Author: doubledacres

The End of a Good Time

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For two years this was our home for 8 months out of the year. I really loved being a campground host. It did have its moments though when I wondered why I am doing this. The good moments outweighed the bad moments. Once I was done with the daily duties, I was able to do the things I enjoyed doing. I thank Chris Woods of the US Forest Service for giving me this opportunity.

The Forest Service provided us with a golf cart to get around the park. These two got used to the cart and got over their fear of it. I watched these two for about 25 minutes to get this capture.

The Herons were hard to stalk. Always on alert for any movement and ready to take flight. One morning I was lucky enough to get close enough and capture it as it was taking flight.

These are some of my favorite captures from the park.

Credit Jason Wilson Photography

I got to hike the trails, fish and pan for gold. Last year I put over 30 pounds of fish in the freezer.

Sadly, I won’t be returning in 2025. I was diagnosed with peripheral foot neuropathy, which is very painful. I am currently receiving treatments from PC Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, MO. I have only had 4 treatments, and I am very satisfied with the results I have received. It also affects one’s balance. Mine was so bad I couldn’t pass a sobriety test stone cold sober. They have even helped with me with that. I am also retaining water in my legs and feet, and I have an appointment with a vein specialist in March.

I also made a lot of friends. I introduce Jason who I met at the park. He too is a photographer, and damn good at it, we took a lot of pictures.

Another chapter in my book of life comes to an end. I am going to miss this place, but I will be visiting frequently, if my health allows me to, in the capacity of one of the campers visiting Silver Mines Campground.

I am currently working on publishing a coffee table book titled, Missouri Through the Lens. It will be made up of photos of rural Missouri. Places not on the beaten path. It will contain some photos taken Silver Mines.

Campground Host Story

/ doubledacres / 5 Comments

This was our home for 8 months in 2023, where my wife and I worked as campground hosts. We made a lot of new friends, learned a lot about nature and have some good stories to tell. This particular story started on a Friday night. Just another weekend, it wasn’t a holiday or anything special going on. All the campsites were reserved, and it was a full house.

We had just come back from a run in the park, and I noticed two men having a lively conversation. One of the men had his camper set up on site 8 and the other had his rig still hooked up, parked along the road next to it. I watched what was going on and it was becoming quite heated. I just started toward them when I saw the man still hooked to his rig, heading toward me.

Here he come, strutting like a Bantee rooster, walking toward me with purpose. He got to me and asked if I was the campground host. I answered, yes, I am. May I help you? He immediately tells me that I have to go make the other camper move, because he has that spot reserved. I knew by the way he screamed out his request, that this day wasn’t going to end the way I was hoping to. I told him to please calm down and let’s talk to him and see what’s going on. We headed for the campsite to try and figure out what happened.

The gentleman assured me that they had reservations. I asked the not so happy camper, if I could see his reservations. His wife handed them to him, and he thrust them into my chest and said now you will see and all the time he was giving the other camper an evil look. One of those looks that tells me, don’t ever go target practicing with him. I took the reservation and started looking it over hoping there was going to be an easy fix. Then I saw it! Love those easy fixes. I said sir you are somewhat right. You did have reservations, for two weeks ago. Oh my! He didn’t seem very happy. They had come quite a distance and the look he gave his wife told me this was going to be a long ride home for her.

The pics are of our home we lived in for 8 months in 2023.

I Know Better

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You ever just have one of those days? I am an avid fly fisherman and after a few days of above freezing temperatures I decided to do some fly fishing. I spent the night before cleaning fly line and getting tackle ready to go. The Missouri Conservation Department stocks a local lake with trout in November. It is catch and release until February first, at which time you can start keeping your catch if you have a trout stamp.

I pull in to Engler Park where the lake is located, and I see an empty parking lot. Well, this is my first clue. From where you park you really can’t see the lake that well. At least I showed I had a little sense left about me, because I decided to walk down to the lake and see what’s up, before I pulled my gear out. Then I saw the problem. The lake is still covered in ice. No open water to fish. Really! I have fished this lake enough that deep down I knew it would be but yet, here I am.

Being a photographer I always have a camera with me so the trip wouldn’t be a total loss. There is another smaller lake in the park, with an island. I thought I should be able to get some descent pics, so I decided to drive to the other lake. I had never really checked the island out before so now I figured I would take the time to check it out.

