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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

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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.

My Fascination With the Moon

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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

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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.

Life After Shoeing Horses

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Ever wonder what a retired farrier does after they retire from shoeing horses? Some of us tap into our creative side. Not everyone just some of us.

“The power of imagination makes us infinite.” John Muir. It seems that every day someone is creating something new in the world of horseshoe art. Pinterest is full of pieces of horseshoe art. Maybe it isn’t really an art, but I like to think it is. Maybe it isn’t as elegant as an oil painting or a bronze sculpture, but it has its purpose. It does require skills and a certain amount of imagination. Being able to work metal in a forge and knowing how to weld are a must.

I make many different types of Christmas trees. These are 3 of them. We are only limited by our imagination. Crosses are very popular.

These two are the most popular, for me anyway.

Symbol of winter and the holidays.

Let us not forget about Halloween.

Then there are just those things people want.

I also get a lot of requests for signs.

The next photo isn’t horseshoe art but is quite popular.

Combination grill/fire pit.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoyed your visit.

Silver Mines 2023

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St Francis River inside Silver Mines.

Silver Mines is located in the Mark Twain National Forest on the St Francis River in Madison County near Fredericktown, MO. There are 67 campsites, 11 sites with electricity, the rest are primitive. There is a group site that can accommodate up to 75 people. It is normally open from March to the end of October. Amenities include picnic tables, vault toilets, water spigots, campfire rings and lantern posts.

Picture of old mine building. Picture given to me by one of the camp visitors. No idea when picture was taken.

Looking up the St Francis River.
Trail going to the damn and Turkey Creek.
Another section of the trail.

Section of trail.
Early morning looking down river.
Sun setting in Silver Mines.

There are 3 Day Use areas where visitors can park. They are open from 6 am to 10 pm and there is a fee of $5 per vehicle. There is also a covered pavilion that can be reserved. There are also 6 vault toilets located in the park. There is an abundance of wildlife in the park and the fishing is good. The trails are what I would call moderate. There was a 90 year old man that hiked both trails this year.

Doe crossing road at Turkey Creek gate.

This fawn got use to our golf cart and got pretty close.

I took a whole lot of photos that I plan on sharing with everyone. It is truly a photographer’s paradise. Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. It is very much appreciated.

Silver Mines dam