Camping

You Can’t make This Stuff Up

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Being a campground host sure has its moments that leave you shaking your head. This one happened one afternoon, and it was definitely a “Shake your head moment.” I was doing my daily testing of the campground water, and I was approached by a couple that I would guess to be in their late fifties.

The gentleman asked me if I was the campground host and I told him I was. He was quiet for a moment, and he replied I really don’t know how to begin. He said I have really never experienced what happened today in a National Park before. My wife and I were standing on the bridge taking photos and we noticed a man, woman, and a child who was around 8 or 9 walking down the bank of the river. As they got closer, we noticed all they had on was their shoes. They weren’t even wearing socks. When they got to the bridge they started walking toward us. My wife and I looked at each other totally shocked. This was one of those visions that haunts you the rest of your life. It was not pretty at all.

This is the bridge they were standing on but the water was much lower.

He said they were probably in their 60s and he said neither were very attractive and they didn’t know what to do. Scream bloody murder or run were two options that came to mind. They approached us and made casual conversation and my wife, and I felt very awkward talking to them. We didn’t want to be rude, but it was rude of them approaching us completely naked as if it were something everyone did. My wife and I were frozen in place and listened in disbelief as they made conversation as if it was perfectly normal to approach someone completely naked and have a conversation. He said they introduced themselves as Papa Bear and Mama Bear but didn’t mention the child’s name. They asked if it was our first time to visit the park, what we thought of the park and if we had ever been to the kayak races, etc. When they told us their names I decided against running, because they were definitely crazy and I thought if we ran, we might make them angry and they might chase us and do harm to us, so we stood there and tried desperately not to look at them.

After what seemed like an eternity Mama Bear turned to Papa Bear and said Pappa Bear, we have taken up enough of their time and should let them go on their way. They said goodbye and we watched as they walked to their car and get in and drive off. My wife turned to me and sked, what just happened? Were they really naked or had she gone crazy. Then we both gave a big sigh of relief and set out to find you.

He asked me if this sort of thing happens often. I replied only on days that end with a “Y”. Then I assured him that was the first time I have ever heard of anything like that happening in the park. Just when you think you have heard and seen it all you realize you haven’t after all. I honestly don’t know what I would do if I ever encountered a situation like that and hope to never find out. What would you do?

Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read my post. I deeply appreciate all of you who have subscribed to my blog and thank you to all of you who were concerned about my health.

Another view of the bridge. I bet the day I took this photo they would have been wearing clothes, but then again maybe not.

Campground Host Story

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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.

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

Silver Mines a Missouri Gem

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Believe me when I tell you as a campground host in Silver Mines, that you won’t become rich in a monetary sense, but you will leave rich in memories. Part of our job was to lock the gate into the Turkey Creek Day Use Area at 10 pm and unlock it at 6 am. I would leave at 5:30 am to go unlock the gate. I loved that part of my job. The deer became use to our golf cart and would let me get pretty close to them. I also saw some beautiful sunrises.

Bulletin Board at Turkey Day Use area. The pay tube is to the right of it.
River Loop Campground Bulletin Board. There was electric at these sites.
Sunrise on the St Francis River in Silver Mines

Steps on the trail leading to the Summit Campground.
One of the trail signs.

We would police the park for trash every day. I wish I had a penny for every cigarette butt we picked up. We probably picked up a coffee can full a week. Soda cans, beer bottles, Wal Mart bags, fast food wrappers, and even dirty diapers along the road were also a problem. We worked hard to keep the park free of litter.

Water over the old highway D bridge.
Flood water rushing over the rocks, on the St Francis River.

It was a weird year as far as the weather. The first week we were there in March we had a lot of rain causing the river to rise. The river came up pretty fast and then it crested. That was a teaser because a couple of hours later, it started rising again with a vengeance, rising 2 foot an hour. We almost had to move the camper to higher ground, it was close, very close, but at the last minute, it started dropping. The river got over the old highway D bridge 5 times this year.

Thanks for stopping by and reading. It is very much appreciated.

The Campfire

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“The campfire is the most important part of camping. It’s far more than just a source of heat or light. It’s the heart of civilization. All other activities revolve around the fire.”

David Lubar

Many a night I have sat in front of a campfire and watched the flames perform their magical dance. A campfire can calm the soul and renew the spirit.

It’s a place where stories are born, world problems are solved and some of the biggest fish are caught. It’s a place for singing with an acoustic guitar showing up occasionally.

The campfire is used to roast hot dogs, make s’mores a favorite of the young ones. Let us not forget it is the perfect place to tell a ghost story.

If you have never sat around a campfire put it on your bucket list. A lot of friendships have been made around the campfire.

Lakeview Lake

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Lakeview Lake

They were calling for rain this afternoon so I decided to take advantage of the dry time. I loaded up and headed to Lakeview Lake in Bonne Terre, MO.

Temp was in the 50s with an 8 mph wind. I assembled the fly rod and reel and tied on a brass head black fly. I looked over the lake and decided I would start at a point where the wind was behind me.

I fished for a good hour before I finally caught a small largemouth. I released it into the lake. I walked down the bank about 50 yards and began fishing. After about 20 minutes I caught a small perch.

