MDC Offering Free "Discover Nature Girls Camp" - Kansas City Area

Courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation

As a father of a wonderful twelve-year-old, I have to admit... It's sometimes tough making the outdoors interesting. I love long hikes, the sounds, the smells, the freedom calls to me like an old friend and I relish ever single "conversation" I get to have with the great outdoors. Every step finds me a different view from which to marvel at her beauty. Now, that's me and my conversation with . Here's the conversation my daughter has with Mother Nature during a long walk: "O... M... G... Will it end?" That's why I keep our hikes short and I scout out most areas as well, it has to pass the "is there something cool or a big payoff on this hike" test. But I think anyone will tell you that the best way for a girl to have fun, well, it's with other girls!

Enter the Discover Nature Girls Camp

If you are looking for a way to make the outdoors more interesting for your daughter (or niece, granddaughter or just over all great girl that you love) who is between the ages of 11 to 15 and you live near Chilhowee, Missouri, you will certainly want to check out the Discover Nature Girls Camp, being held at Camp Palestine in Johnson County (see Google Map below for directions). According to the MDC site this is "a three-day, two-night camp that will introduce girls to outdoor skills in a supportive learning environment". The campers will be participating in skills including: archery, firearms safety, fishing, canoeing and water safety, with the MDC providing all of the necessary gear and materials. Who can beat that? Seriously... Who?

Registration Is Limited, So Act Now!

With a free deal this good you know there HAS to be a catch... And there is. You need to act NOW if you would like your favorite girl to participate as the Discover Nature Girls Camp is limited to 32 campers, with only the first 32 being admitted to the program. To request an application and apply for the Discover Nature Girls Camp, contact Agent Bartlett at (816) 835-6087, or call the Missouri Department of Conservation's Regional Office at (816) 622-0900. To find other GREAT programs near you visit mdc.mo.gov.

More Information:

Local Treks on facebook 
MDC Discover Nature Girls Camp webpage

Millstream Gardens: Well Shut Me In!

More of my pictures from Millstream Gardens Atta'Way---->

Millstream Gardens is 916 acres of pure magic. The area holds wonders for nearly every outdoor enthusiast and boasts an appearance more reminiscent of the rushing rivers of Colorado than the rolling hills of Missouri. The wonder and natural beauty of Millstream Gardens and the Tiemann Shut-ins contained therein, beg you to take it slow, absorb in the natural majesty and savor every sound, especially the steady sound of rare Missouri whitewater, rushing through the smooth carved granite.

As you enter the Millstream Gardens Conservation Area, located just off of hwy 72 between Arcadia and Fredricktown, MO, you will come to a fork in the road. Turning left at the fork takes you to the "official" trail head for the Millstream Gardens trail. From the official trail head the hike runs for about one and a half miles through the woodlands and along the St. Francois River, connecting Millstream Gardens to the Silver Mines Recreation Area. This trail is not a loop trail, so once you've made the journey to the Silver Mines, you'll be heading on back on the same trail, making the trip a three mile trek.

Local Treks: Tiemann Shut-Ins

For hikers with small children and disabilities you will LOVE the beginning of this trail, which hosts a half to three quarters of a mile of paved trail, featuring benches nearly every 100-200 feet. The paved trail also features a very unique low wooden bridge, which crosses a shallow creek, zigging and zagging back and forth creating an interesting crossing. While walking along this portion of the trail, keep a keen eye out for wild blackberries, I spotted them nearly everywhere on a summer trip to the area. At the end of the pavement you will come to a large wooden patio, which provides a perfect vantage point to take in a particularly beautiful section of Tiemann Shut-Ins (pronounced Tee-Man, according to the locals we spoke with). Why is it called a shut-in? Well here's a real "Ozark" answer: The term shut in comes from the stream or river being "shut in" or confined within a deep channel. Forcing the St. Francois River into this channel creates some decent rapids, and that's why the kayaking crews LOVE this portion of the river.

Who's a happy boy?

You'll want to spend some time here for sure. The scenery is absolutely astounding and you may find yourself snapping far more pictures than you ever imagined right here at this spot. It is also a perfect spot to dip your toes into the St. Francis River, let the kids (or yourself) splash around in the chilly water, leap from boulder to boulder, take in a quick snack or just sit, and let the sounds of the rushing water simply sooth you. On my first visit to this area, I can assure you that if my border collie, Hyatt, could speak he would have asked to never leave this spot. He splashed from rock to rock and along the sandy shores with the largest smile to ever grace a canine's face. Those of you with dogs will need to take care however, your shoes may give you ample grip on the smooth igneous rocks that form the shut-ins, but your pooch's pads and nails will not, Hyatt slipped into the water frequently as he attempted to follow the same route as myself.

