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!
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