What I found was a surprise. The many times I have been here, and I had no idea what inspired the memorial or even that it existed. Very moving! I am glad the lake was frozen over. Thanks to the Farmington, MO Community for their work on this memorial.

Thanks for stopping and visiting. You are deeply appreciated.

In Memory of Meddlin’ Kate

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“Having a dog will bless you with many of the happiest days of your life, and one of the worst.” Unknown

“Dogs’ lives are too short. Their only fault, really.“

Agnes Sligh Turnbull

                        

They grieve, have feelings, listen, can fill a house with joy and give unconditional love. Yes, there are some dogs that have behavioral issues but there are people that do too. They aren’t perfect.

Kate was my ride dog, and we were basically together 24/7. She wasn’t just a dog, no, she was a family member. I have very fond memories with Kate. No one can take those memories away from me.

Meddlin’ Kate 1/1/2011 – 1/25/2020

Approaching One Year

/ doubledacres / 13 Comments

Marriage is a journey where two imperfect individuals create a perfect bond. A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.”

Mignon McLaughlin

My wife and I were reunited at our fiftieth-class reunion, June 4, 2022. We said our vows January 31, 2023. Yes, I am a little early, but then again, we aren’t guaranteed anything in life so I thought I would begin the celebration early. My darling wife has a big heart, and I always kid her that if she got carjacked, she would run alongside the car asking them if they had enough gas money. She is kind, loving and puts up with me. I still can’t get her to eat possum, but there is still time.

The love of my life. Now after posting these pics, pardon me while I disappear somewhere in Siberia until it is safe to come out.

We lived 8 months in a 31-foot camper working as Campground Hosts in the Silver Mines Recreation Area, and we are still speaking to each other. Now that says something about our relationship. I am a lucky man. Evelyn, I know I am a little early, but Happy Anniversary and we have only begun.

Brrrr….Baby It’s Cold Outside!!

/ doubledacres / 4 Comments

Wow! Just wow. Once upon a time we were visited by warmer than normal temperatures day after day, even though it was officially winter. In the back of my mind, I knew we would pay for that nice weather. Then! Then it finally happened, and it wasn’t pretty. No sir ladies and gentlemen it wasn’t. We were enjoying highs in the 40s and 50s with lows in the upper 30s.

Quickly our highs went to highs of low 20s to single digits and lows from 5 to -10 with strong winds and the snow arrived. Accumulations were never above 5 inches. For the record I am one of those crazy people who love snow and the colder temperatures, but in my old age the cold air seems to have a bit more bite to it, then it used too. 

I did manage to get out a couple of times to hike. The first one was to Elephant Rocks State Park. When I headed out it was a balmy 22 degrees and by the time, I got back to the truck it was 18 degrees with a 20 mph Northwest wind. No snow on the ground but I did manage to get a few shots and one very interesting one. I called them “dirtcicles”. They originated from underneath the ground and formed icecicles with dirt at the very top. Picture below.

I also got a couple of other pics.

Then I really went off the deep end and decided to take a brisk hike up Hughes Mountain. That was my first mistake. When I got out of the truck it was a warm 8 degrees and a dusting of snow on the ground. Just enough to make walking challenging. Well against my better judgement I started up the trail. I soon ran into a section covered in ice. With some creative hiking I managed to get about halfway up and took a couple of pics overlooking the valley below. The first pic on my post was one of them. Now with the next two you will know how the valley looks at 8 degrees. I know deep down you really want to know, LOL.

Now it was time to head back. Apparently, my creative hiking had went somewhere warmer, because all of a sudden, my feet went out from underneath me, and I was headed downhill rather quickly. I’m sure it wasn’t a pretty sight to behold, and I’m sure if anybody heard my screams, they thought I was being attacked by a mountain lion. Gary Fultz, just how hard are you laughing right now? I finally came to a stop. I finally arrived home safe and sound.

Now what does this photographer do when he can’t get out? He hones his photography skills by taking pictures of birds. Lots of pictures. I will only bore you with a couple.

Thank you for stopping by and reading my post. You are very much appreciated.

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My Fascination With the Moon

/ doubledacres / 9 Comments
Moon over the St Francis River

“The moon is a friend for the lonesome to talk to.“

Carl Sandburg

As a child I remember staring at the moon looking to see the “Man in the Moon”. I always looked forward to seeing the full moon. It was always so peaceful perched high up in the night sky. It always had a calming effect on me. It seemed to be tugging at my soul.