Heading East from the overlook you will find the beginning of the Millstream Gardens hiking trail, which is unpaved. As you make your way down the dirt path the trail you will find signs calling attention to landmarks such as Shark's Fin rock, a large angular rock, jutting up from St. Francis River, perhaps to take a bite or two out of some of the kayakers as they shoot the rapids. Other labeled points of interest you will find in this beginning section of the trail are Pine Rock Overlook and Double Drop Rapids. Pine Rock Overlooks provides a perfect perch to steal a few photos of the shut-ins as well. As you continue, ever eastward, you will begin to leave the Tiemann Shut-Ins area and enter the more heavily wooded portion of the trail.

I caught this bug nabbing a snack!

After the beauty of Tiemann Shut-Ins, don't fret! There is much to be found in the forested area of the trail as well, Millstream Gardens isn't all just pink igneous rock, river and shut-ins. As you continue your hike along the trail you will find majestic oak, hickory and shortleaf pine in the upland woods, complimented by ash, elm and maple trees near the banks of the St. Francois River. The steady sounds of the river can nearly always be heard through the hike; providing a perfect background accompaniment to the bird solos and chorus provided by the wind blowing through the canopy. I spotted beautiful wildflowers nearly everywhere and took a great deal of photos of each, then upon looking at them closer at home, noticed that nearly every single flower hosted some type of stinging or biting insect. I'm certainly glad I didn't go sticking my nose straight in them! Other wildlife to keep an eye out for is white-tailed deer, turkey and... snakes during the warm months.

The trail through the wooded area is relatively flat, with only a few hills that reside near the midway point of the hike. In the "hilly" areas, be careful of your footing as there is loose rock and occasional water trickling through or over the trail. When you find yourself approximately three quarters of a mile east from the Tiemann Shut-In patio, you may notice a lonely concrete foundation, just before the trail begins to follow the St. Francis once again. I scoured the area for any indication as to what the foundation may have been, but only confounded myself more, spotting three cylindrical concrete forms 15-20 yards to the east of the foundation on the north side of the trail. I've continued to look online and even ask locals around the area, but have yet to discover what the foundation may have been prior. The trail may seem to "split" here at the foundation, but the path that leads west is just a slight spur that will take you to a scenic little area of the river, that features a splendid view of a tall bluff that forces the St. Francis River to flow on its northern side.

From here the trail continues eastward to the Silver Mines and Mark Twain National Forest. As the trail nears the banks of the St. Francis be aware that you may have to make slight deviations from the path, as rising water sometimes pools in these areas or deposits branches, twigs, trees and other objects that may block your path. Don't be too wary though, you will not have to step more than a few yards from the clear trail in order to get around these small "trail-blockers". If you've brought a picnic lunch the large open field at the Silver Mines provides not only a wonderful place to take in the scenery and spot TONS of wildflowers, but also many picnic tables as well so that you may sit alongside the St. Francis River, take a reprieve and prepare for the wonderful return trip to Millstream.

In fact, upon your return to Millstream you may want to take the path that leads west from the Tiemann Shut-Ins overlook. This trail will lead you to another perfect picnic spot, this one featuring a vista over looking the St. Francis River, a picnic pavilion, and one of the most twisted pine trees I've ever seen, just check it out below!

Enjoy a picnic with a view of the river and one TWISTED pine!

As with any trip into the woods there are ticks in this area, so you may want to brush up on what keeps them at bay and how to remove one should it embed. And of course if you're taking children along, you may want  to check out some tips on how to take a GREAT Day Hike. Thanks for reading, be sure to leave a comment down below or check us out on facebook!

 
More Information:
Mill Streams Garden Conservation Area on mdconline
Millstream Gardens Area Map
My Flickr Gallery of Images
Local Treks on facebook
White Water and Rock Hounding: Silver Mines Recreational Area
Tiny. Tenacious. Terrible. Ticks. - How to keep those bloodsuckers at bay!
How To Take A GREAT Day Hike

Panther Den: Don't Forget Your Map!

Panther Den Wilderness may be the smallest wilderness area in the state of Illinois, but it packs in some of the most distinctive and maze-like rock formations you may ever see! This distinctive and unique area boasts over 820 acres of land and is bordered by Crab Orchard Wilderness, which offers an additional 4050 acres of Illinois wilderness to its north. Before you read on, you may want to brush up on Wilderness Areas (Let's Get WILD) is and print yourself off a map of the area.

How To Get There
Finding Panther Den Wilderness may be, in itself, a bit of an adventure. If you have been searching for directions I'm sure you've encountered a thousand different versions out on the internet. Some talking about private land others talking about washed out creeks, heck some may even be saying you'd better just float on in from the north on one of the fingers of Devil's Kitchen Lake. I guess I'll go ahead and add another way to get there, ours was simple and fairly straight forward.

From Cape Girardeau, MO we started across the Emerson Bridge into Illinois and followed highway 146 East through Anna, IL turning left on Lick Creek Road near the outskirts of town. After traveling about eight miles down Lick Creek Road, we veered off to the left onto Grandview Road, following it until again veering left onto Hall Church Road. Follow Hall Church Road until you are able to turn right on Rocky Comfort Road, enjoy this last bit of paved road. Continue down Rocky Comfort Road for about three miles until you can make a right turn onto Panther Den ROAD. Welcome to the gravel my friend! Now, follow Panther Den ROAD for a bit over a mile or so, until you see
Panther Den LANE on the left. You'll notice this road is in pretty rough shape (or at least it was in 2013-14), keep to the right as it is a one lane road, and you will see the parking lot at the end of the road on the right.

