back to camp, crossing the creek. I made the other two lead the way, and I followed closely behind.

After getting the fire started, we prepared dinner which consisted of Teriyaki Rice with grilled tomatoes, onions, and avocado. A night of card games was the perfect way to end the evening before hitting the tent and starting to read Hatchet, a wilderness survival novel by Gary Paulsen. I definitely recommend it.

The next morning we made a breakfast scramble of eggs, potatoes, and bacon; a few cups of hot tea, and a few hours of enjoying the crisp air before packing up and heading on our way to the next destination, which at this point, was still unknown. We would take off through Mark Twain National Forest and just drive; which lead us to some unexpected destinations before finding our home for the rest of the weekend.