GUIDE

them in hand practically ever hour of every day.

The use of electronics by our nation’s children is a major concern of the medical profession and others. Dr. Richard Louv, of Kansas City, predicted this onslaught of interest in electronics over two decades ago. His book, ‘Last Child in the Woods,’ discussed a group of symptoms in our children that he called nature deficit disorder. Included in the symptoms were the effects of too much time spent on electronic devices.

With the state of our society today, many parents who live in the cities and suburbs do not allow their children to play outside to the extent that they were allowed in their own childhoods. The play area of children several decades ago included several blocks. Now parents are reluctant to allow their children to play on their own in their own backyards. The impact on our children’s physical and mental well-being is substantial. The United States is now the second most obese population in the world and mental issues are at an all time high.

Time Outdoors

Simply said, spending time in the outdoors enjoying nature is good for us. It is such an understood fact today, that some insurance companies pay on claims to help get patients into the outdoors.

For most of our U.S. population, there are parks and open areas within a short distance of home. In Missouri, we are particularly fortunate. We have one of the best state park systems in the nation and a highly ranked conservation department. As citizens we pay sales tax to support both institutions. The result is that we have an abundance of beautiful, well-maintained parks and conservation areas for people to enjoy.

The kids and I loaded into the truck to take a tour around the park. Not far below Onondaga Cave is the Meramec River. Just below the nearest ridge is a natural slough area fed by seep springs. With the surrounding short grass areas, it is the perfect habitat for Canada geese.

We observed several dozen wild geese and their gosling families. We paused several times to watch the goose babies graze on the grassy areas in the park. The young goslings were voracious feeders. It is one of the true marvels of nature at how fast these birds grow. It’s hard to believe that some of the survivors will migrate with their parents this fall. Others will remain in the area as local residents.

We also saw a beautifully colored wood duck with her clutch of five babies. These incredible birds nest in hollow trees 40 to 70 feet up. As soon as the ducklings hatch, they use their sharp toenails to climb to the cavity opening. They hurl themselves into the air and tumble head over heal to the ground. They bounce like rubber balls and immediately begin a dangerous journey to the nearest water source. They are extremely vulnerable to predators during this precarious journey.

Time For Pork Steak

Evening came quickly and the kids and I gathered around a campfire to enjoy a pork steak dinner followed by the usual tradition of roasting marshmallow. It’s a special kind of pleasure to watch children enjoy one another’s company around a campfire. They laugh and giggle and poke fun at one another. It’s time well spent, and memories are being made that will last a lifetime.

I’m typing this article on my laptop at daybreak the following morning. I’m trying to complete it before the kids awake and give me grief about being on my electronics.

I’ll soon begin cooking a breakfast of sausage, pancakes and scrambled eggs. The hearty breakfast will fuel our day’s activities. We plan to tour Onandaga Cave, then head over to Courtois Creek for an afternoon of swimming and paying in the sand. There is nothing quite like enjoying the outdoors with your grandchildren.

Clearwater Lake & Webb Creek Park – Hwy H

–Bring the family to camp, boat, fish, and unwind on crystal clear Clearwater Lake. This area of the lake is formed where Webb Creek and Logan Creek empty into Clearwater Lake. The lake is known for its crappie, catfish and bass fishing. Camping is available at Webb Creek Recreation Park; plus a full service marina with boat/wave runner rentals on site. Webb Creek Park features over 40 campsites, swim beach, playground, showers, picnic pavilions, boat launch, and more. Services are limited after mid-September but camping is still permitted. Call Webb Creek Marina at 573-461-2344 for marina, boat rental and campsite information or visit www.recreation.gov to make reservations. If you are interested in all the conveniences of home call Webb Creek Cabins for cabin rentals, 573-461-2244.

Black River and K Bridge Recreation Area – K Hwy – Float, canoe, fish and explore the beautiful Black River. Enjoy swimming, camping and picnicking right on the banks of the Black River. K Bridge Recreation Area and Campground offers playground, showers, electric and comfort station, visit www. recreation.gov to make reservations. Floats (raft or canoe) can be arranged on site by calling Jeff’s Canoe Rental at 573-598-4555. A small general store is also available on site.