Pay attention to the trail markers out here:
The Panther Den loop is 389,
the trail back to the lot is 371,
and the River to River Trail is 001.
See the Quick Trail Note below.

The Trail
One of the first things you may notice as you approach the trailhead is that there is a complete lack of information and maps on the Panther Den Informational Board (or at least there was on all of our visits in 2013-14). I don't know if all the information fell off, was stolen, or if a pack of wild dingos with a taste for maps and information strolled in and devoured all postings. So be sure to print off a map of the area before you leave home, read my cautionary tales below if you don't think having a map is important...

The trail itself begins as a mixture of gravel and dirt, featuring many planned switchbacks which help to reduce the wear and tear of erosion on the trail and wilderness. The switchbacks also make the hilly terrain a bit easier to traverse. The rolling downhill hike will bottom out with a small creek crossing, be alert here as we have found this a fantastic place to find local wildlife visiting for a refreshing drink. From here you'll travel up a small hill be sure to veer left at the trail intersection and that will take you to a welcome sign for the area. You can now follow the trail around the Panther Den or, better yet, go inside the magnificent sandstone formations for which the entire wilderness area is named!

Quick Trail Note:

The Panther Den loop makes use of the 389 white diamond trail markers/blazes, however these markers are sometime sparse and, I suspect, stolen by idiots. You may see markers up for 389-A and 389-B, both of which are small spurs, these spurs seem to be old, abandoned trails. My experience is that 389-A and 389-B are generally overgrown and hard to navigate (I became pretty lost on what I believe now to be 389-B). I'd suggest staying on the main 389 trail and then following the 371 trail marker back to the parking area. 001 is the designation for the River To River Trail, which runs through and connects Panther Den Wilderness and Crab Orchard Wilderness.

Enter The Den!

One of the many "rooms" within the
Panther Den rock formations.

Inside Panther Den, you'll find these huge sandstone formations seem to form rooms, hallways, and even floors. Some of these formations are so angular that you may have an "Ancient Aliens" like feeling, wondering if perhaps some ancient astronauts visited the area eons ago in order to lay down rock foundations and rooms to inhabit. One particular "room" in Panther Den seems to even have a poured foundation. In reality though, aliens didn't have anything to do with it, all of the formations are natural... Or are they?

You can easily spend hours inside of Panther Den, leaping from cliff to cliff, poking into every crack and crag, squeezing through narrow crevices and splits or just running your hands over the smoothness of the sandstone. There are small waterfalls to be discovered, side trails to be explored, cairns to be constructed and plenty of places to hide as well; so you can jump out and scare the wits out of your friends and family. And, although you won't find any panthers in Panther Den (at least not since the 1870's) you may spot some other local wildlife such as whitetail deer, turkey, muskrats, beaver, and skunks. If you are really lucky, you may even get a rare glimpse of a bobcat or mink. So be sure to keep your eyes peeled!

Be sure to set a meeting place up.
Just in case.

You will also find many sandstone "coveys" carved into the rock in the area around Panther Den. These sandstone overhangs offer shelter to an uncommon wildflower, French's shooting star (Dodecatheon frenchii). Unfortunately we didn't spot a single one on any of our hikes. But, if you would like to see or find one I would suggest hitting the area in May or June and seeking out sandstone overhangs near running water. Although the French's shooting star is not currently on Illinois Threatened and Endangered list, it is still considered a sensitive species in the state. So if you are lucky enough to find a colony of these beautiful little wildflowers, please take only pictures so that others may be able to enjoy their beauty as well.

You may also want to stick together while exploring the inside of the formations, or at the least set a place and time to meet up in case someone gets separated. It is very easy to get lost within the maze-like formations of Panther Den. Children (and parents) may freak out if they suddenly find themselves separated from the rest of the group. If you become horribly lost remember that a distress signal in the woods consists of three successive sounds; be they yells, shots, claps, whistles, or any other signal.

Camping
There is so much to be explored in Panther Den that you may even consider camping within the area. If you do, remember that you are within a wilderness area. You do not need a permit and the US Forest Service asks only that you practice "Leave No Trace" ethics and camp a minimum of 300 feet from any established trails. Most of the "user" camps that you will encounter are far too close to established trails and have left obvious marks on the landscape. You are encouraged not to use these campsites so that these overused areas may recover. Of course, you may want to read up on what a wilderness is and always remember to practice your very best Wilderness Manners.

Now that I've told you of how beautiful and truly distinct Panther Den Wilderness is, I'd like to give you two quick stories of warning. 