By now the wind changed direction and was blowing into my face so I moved to the other side. About the third cast I caught another small perch.

I began easing my way around the lake fishing as I went and I soon caught a largemouth snd this one was bigger.

I fished another 45 minutes and managed to catch another small perch and finally a pretty nice one.

All in all it was a good day and I enjoyed the time on the lake. Planning another trip real soon.

The Changing of the Leaves

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

“I hope I can be the autumn leaf, who looked to the sky and lived. And when it was time to leave, gracefully it knew life was a gift.” – Dodinsky

The temp today was supposed to be in the 60s today and if it wasn’t it was close. I was to meet a high school friend and we were going to kick back and enjoy an autumn day. We met up around 10 a.m. both of us needing a “do nothing” day. Silver Mines is the kind of place where one can do that. It offers so much in the way of nature that it is impossible for someone who loves nature to leave without their spirit fully charged.

We had just camped here the week before. We got a lot of rain Sunday night and the river level had came up. The water is usually very clear but today it was stained. The leaves were starting to change to their autumn colors. By this weekend I think they are going to be in their full autumn colors.

There are so many things you can do. Kayaking, fishing, hiking and camping. Daily picnic sites are available. The trails on both sides of the river are rocky and rough. I would rate them as hard. You can make a loop but you have to cross the damn to do so. It can get pretty crowded on the weekends so I limit my visits to the week days where you are pretty much by yourself. Flash floods can be a problem in the spring.

We headed home around 3:30. On the way out I saw the camp ground hosts. They told me the powers that may be notified them that they were going to close the gates November 7 for winter. They have already turned the water off so if you camp in this last week be sure to bring some water with you.

Camping at Silver Mines

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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

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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!!

Nature Is Calling Me

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Camp

Why do I love nature so much? I am going to do my best to put into words why. I wish I was a better writer so you could maybe experience the passion I have for nature. Well here we go. The following is about a night on the river back in September.

I arrived at the river just as the sun peeked over the eastern ridge shedding its light on the colorful hues of autumn. The leaves glistened with the reflection of the sun’s light upon the orange, red and yellow hues scattered around the hillside. A beautiful sight to behold. It gave my heart joy to see Mother Nature’s paintings before my eyes.

I busy myself preparing my kayak for my river excursion. As I slid my yak into the water I caught a glimpse of movement to my right. I turned my full attention to what had captured my eye. It was a momma racoon with 4 of her offspring. One in particular had taken a deep interest in what I was doing. Slowly it began to inch its way in my direction to get a closer look. As it inched closer momma became agitated and positioned herself between me and her offspring. She began chattering loudly as if she were scolding the young one. After a couple of minutes she began steering her clan away from me. They moved down the bank of the river then disappeared over the rise.

I began my trek up river to the place I would make camp for the night. I had camped here many times before. It had a clear western view where I could watch the sun set. The area was well protected from any artificial light pollution giving me a clear view of the night sky.

Beaver pic from a another day on the river

As I rounded a bend in the river I noticed a beaver standing in the river near the bank watching me with great curiosity. Suddenly it disappeared under the water. It surfaced about 20 yards from me and slapped its tail on the surface of the water warning the others that there was an intruder in their territory.

It was a beautiful day to be on the river. It was a week day so I pretty much had the river to myself. Temps were in the 60s with a slight southerly wind. Movement ahead of me. About 50 yards up river 4 deer were making their way across a shallow part of the river. They were moving with purpose and soon disappeared into the woods on the other side.

Smallmouth bass

I was making good time so I decided to do a little fishing. For about an hour and a half the fish bit good and all of a sudden they seemed to get lockjaw. Fortunately I had enough action to be able to relive the battles sitting in front of the campfire.

Hawk

I made it to my campsite around 4:30 p.m. As I pulled my yak up on the gravel bar a hawk soared overhead. I went to work setting up camp and gathered some firewood for the night. With camp set I threw a couple of lines into the water in hopes that I would catch supper. Unfortunately it didn’t happen but I had brought along some Mountain House freeze dried beef stew. I filtered some water from the river then got the fire started. I brought the water to a rolling boil for about 4 minutes then poured it into the stew pouch. In ten minutes supper would be served. For a MRE it was quite tasty.

This is my favorite part of camping. Sitting in front of the fire watching the flames dancing within the fire is so relaxing. In the background I can hear the music of the insects and Mother Nature’s night creatures. It is so peaceful sitting there alone listening to the river critters going about their business searching for food. A star falls from the sky. Then another and another. Then it ends as abruptly as it began. Now I am ready for sleep.

It’s hard for me to put into words the peace I feel within me. My friend Gary Fultz I am sure knows the feeling I am talking about. He too has a great respect for Nature and Mother Earth. My spirit seems to float to the heavens. I feel no sadness or anxiety. My soul is cleansed by the tranquility surrounding me. I feel so alive and all my senses are intensified causing me to be more appreciable of my surroundings and what is in my heart. Reading back I am disappointed. I didn’t do a very good job of putting what I feel into words. The best way for you to understand is to just go camping.

Big River