Current River & Log Yard Gravel Bar – Hwy 106 to HH Highway- Fish, swim, camp and relax on majestic Current River. Great place to explore Current River. This area is often referred to as Cardareva by locals and is a favorite summer hangout. Primitive camping is available right on the river bank, camping is also available at the nearby School Yard with picnic tables, lantern hooks and fire pits. These sites are available on a first come basis. Bring your canoes, rafts and kayaks; a perfect day float….Powder Mill to Log Yard. Boat launch available. Powder Mill Recreation Area and Campground re-opened. Camping available with views of the Current River. Picnic table, firepit & lantern hook available at each site, reservations not available. Water/elect not provided.

Current River, Blue Spring & Powder Mill

Recreation Area – Hwy 106 near Current River bridge Powder Mill reopened summer 2020. Camping is available with views of the river, picnic tables, fire pit and lantern hook. Reservations are not available. Powder Mill is a perfect camp base for day trips to area attractions like Blue Spring, Rocky Falls, Peck Ranch, Johnson Shut-Ins, Elephant Rocks and more. Wild horses are often seen in the fields near the bridge. The Ozarks offers countless options for family adventure.

Rocky Falls- NN Hwy- A cascading crystal Rocky Creek drops from the Ozark Mountains into a lazy pool which eventually winds through the Ozarks to Current River. A must see if you are in the area and fun for all ages. Wear non-slip shoes and use caution when climbing on the falls. Picnic tables provided.

Current River Conservation Area –Consists of 28,000 acres of state land. Deer, turkey, eagles, elk and a multitude of wildlife can be seen. UTV’s, ATV’s and vehicle traffic are welcome on miles of gravel roads and trails that wind through some 60+ food plots. Buford Pond, Missouri’s first fire tower, a 1926 log cabin and an earthen Fort Barnesville can all be found here. Buford Pond provides fishing and picnicking and is a favorite location of all. For hunting enthusiasts an unstaffed rifle and archery range are provided.

Current River Conservation Area is home to the Missouri Ozark Ecosystem Project, the world’s most comprehensive forest management study. This 100 year project spans over 9,000 acres.

Main park entrance located on South Road in Ellington, other entrances located off Hwy 106 and HH highway. Primitive camping is available. Elk viewing and maps of the area are available at the main park entrance.

Local Flavor – While in town you won’t want to miss the Reynolds County Museum. This Museum is filled with relicts from days gone by and the rich history of the Ozarks. Volunteers staff the establishment and are happy to answer questions; Open March-November, Tues-Fri, 10-4 or by appointment. Call 573-663-3233 for more information. Want some nostalgia from a couple decades back; how about a drive in movie? One of only a few drive-ins left in the Midwest is located just south of Ellington on highway 21. 21 Drive-In opens in May with summer family favorites and offers movie events into the fall including Halloween and Christmas.

Scenic Highway 106 - This 26 mile drive between Ellington and Eminence is known state wide for its scenic views and beauty, and is especially a favorite in the fall. This section of highway is also home to the Trans-America Trail and sees many bicycle travelers from April-October. Bicycle enthusiasts say it’s one of the “toughest sections on the trail” and known for the steep hills & hollers.

Blair Creek- Hwy 106 – This area is a favorite of the local’s spring, summer and fall. For the person who is looking for the unknown, adventure into the wild Ozark hills for the beautiful views, caves, swimming, picnicking. Here riding the back roads in ATV’s, UTV’s and 4-wheel drives is exciting and fun. Entrance located North of Hwy 106 across from Blue Spring entrance.

Ozark Trail- Hwy 106- Blair Creek & Current River section; Hwy 106 – Whether you are looking for a one day hike or want to make a few days of it; hiking these sections of the Ozark Trail is rewarding and adventurous. Such splendid locations as Rocky Falls, Klepzig Mill and Buzzard Mountain Shut-Ins are located right on the trail. For the adventurous visitor this is a must!

Peck Ranch- H Highway, Shannon County- Listen for the bugle this fall! Elk are now roaming the hills of the Ozarks and can be seen in Peck Ranch, Current River Conservation Area and the surrounding region. Thanks to the Missouri Department of Conservation’s recent Elk Restoration Program elk were released into the elk zone beginning in the summer of 2011. With the third release the summer of 2013 the elk herd is nearing 200 bulls, cows and calves. Peck Ranch is open from sunrise/sunset daily and offers a driving tour. Bugling occurs in the fall, Sept-Nov. Check the Missouri Dept of Conservation website for park closing details. Maps are available at park entrance.