Story One: Our First Trip

On our first outing at Panther Den Wilderness we became lost. Very lost. Playing victim to many of the "trails" as we ventured further into the wilderness. We had inadvertently stumbled upon an old, abandoned equestrian trail that twisted and turned through rugged terrain. As I continued to notice the decline in the quality of the trail, I became (silently) alarmed. I could tell we were no longer on an established trail and we had taken so many lefts and rights, I could not recall from which way we had come. Luckily I had my phone, turned off, in my pocket. No bars. We continued to hike and I continued to quietly check my phone. A bar lit. I stopped and instantly hit the button for Google Maps. Once it loaded I found our heading and took note of where the trailhead was on that small, smart phone screen. Had it not been for that stroke of luck we may have been lost for hours in Panther Den Wilderness. This is the experience that taught me to never, ever, set out on a trail without a map and an idea of the route I wish to travel.

Story Two: Stranger on the Road

Panther Den Wilderness is for tree lovers...

On our second visit to Panther Den Wilderness we made our way down the gravel road toward Panther Den Wilderness, when we noticed a man wandering aimlessly nearly a mile from the trailhead. It was apparent to me that he was lost and I slowed down to see if he needed any assistance. He sheepishly admitted to us that he too had fell victim to one of the "false" trails of Panther Den and as we drove him back to the trailhead, he told us he had been wandering for hours, without a phone or map, happening upon the road by pure chance. I could tell he was embarrassed, as I had been just a few months prior, of becoming so lost. He was an outdoorsman, confident in his abilities to maintain a heading and follow a trail, it was this over confidence (which I too had suffered) that led to his unintended side adventure, and his catching a ride with us back to his truck. His last words to us were, "I can never let my wife know about this."

So now, please, take this map. Print it. Fold it. Put it in your pocket. It's simple. If you plan to visit Panther Den Wilderness and truly explore the area I cannot stress the importance of having a map on hand enough. Safely experiencing the beauty and sheer uniqueness of the area is worth the ink!


More Information:
CLICK HERE AND PRINT THIS MAP!
Visit Local Treks on facebook!
Wilderness Areas: Let's Get WILD!
Tips: How To Take A Great Dayhike  
Illinois Wildflowers (online guide with pictures)
A Conservation Assessment for the French's Shooting Star (warning: good read, pretty scientific)
National Geographic "Backyard Bird Identifier"

Wilderness Areas: Let's Get WILD!

Wouldn't you like to get away? Away from the streets teeming with exhaust spewing mechanical monsters, the constant ringing of cell phones, crowded restaurants, the dinging of emails in your inbox, the clamor of people as they march to and fro... Don't you deserve a break? A chance to leave technology and other people behind, a chance to take in a bit of nature's splendor in solitude?

Heck yea you do, and it's easier than you think, you just need to get out and experience your local wilderness areas!

Why (or why not) The Wilderness?
Some of you may be asking, "But why go to a Wilderness Area and not a regular State or Federal Park or recreation area?" I enjoy the Wilderness Areas because they are generally more remote, more secluded and less traveled than other conservation areas or general locations within our Federal or State Parks. Many times when I've been hiking or visiting these Wilderness Areas in Missouri I won't see another human being, I don't hear a hum of an engine (in fact, it is generally illegal to operate a motorized or mechanical vehicle inside a Wilderness Area), just the sweet songs and melodies of nature. Remember these areas are set aside to maintain and preserve the "wildness" of the landscape and wildlife, you are just a visitor.

Now, if you like having the thought that there are others out there and enjoy seeing people from time to time on your hike or backpacking trip, you may want to reconsider visiting the Wilderness Areas. I will be very honest when I say that I have not yet bumped into another person on a trail within the areas I have explored. If not seeing other people on your adventures sets your Spidey-Senses to tingling, you may be better served in one of the excellent conservation or recreation areas available.

Also, be sure to see if the outdoor activity you are looking to do is even available in the Wilderness Area you are looking to visit. In 1986, the Wilderness Act was reinterpreted to ban bicycles from these areas, so that means no mountain biking. Some areas restrict camping areas as well.

Where Can I Find Wilderness Areas?

A great source for finding a Wilderness Area near you is to visit Wilderness.Net at http://www.wilderness.net/. This site features a great collection of information on Wilderness Areas near you, features maps and is searchable by state, name, and more.

For those of you in Missouri, here are the Wilds near you!

• Bell Mountain Wilderness
• Devil's Backbone Wilderness
• Hercules-Glades Wilderness
• Irish Wilderness
• Mingo Wilderness
• Paddy Creek Wilderness
• Piney Creek Wilderness
• Rockpile Mountain Wilderness
• My Blog Entry: Rock Pile Mountain: A Great Place To Get "Lost" - Coming Soon!

I am looking forward to writing up some entries soon on
the Rockpile Mountain Wilderness and the Irish Wilderness! So stay tuned.

I certainly don't want to forget my neighbors across the river either. For my Illinoisan hiking pals here's a list of your wilds!
Links to Wilderness.net entries and some of my blog entries listed below.