As an adult it still has a hold on me. I love taking walks in the moonlight. I feel like God is telling me He sees me and is beside me reassuring me that I am not alone. It moves across the night sky in silence casting its light upon the countryside adding serenity to the landscape. The moon’s light has a way of making me feel warm and safe inside and nourishing my soul.

The glow of its light can be mesmerizing and cause excitement to fill my body and I feel closer to Mother Earth. It makes me feel special as if it is only playing just for me. My very own light show from heaven above, yet I know deep inside it is for everyone to enjoy. I can sit for hours drinking in the beauty it casts upon Mother Earth. It takes me back to the days I gazed upon its beauty as a child. Pleasant memories.

During our time as campground hosts at Silver Mines Campground, my wife and I would take a ten o’clock run through the park and we would stop on the old Highway D bridge that still crosses the St Francis River and admire the beauty of the moon. Our quiet time and time to reflect on our day.

Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read the ramblings of an old, retired farrier. I appreciate you all very much.

Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge

/ doubledacres / 11 Comments
Golden eagle.

First, I give thanks to my wonderful wife for her patience and supporting me in my photography. She inspires me to do what I do. Thank you, Evelyn, you are the best.

On December 6, 2023, a good friend of mine, and fellow photographer, Jason Wilson, and I departed for Loess (pronounced “luss”) Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge located in northwest Missouri, 30 miles northwest of St. Joseph, MO. The refuge consists of 7,440 acres located along the eastern edge of the Missouri River. Every spring and fall, the refuge is visited by thousands of waterfowl migrating south for the winter.

I believe these are Trumpeter Swans. Too far away to say for sure.
Trumpeter Swan

The refuge was established in 1935 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and many of the roads, trails, dikes and buildings were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935 and 1936. The primary purpose of the refuge is to provide habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. There are 3,180 acres of wetlands, 2,175 acres of grasslands and 1,200 acres of forests. There has been as many as 2,000 trumpeter swans visit the refuge during the winter months along with 1.4 million snow geese and 200,000 ducks during the spring and fall migrations. I noticed a very significant number of muskrat dens throughout the wetlands, and it seemed the bald eagles enjoyed their use as a handy perch.

The refuge designed many avenues for observing the wildlife who call it home and to those visitors that drop in from to time. Roads and hiking trails have been provided along with viewing towers, and spotting scopes in various places throughout the refuge. Trails consist of Loess Bluff Trail, Munkres Homestead Trail, Callow Trail, Turkey Ridge Trail, Paw Paw Trail and Eagle Pool Overlook Trail. A ten mile Auto Tour is also located in the Refuge. One important bit of information is that restrooms are only located in the Refuge headquarters. The Refuge opens a half hour before sunrise and closes a half hour after sunset. For the most up to date information visit http://www.fws.gov/refuge/loess_bluffs/

The Visitor Center/Headquarters

We weren’t the only photographers visiting the Refuge. Even during the week there were still many photographers present snapping photographs. I couldn’t believe the large numbers of bald eagles present in the park. One time we counted 11 eagles perched on muskrat dens and nearly 40 perched in the trees along the roads. All in all, it was a great time. Camping isn’t allowed in the Refuge, so we camped at the MDC Bob Brown Conservation Area that was 15 minutes away.

Bald Eagles
Bald Eagles
Trumpeter Swans
Trumpeter Swans

FYI, be sure to take an appropriate lens that is able to reach out and grab the closeup you’re looking for. Don’t be a Wayne. I still made do with what I had. You aren’t going to be afforded too many close-up opportunities. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read my blog.

Boaters of Silver Mines

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The St Francis River flows through the Silver Mines Recreation Area and is the playground of a lot of kayakers and I had the honor of meeting several of them. The St. Francis River is the only river in Missouri that has been classified as “white water”.

The Missouri Whitewater Championships take place the third weekend of March and are subject to water levels. They begin at Millstream Gardens and continue downstream. The boaters have a choice of different events, slalom races, freestyle competitions, and downriver races.

The competition also draws a lot of spectators. There are some areas designated for spectators to watch the competition or they can watch from the riverbank. The boaters give them lots of action to watch and the crowd gets into cheering them on. Competitors are from all over the country and come in young and old.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog.