Camping

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.

Campground Hosts at Silver Mines

/ doubledacres / 6 Comments

What does a campground host actually do? I can only answer to what we did at Silver Mines. To be accepted as campground hosts, we had a background check, got fingerprinted and signed a Volunteer Agreement. We read it but we don’t remember what it said, it was back in March, and we never did get a copy of it even though we were told we would get one.

Our duties were to clean firepits and bathrooms, empty the garbage cans, keep the park clean, police campsites, (picking up any litter left by campers), and stock pay envelopes. Campers and day use, users filled out the envelopes, put payment inside the envelopes, sealed them and put them in a tube where forest service employees would come by and collect. This was done on an honor system. As volunteers we weren’t allowed to touch the money. We didn’t nor the forest service know if these people had paid or not.

We were also responsible for posting reservations on the campground site. We couldn’t take reservations, they were done online. Reservations were faxed to us on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Then as soon as possible we would post them on the proper campsites.

We also made sure campers abided by the rules. We rode through the park 2 to 3 times a day and the last we did at 10:00 pm to see if everyone was observing the “Quiet Time”. We helped campers find their sites, answer any questions that they might have. We gave out trail information, we hiked all of them to familiarize ourselves with the trails. The trail that goes to the Einstein Mine seems to be the favorite.

On a good note, we did get to meet a lot of good people, make new friends, and see some beautiful sites. There is an abundance of wildlife in the area. Beaver, herons or egrets, racoon, squirrels, and possums and its cousin the armadillo.

Thanks for reading.

March in Review

/ doubledacres / 11 Comments

I took a job as a camp cohost in Silver Mines Recreation Area, near Fredeicktown, Missouri. The following are pictures I took in March. We were almost flooded out at one point.

We are ready for some dry weather for a bit. It got close but we didn’t have to move.

Life Changes

/ doubledacres / 19 Comments
St Francis River

We were created from dust and one day we will return to dust. We are a part of Mother Earth.
I sit here drinking in what God has created and it leaves me speechless. Such beauty.
Temp is hovering around 30 degrees. I can feel the sun’s warmth on my face. Not a cloud in the sky.

I am so blessed to be able to enjoy what God has created. The feeling of peace and healing is within me. The sound of the river mesmerizes me and I get lost in the music the St Francis River is playing.
It’s a sad day though. It is our last day however we will return on March 1st.

St Francis River

News Flash! There has been a big change in my life. I am engaged to Evelyn Zarbo. We met in the 7th grade and were reunited at our 50th year Class Reunion. Her brother and sister-in-law are Camp Hosts at Silver Mines. Next year we will be co-hosts. We will live there for 8 months. we are excited about joining them. Reception is lousy, so it is tough to get internet service.

Evelyn and Me
Woke up to this on November 11, 2022
St Francis River

Camping at Silver Mines

/ doubledacres / 6 Comments

St Francis River, in Silver Mines Conservation Area near Fredericktown, MO

On October 18, a good friend of mine met me at the Silver Mines Conservation Area. This area is named for the abandoned “Einstein Mine” where in 1870 was used to mine silver, tungsten and lead up until 1946 when the mine was closed. The area is known for its Precambrian granite and felsite rocks.

After a brief visit we began setting up camp. I had brought my Bushnell one man tent and Clarry opted for a hammock and tarp. I was amazed with the hammock setup. Clarry had it down to a science. When he was done setting up it looked very inviting. It was only his third time at setting it up. The temps got down into the upper 30s and he discovered some things he would do differently the next time.

After breakfast we decided down the dam on the St Francis river. It was built when they were mining the area. The trail actually goes across the dam to get to the other side of the trail and we thought about trying it but we were going to have to wade to do it and we decided against it.

We talked to another camper who had done it and he told us about two graves on the other side marked by two wooden crosses and the mine entrance was on the other side too but it had been closed off. The trail was pretty rocky and in places you had to climb over big rocks and because of my ankle not being fully healed we didn’t walk the entire trail and headed back to camp. When back at camp we sat around the campfire talking and we had a surprise visitor.

It was a great time. Trees were just starting to color and in another week should be in full color. We pretty much had the place to ourselves. We did meet a gentleman there who came all the way from Chicago to a camp a couple of days. The scenery is absolutely gorgeous. It would be hard not to feel at peace with yourself while you were here. If you are looking for a place to camp where you can enjoy nature I highly recommend Silver Mines. It is located near Fredericktown, MO off highway D. In the spring when the river level is up they have kayak races.

Tent or RV

/ doubledacres / 6 Comments
My one man tent.