• Bald Knob Wilderness
• Bay Creek Wilderness
• Burden Falls Wilderness
• Clear Springs Wilderness
• Crab Orchard Wilderness
• Garden of the Gods Wilderness
• My Blog Entry: 320 Million Years Well Spent: Garden of the Gods, IL
• Lusk Creek Wilderness
• Panther Den Wilderness
• My Blog Entry: Panther Den: Don't Forget Your Map!

Wilderness Manners.

It may sound odd or maybe even like a bit of an oxymoron, but there are certainly a set of Wilderness Manners that you need to observe when enjoying the acres and acres of designated Wilderness. Always keep in mind that these areas were set aside to preserve nature in as close to an "untouched" state as possible. Here are a few of them:

• ALWAYS LET SOMEONE KNOW IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE IN THE WILDERNESS. GIVE THEM A TIME FOR YOUR RETURN. TELL THEM YOUR APPROXIMATE SCHEDULE, ROUTE, AND INTENDED CAMPING LOCATIONS.
• Practice "Leave No Trace". Be sure to tread lightly so that nature may repair and endure for others to enjoy. If you pack it in, pack it out.
• Pick up your trash. Pick up any other trash you may find as well and pack out with you whenever possible.
• Always dispose of human waste at a minimum of 100 feet way from your campsite and at least 200 feet away from any water source, in a small, shallow hole (also called a cathole).Read more here, meow....
• Be sure to use the self-registration boxes at the trailheads. This may very well save your life.
• Try to find lesser used areas for resting and camping. Popular spots (sometimes referred to a user camps) and the constant use of these camping areas make it harder for nature to replenish herself in some areas. By finding alternative spots you can make her recovery a bit easier and find your very own bit of heaven.
• Always try to camp out of sight.
• Be prepared. Have a first aid kit, plenty of water, bug repellent (I have a recipe of one you can drink!), a map of the area, compass, the right clothing and shoes as well. Think ahead.
• Don't count on your cell phone to rescue you. Many of these areas are outside of the cell service range. Don't forget, you came here for a reason, so don't turn it on unless you really need it or at least keep it on silent.
• As often as possible stay on the trail when hiking. 
• Limit your group size to 10 or less.
• Many of these areas are surrounded by private property, ALWAYS respect these boundaries and the land owners as well.
• Keep campfires (if needed at all) small. Fire rings should be avoided as they show man was present. Small gas or chemical stoves are preferred. Always practice extreme fire safety and be aware of the current conditions.
• DO NOT TRANSPORT WOOD FROM HOME for campfires.
• Leave what you find. Don't take it with you. Take a picture instead.
• It's worth mentioning again, if you pack it in, you pack it out.

Most of all enjoy the solitude, enjoy the lack of urban sounds, and enjoy those you are with in the Wilderness.

History & Today
The Wilderness Act just celebrated its 50th Anniversary this year! It looks pretty darn good for 50, wouldn't you say? Wilderness areas came about in 1964, when Congress passed The Wilderness Act of 1964 and President Lyndon Johnson signed the bill into law. This act created a legal definition of what a wilderness is in the United States and set aside 9.1 million acres of land aside under federal protection. It also provided us with an eloquent definition of a United States Wilderness Area:

“A wilderness, in contrast with those areas where man and his own works dominate the landscape, is hereby recognized as an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.”

President Lyndon Johnson finishes signing
The Wilderness Act of 1964

The act itself had taken over 8 years of work and gone through more than 60 drafts and spanning three presidencies. Today the Wilderness Act protects over 106 million acres of federal land and these areas are administered by four federal agencies; The National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and The Bureau of Land Management. The National Park Service covers the largest amount of Wilderness areas at 43,616,250 acres, with the U.S. Forest Service in second with 34,867,591 acres, then the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 20,699,108 acres, and Bureau of Land Management with 6,512,227 acres.

Congress considers adding additional Wilderness Areas each and every year, with some being recommended by concerned citizen groups,federal agencies, grassroots organizations and others. In fact, Congress voted unanimously to protect over 32,000 acres of Sleeping Bear Dunes (in Michigan), the first wilderness area to be added in five years. There are also rumors that the administration is making plans to preserve two additional areas as well: The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks area in New Mexico and Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands in California.

More Information:
Visit Local Treks on facebook!
Wilderness.net The BEST source I know of to locate a Wilderness near you.
Full Information on The Wilderness Act of 1964 via Wilderness.net
Wikipedia on The Wilderness Act of 1964
Leave No Trace: Center for Outdoor Ethics an EXCELLENT resource on outdoor manners.
Wilderness Manners: Sierra Club another EXCELLENT resource on outdoor manners.

320 Millions Years Well Spent: Garden of the Gods, IL

Be sure to take time to soak in the natural beauty of the area.

