“The heavens declare the glory of God; & the firmament shows His handiwork.” Psalm 19:1 NKJV
“Expect the unexpected” and “Be flexible” have been my mantras this year of the Covid-19 pandemic. The summer-that-wasn’t slipped by almost unnoticed without the usual social events of outdoor concerts, wineries, and car shows. Our RV vacation that should have been to Southern CA got reconfigured. Thank goodness outdoor activities were still available.
Charming, historic Hermann was our 1st stop in Missouri. Residents went far beyond common courtesy. Tammy, the Director of Tourism & Economic Dev. stopped to visit our campsite at City Park. She encouraged a 5 minute walk to Stone Hill, the state’s oldest winery, established in 1847. Panoramic views of the old-world town created a perfect backdrop for award-winning wines, fermented from 11 varieties of grapes including Norton, America’s first native grape.
Also recommended was a scenic portion of the Katy Trail to cycle, plus The Corner Restaurant that served a scrumptious home-style breakfast. The owner, Katie, took time from her short-staffed hectic schedule to share family history of the cafe and her air B&B log cabin just down the road. Money earned from the B&B was donated so groups with disabilities could come and stay for free. Then this good-hearted woman refused to let us pay for our meal. “Just pay it forward at your next stop,” she said.
Besides authentic German cuisine, wine trails, breweries, and monthly festivals, Hermann lies just off the Katy Trail. At 240 miles,it’s the longest rails-to-trails in the U.S., most of it meandering alongside the Missouri River. Dramatic limestone bluffs guarded one side of the path we cycled from Bluffton to Portland. Dark patches of forest entangled with thick vines interspersed with wildflowers and scenic glimpses of the river on the trail’s opposite border. We crossed primitive iron bridges and studied signs portraying highlights of the Lewis & Clark Expedition as they paddled the river in keel-boats, exploring, hunting, fishing, and bartering with local Indians. Now that was a REAL adventure! Additional knowledge was gleaned about these early adventurers and the MKT railroad/Katy Trail from a side trip to Boonville’s River, Rails, & Trails Museum along with nearby walks to the historic train depot and Katy Bridge, currently under restoration, which spans the wide Missouri River.
Our next port of call was Thibaut Point Park on Truman Lake adjoining Lake of the Ozarks. Kayaks were slid into the water from our campsite. We crossed a small inlet observing 2 bald eagles perched atop a bare tree who kept a keen eye on the 2 crazy humans below. This 55,000 acre lake is a summer breeding ground and winter habitat for eagles. Reclining near the shore in late afternoon, we delighted as they and turkey vultures soared in wide circles, hunting for dinner. Hummingbirds and butterflies feasted on nectar while bluebirds, cardinals, and a variety of shorebirds flittered about. The only obnoxious critters were the dive-bombing horseflies, making paradise not quite perfect. However, day’s end presented extraordinary sunsets, then starlit skies as we sipped wine around the campfire.
An hour southeast of Truman Lake lay HaHa Tonka State Park. We met our exercise quota there investigating The Castle, a burned out stone mansion constructed in the early 1900s with two tragic tales haunting its impressive ruins and grounds. Overlooking a finger of Lake of the Ozarks, we peered through hardwood forest and glimpsed the natural blue-green spring far below. An anticipated 30 minute jaunt down transformed into a challenging 2+ hour trek. The well-maintained boardwalk of the Del Rim Trail was the preamble to a descent of 360 wooden steps leading to the Spring Trail wandering beside an idyllic spring pool. Lush ferns, flowers, and nutrient-rich earth permeated the cool air. But what comes down must eventually go back up—if you want to get to your car! Only 60 steps and a significantly steep and rocky trail eventually brought us back to where we began.
After a nourishing sleep we packed up and pointed the RV in a westerly direction, heading to Colorado. But 1st we had to make it through the wide, wide state of Kansas. The journey will continue in my next excerpt of “Thank Goodness for the Great Outdoors—Part 2, Rails & Trails”.
“Receive My peace as you lie down to sleep with thankful thoughts playing a lullaby in your mind.”—Sarah Young
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