“Without the intense touch of nature, you can never fully freshen yourself! Go for a camping and there both your weary mind and your exhausted body will rise like a morning sun! – Mehmet Murat ildan

Two popular methods of camping are Glamping Camping and Tent camping. Glamping camping, also known as glamorous camping, involves camping with the luxuries of a home or hotel ie RV. Tent camping is a primitive form enjoyed by those who want to get closer to nature.

RVs are loaded with the amenities of home. AC, satellite tv, electricity, running water, bathroom and shower. One can get almost anything they want in a RV to meet their desires.

Tents on the other hand just provide one a place to sleep and shelter from inclement weather. There are many types of tents to choose from and come in several sizes. Some are for warm weather camping and there are four season tents that can be used all year. Mats and air mattresses can make sleeping on the ground more comfortable. They can be pitched almost anywhere.

The camper has to choose whatever method fits their desires. Personally I like to keep it as simple and primitive as possible. At the ripe old age of 66 I prefer tent camping. I feel closer to nature and when camping I don’t want any distractions from outside luxuries. I cook on a campfire using cast iron Dutch Oven and skillets like the pioneers carried on their wagons for cooking. I also make Cowboy coffee.

I have a one man tent that I use on float trips, back packing and short camp outs. I have a three man tent I like to use for week long campouts and a hammock with a net and rain fly. I haven’t got a chance to try it out so the verdict is still out as to whether it will work for camping.

Camping is one of those activities you either love or hate. If you love it there are a multitude of places you can camp. State Parks, National Parks, private campgrounds and gravel bars on the river. Both methods of camping have their pros and cons you just have to decide which one is right for you. Happy Camping!!

Camping In Missouri

/ doubledacres

“Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach of us more than we can learn from books.” – John Lubbock

Camping has become very popular for many Missourians. Camping venues, state and private, fill up rapidly on the weekends and some places are booked weeks in advance. They bring everything from RVs loaded with all the conveniences of home to the simple tent. Whatever makes them happy.

At the age of 66 I still prefer tent camping. I have been known to just roll out a pad and sleep on it. The simpler the better. I have a one man tent and a 3 man. I use the one man for one nighters and the 3 man for extended nights in one place.

3 man tent
Food taste better when cooked at camp.

There are so many choices for campers in Missouri. There are 41 state parks with over 3600 campsites. From lakes, rivers to trout parks there is a campsite waiting for you. Fun for the whole family. mdc.mo.gov

You can also find an abundance of privately owned parks throughout the state. Campers have so much to choose from in the state of Missouri.

Kayaking on Bismark Lake

A Welcome Memory

/ doubledacres / 3 Comments

“I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority. ” E.B. White / Letters of E. B. White

At 66 years of age I still prefer primitive camping in my one man tent. I prefer to leave the conveniences of the modern day world at home. Right, wrong or indifferent if I am going to take a camper filled with the luxuries of home then I would rather stay home or just stay in a motel.

I set up camp on my property in Frank Clay, Missouri. It is 12.65 acres filled with oak, hickory, and walnut with patches of sassafras and cedar sprinkled in. There is abundant wildlife, deer, squirrels and turkey.

It is so quiet and peaceful you can hear yourself think. It is my safe place when I can’t go to the river. It is another place I can go to rid my mind of all the negative energy that I let in. Only positive thinking allowed.

The sun is starting to sink in the west so I get busy setting up camp. Once done I start a fire so I can get started preparing supper.

Sweet taters, corn on the cob and Cornish hens. No finer eating than food prepared in Dutch ovens. Once done cleaning up it is time to sit and relax around the campfire.

As I sit in my chair reflecting on my day I hear the lonesome bawl of a hound in the distance. There is a chance of rain in the forecast. There is a cloud bank in the west. I can just make out the sound of distant thunder. Lightning is visible as it dances among the clouds illuminating the night sky. What a glorious light show to see. Absolutely breathtaking.

As I become engrossed in the show Mother Nature has so graciously provided for my entertainment I lose track of all time. A breeze begins to move down the ridge into the valley and arouses me from my thoughts. The lightning and sound of thunder is closer. I can smell the scent of rain carried in by the breeze. Rain is close.

The wind begins to blow hard across the woodlands I quickly go to work putting my fire out and securing anything that might blow away. J wind is blowing hard enough my tent looks like it is dancing.

I can feel the mist from the rain against my face. I crawl into my tent and settle in not knowing what to expect from the approaching storm. The first raindrop lands on my tent and is soon followed II many more. My tent is being pelted by the rain that is now a downpour but the wind has slowed. I can only hope that it stays dry inside the tent. I love to listen to the sound of the rain upon my tent. I don’t know how long I lay there listening to the rain before Mr Sandman came to visit.