The exquisite sandstone formations located at Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, located in Illinois, took nearly 320 million years to form and, in my opinion, every single second has been very, very well spent. The area boasts truly awe inspiring vistas that beg to be fully taken in, small well worn trails that beckon you to lay tread to, and unique formations that are instantly recognizable, such as; Camel, Mushroom, and Anvil Rock formations. This true Illinois treasure is one of the most awe inspiring locations I have laid eyes upon, and was reminiscent of views I experienced in South Dakota and Colorado, only far, far closer to home!

You can't miss the Devil's Smokestack!

Garden of the Gods Recreation Area boasts over 3300 acres of forest in the counties of Pope, Saline, and Hardin, with 5.5 miles of interconnecting trails spread throughout. However, the most popular trail by far is the quarter mile long Observation Trail. This well maintained and traveled interpretive trail will have you gazing at some very interesting rock formations such as Monkey Face, Mushroom Rock, Table Rock, Camel Rock and the Devil's Smokestack. In just a few short seconds, you'll easily be able to make out each of the namesake rocks as you stroll along the trail, take care and watch your step though, the smooth sandstone beneath your feet may be slippery when wet. Before venturing down the trail be sure to read the large informational signboard that contains background on the natural history and geology of the area, there will be additional interpretive signs along the trail as well pointing out even more interesting formations and history. Honestly, I don't want to give away too much on this short hike, it is a path best experienced rather than explained.

Interesting outcrops are EVERYWHERE!

If you are heading out to the Garden of the Gods be sure to wear comfortable shoes because the rocks, cliffs, and chasms BEG to be climbed upon and explored. No matter your age, I can guarantee that you will hear a small voice from within asking "What do you think you can see from up there?" and before you can even consciously reply, your body will be moving forward, ready to discover the answer. I'd also suggest that you pack a lunch as there are many places along the trail to stop and rest, allowing you to really soak in the surrounding beauty, and these spots are perfect for small picnics (just be sure to keep the area beautiful by picking up all your trash, please, remember ).

Scenic overlook after scenic overlook is what you can expect.

I also want to let you know that this area is one of the busier parks that we have visited, on any given nice day I can assure you that you will see many other hikers and nature lovers out on this trail. In fact, on our summer visit the area was downright crowded in some spots (but you can always find some spots to have to yourself for a bit). So if seclusion and solitude is what you seek, you may want to hit a portion of the River to River Trail, which runs through Garden of the Gods. However, I can't stress how splendid the views are from the Observation Trail and missing them is darn near criminal...

Ever wonder what a tree eats?

For those of you interested in longer journeys, this makes a fantastic starting area to traverse a portion of the 160 mile River to River Trail, which blazes through the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area. The Garden of the Gods Recreation Area can also satisfy those of you looking to "rough it" a bit, with year round camping at the Pharaoh Campgrounds, but be sure to bring what you need with you as the nearest town, Elizabethtown is about a 20 minute drive away. Campsites are rented for $10 on a first come, first served basis.

Garden of the Gods Recreation Area and the Observation Trail make an absolutely fantastic family friendly day trip. I can assure you that after a day of bouncing among the boulders, shimmying along the outcrops, and traveling the quarter mile trail, your curtain climbers will be tuckered! Just be sure to pack a light snack or lunch and follow some of these tips for a great day hike. You may want to include a couple of band-aids though, just in case of a scraped knee. Just be sure to take time to revel in the splendor of the area and have fun!

More Information:
Visit Local Treks on facebook!
Tips: How To Take A Great Dayhike 
Shawnee National Forest - Garden of the Gods
Pharaoh Campground Information (Nearly halfway down the page)
My Flickr Garden of the Gods Photos
Garden of the Gods Trail Map (via ShawneeNationalForest.com)
Illinois Wildflowers (online guide with pictures)
National Geographic "Backyard Bird Identifier"


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White Water and Rock Hounding: Silver Mines Recreational Area

A view of the breached dam at the Silver Mines Recreation Area.

Here's another great site that I discovered on a field trip in college, the Silver Mines Recreation Area, which is part of the Mark Twain National Forest, is located near Fredricktown and Ironton, Missouri. This area is named, ever so aptly, for the abandoned silver mines that are found here that were mined from 1877 through 1946 by the Einstein Silver Mining Company. Given that the operation spewed tons of rocks (leavings or tailings) from deep within the Earth as the miners searched for their target minerals of silver, tungsten and lead, this is a relative Shangri-la for rock hounds, who come from far and wide, rock hammers in hand to see what treasures they may unearth from the rubble. But those who are not out to hunt for minerals and stones may be after a different type of thrill, the thrill they find on the St. Francis River, the thrill of the only true "White Water" to be found in the state. I knew that the sound of rushing water and the possibility of finding some rare minerals would certainly interest my wife and daughter... and I couldn't have been more right.

A dragonfly paused long enough to give me this shot.

