Meramec State Park

Sunday July 1st I made a trip to our nearby Meramec State Park. The chiggers and ticks were in full effect, but it was only about 80 degrees some the hiking was pleasant. Below you can see pictures from the two trails I tackled. One important lesson that was learned quickly is do not count on your GPS in these heavily wooded areas. It turned out to be a great opportunity to strengthen map reading skills though.

Meramec State Park Bluff View Trail

I tackled this short trail after completing the South Loop of the Wilderness Trail. Fair warning to anyone attempting this trail, there are many elevation changes and more than one spot where you may slip off a cliff and end up in the Meramec River or on the rocks below.

When you first enter the trail from picnic area 3 you are greeted with this grand view of the bluffs. I startled another deer here who must have been part mountain goat.

Along the trail there are a few of these structures that offer great views.

Watch your step along the trail as the vegetation hides some slick rocks and sudden falls.

At a few points you will be down at river level, where it is swim at your own risk. I would suggest not swimming in this river.

Once you pass the dining lodge and some cabins the trail loops back through these woods.

Meramec State Park Wilderness Trail SL

Well this is the trail head where it all began in beautiful Meramec State Park. I hiked the South Loop on Sunday, and took my time.

Most of the the South Loop follows stream beds like this one. I'm no expert by any stretch of the imagination but I would avoid this trail if there is any chance of flash flooding.

Along the way you will find many places where the rock has been carved out by mother nature.

On this lazy Sunday afternoon a still haze floated across the forest floor.

Shorty before you reach the 185 spur, you will find taller cliffs like this one.

Not sure who takes up residence in this small cave, but it is near a water source so I am sure there is no vacancy.

If you have been in the near by Meramec Caverns a small pool like this makes you wonder just what might actually lie beneath this pool.

A bit north of the 185 spur the forest changes a bit and almost looks manicured.

You might be asking yourself, why a picture of a road. Well reaching this road was an accomplishment for my gravity challenged self. The contour lines on the map do not lie here, the incline gets a bit steeper. Once you hit the ridge road you are home free on a nice stroll back to the trail head.

Short Trip

Well we ( Buckwheat and I ) went for a short walk yesterday. I was hoping for another good 5 to 6 mile trek down the wooded bike path, but thunderstorms and Buckwheat's aversion to rain cut that short. It was a good first trial of the Camel Back pack, which carries nicely. Loaded with my water and Buckwheat's water and bowl the pack was probably only 20 pounds or so. The weather this weekend should clear up by Sunday, so I am looking forward to a 10 mile hike in Meramec State Park.

The character in the picture is Buckwheat, my rain fearing dog.

Camel Back

Well I got another piece of gear last night. I picked up a Camel Back pack with a 3 liter hydration reservoir. I packed it up last night, and hope to give it a test run tonight on our local walking trail with a short 5 mile walk.

Mark Twain Lake Text

The first adventure was to Mark Twain Lake here in Missouri. It was more of a drive than a hike, just to test out the new GPS. Until I get all my gear together, real hikes will be on hold.

The lake photos are taken from the Buzzards Roost picnic area. The small home is Mark Twain's birth home.

This lake is absolutely beautiful, with many limestone cliffs surrounding it. I would recommend a trip to this lake to anyone wanting to enjoy the water without the huge crowds found elsewhere.

Pictures taken 24 June 2007.

Mark Twain Lake

The Adventure Begins

Well, hello folks! First things first, I'm not much of a hiker yet, so this blog will document my learning process and hopefully people can learn from my mistakes. The primary mission for this blog will be to share photos from my adventures and the lessons I learn along the way.

I have sort of stumbled upon hiking recently, and my interest in it is consuming me. Had you asked me a year ago to go camping or hiking I would have explain the Army had cured me of any interest in such activities. But a recent gift of a GPS lit the fire. Anyway I hope everyone enjoys the stories and photos.