Nothing beats a Missouri springtime

dogwoods. Little creeks along the backroads gurgled with a steady flow, providing a peaceful interlude when I stopped.

Making A Mood

Bright-colored wildflowers announced spring’s arrival at the edge of one patch of forest. I even heard the booming gobble of a wild turkey in the distance. Instant mood adjustment. Yeah, I was going to like this place called Missouri. When I got to Warsaw and Truman Lake, that enthusiasm only intensified. Fishermen in beat-up johnboats were pulling into the harbor and straining to lift their catch for the day, giant paddlefish.

In a nearby tackle shop, hunters dressed in camouflage