There are actually two hiking trails here, I'll send you to the one that is on the South side of the St. Francis River, that runs near the "Air Conditioner" mine and the tailings from the mine operations the North side is every bit as beautiful and slippery as the South, I just love rock hounding). After parking the car (be aware there is a day use fee of $2.00 per vehicle here, place your payment in the envelope and slip it into the locked container) you will make your way across the concrete walkway then head to the right to begin your one mile hike up to the dam. This hike is absolutely stunning, with gorgeous granite and felsite outcroppings and stunning views of the St. Francis River marking the trails progression. Be careful though, the same granite and felsite rocks that are so interesting to look at and examine may be the same formation may cause your rear become painfully acquainted with the hard ground and said rock, as these rocks can become quite slippery after rain or covered in early morning dew.

A member of the "indigenous" population takes a sun.

As you continue up, past the scenic overlook (which was in some disrepair on our visits there), be sure to stop by the "Air Conditioner" Mine and have a seat, especially on a hot Midwestern summer day! The air that comes from the mouth of this abandoned mine is more than cool enough to invigorate you for the rest of your short hike to the dam. You may not always be able to take a seat here though, as the available space at the mouth of the mine may be flooded with a foot or more of water, depending on the last time it rained in the area. Soon after taking a cooling break you will reach an area that is just pure rock, these are actually all tailings, from the mining of the area. This is a GREAT place to stop and begin exploring the different types of rocks and searching for some rare silver, quartz, or even small fragments of various gemstones.

Yes. That's a scorpion. In Missouri...

While you are exploring the abandoned tailings for interesting rocks and formations, BE CAREFUL! The native inhabitants of the area, which include snakes and small scorpions, may be hiding underneath rocks as you overturn them, use a stick... Please. This is the only place I have ever been, in Missouri, that I have actually found a scorpion (see the photo). I found this scorpion by picking up a rock, mere centimeters in front of its "face" and was beyond lucky not to have been stung. On a separate note, I believe that purple mineral found on the rocks there is flourite, and you'll find a great deal of that in the rocks here. Also be careful on the loose rock, period. It may shift at anytime and send you sliding down the hill. An amateur geologist also presented us with this small bit of knowledge (I can't vouch for the accuracy of it though), if you are looking for a bit of silver, most of it is contained in small veins you can find in the quartz rocks of the area. The silver here may appear dark or almost black to slightly silver metallic in color.

While rock hounding you may also keep an eye to the St. Francis River, particularly during the Spring, as you will undoubtedly be able to spot some crazy kayakers as they shoot out of the breach in the dam that used to span the river. These folks are amazing to watch and I've heard epic party details from when the American Whitewater Championships are in swing there during weekends in March. I never tire of watching the kayaks slice the water and navigate down the river through the dam.

Overall this is one of my favorite spots to visit and I certainly hope I didn't scare anyone with the shifting rocks, slippery outcrops, snakes and scorpions (dangers exist in all of the great outdoors), there is just so much to see and do. The whole family enjoys looking through the rocks, searching for that next shiny little "gem" and the wildlife certainly can keep you on your toes. When you couple that with magnificent views, a mine that can provide you a bit of A/C, a cooling river that you can take a wade in (but be careful of the current and dropoffs) and some wonderful plants and rock outcrops to explore, it's hard not to have a great family time!

All the action can exhaust even Hyatt, our border collie... And that's TOUGH!

Thank you for reading and, as always, let me know if you have any questions about the area or any experiences you would like to share! If you're "digging" (like the rock hound inference there?) the blog, be sure to give it a +1G up there and subscribe by just putting in your email address, you won't be bothered unless a new post goes up...

Happy trails and watch where you step!

More Information:

• Local Treks on facebook 
• Silver Mines Recreational Area Webpage
• Click here for Silver Mines Area Map
• Federal Regulations on "Rock Hounding"

View Larger Map

Other Nearby Parks/Recreational Areas:

• Millstream Gardens Conservation Area
• Amidon Memorial Conservation Area (more on this area soon another one of my FAVES!)

Better Safe Than Swarmed: Homemade Bug Repellent

You're never truly alone outdoors, there are nearly always some flying friends ready to grab a bite with you...

As I was writing the blog on the Little Grand Canyon in Illinois, I couldn't help but revisit the hike in my mind. Seeing my wife and daughter enjoying the outdoors with me, hearing the gentle gurgling of the water as it flowed to the canyon floor slowly cutting through the sandstone and feeling the sting of the swarming mosquitoes, ravenous for my sweet, sweet blood!

Anyone who has been outdoors will tell you, bugs can make your excursion an absolute nightmare, even if your journey is only as far as your front porch to enjoy a sunset. Those same folks, particularly if they've been out in the woods with mosquitoes, ticks and chiggers, would most likely recommend a bug spray that contains DEET (short for N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide, say that five times fast...) which is some pretty powerful stuff. Developed following the jungle warfare of WWII, DEET is very effective at keeping bugs (especially mosquitoes and ticks) at bay during your outdoor fun. Unfortunately, DEET may also have many health side effects which may include: seizures, severe rashes, insomnia, impaired cognitive functions, mood disturbances and I've personally watched it melt rubber from a flashlight in my hands. But, I have to be honest, this is my "go to" insect spray for outside (albeit in concentrations no greater than 30%, which has been shown to give approximately 3-6 hours of protection from insects), but I thought, what if I could make a cheaper, safer, more environmentally friendly recipe?

There are a lot of good things about making your own bug repellent, for one, you know everything that is going into the batch, so if you have allergies or find that particular scents make you ill, you can easily change it up. You can also change how concentrated the repellent is by adding or removing water from the concoction and, you may even want to cackle maniacally as you fully enter your "mad scientist" mode as you mix, children LOVE this part (so practice your BWAAH, HA, HA's). My guiding principal, as I channel my inner Dr. Doofensmirtz, is to stick to ten to twenty drops of essential oil mixed with around two tablespoons of "carrier" oil or alcohol, and I do like it straight, no chaser, no water. But if you're looking to add water, substitute it for no more than half of the "carrier" oil or alcohol. Want an even cooler pro tip? Want to make all of your friends say "Oh, wow, you're so smart?" Well, just add some aloe vera gel to any recipe to make it into a lotion.

Not even our buddy "Hypno-Toad" could have eaten all the mosquitoes, but I'm sure he enjoyed the buffet!
Plus carrying a toad in your pocket is strange... or some I'm told.

My Macho Mosquito Mix

• 2 tablespoons of Vodka (bring out the cheap stuff for this)
• 15-20 drops of Cinnamon Oil

Mix the two ingredients together in a small spray bottle, shake vigorously (not stirred...) and apply. Good for about an hour of protection and you can drink the leftovers! "Spray for you, spray for me..."

Don't feel like spraying it directly into your mouth? You can substitute or even combine other essential oils such as citronella oil (great for mosquitoes and easily found), rose geranium (found to be pretty effective against ticks) or even some eucalyptus oil (repels ticks, mosquitoes and lice). A further list is available below in the next recipe.

Are you looking to "get off the sauce", don't want the kids spraying your macho concoction into their mouths or fear a contact buzz coming on? You can substitute soybean oil (shown to be an insect repellant in its own right), any other cooking oil (olive and sunflower are recommended), rubbing alcohol or witch hazel (see below) for the vodka.

World Wide Witch Hazel Blend

• 2 tablespoons of Witch Hazel
• 2 tablespoons of water (if you want to dilute the mixture)
• 10-20 Drops of any one of the following or make your own concoction:
• Eucalyptus Oil (ticks, mosquitoes & lice)
• Cinnamon Oil (mosquitoes)
• Citronella Oil (mosquitoes & biting flies)
• Orange Oil (fleas)
• Rose Geranium (ticks & lice)
• Vanilla Extract (biting flies & gnats)
• Cat Nip (stir a teaspoon or so in to combat mosquitoes)

Just mix the ingredients above in a small spray bottle, then shake it, shake it, shake it, shake it like a Polaroid picture and apply. It should be good for about an hour of protection. Now, I can't officially vouch for this recipe, as I haven't yet tried it, but this (or multiple variations) recipe is red hot on my Facebook feed and the internet boards, so I figured I'd hop on the train. The recipe above will differ from many of the other online versions as I included a list of some essential oils and the insects they most effectively repel. I do not claim any responsibility for any warts that may appear on your nose, the sudden turning of your skin to green or any overwhelming desires to cruise about the skies on a broom resulting from the use of pure witch hazel.

Gnarly Gnat Gnabber Blend

This has been the year of the gnat in Southeast Missouri. Buffalo gnats have made any foray, even a simple expedition to the mailbox, a mix of flailing arms and muffled curses. After my local store ran out of a miracle mixture called "Buggins", I had to take to the internet and unleash my inner chemist for this quick and easy recipe, it's a very hard recipe to remember, so take notes... Ready?

• Pure vanilla extract

That's it... It rubs the extract on its skin or else the gnats return again (horrible, horrible reference) or you can place it in a spray bottle and spritz away. It will work fantastically for about 30 minutes of pure gnatless bliss, before you'll need to reapply. For an added punch, add a bit of citronella oil (1 part citronella to 3 parts vanilla extract) to keep mosquitoes at bay too.

Where To Find Ingredients

As for where to find essential oils, look at your local Wal-Mart (they carry some), Hobby Lobby, or local craft store. Many of these are used in soap making or loaded into those scent warmers you see in nearly everyone's home. If you still can't find any, well, you obviously have the worlds largest shopping mall at your fingertips... Type in Essential Oils for sale into Google and BOOM! To lazy to type? Then click HERE...

Please Share Your Results, Recipes And Thoughts With Us

Please let me know if you have any secret family recipes you may be willing to share or let me know if these concoctions work for you. Of course, be sure to test the essential oils on a small patch of your skin, you may have an allergy you aren't even aware of, so check before spraying this stuff all over your nether regions and beyond! Finally, when using these homemade remedies, keep one thing in mind, they will not work as well as that Deep Woods Off! with the 25% DEET in it, but they will work and most likely, better than you think!

Thanks for reading!