Chris Loehmer Kincaid's Blog, page 96
May 10, 2018
First Leg of Another Trip
Hard to believe that it was only two weeks ago that I was on the first leg of my fifth trip to Kenya. As you should already know, this was the first time that I traveled there with my son Nick. Three of the previous trips were with my daughter Val and one was with my friend Denise. This journey would be a whole new adventure, letting Nick call the shots.
Because we had made our plane reservations only four weeks prior, we got what some would say was a rough itinerary. We flew out of Chicago O’Hare at 7:30 pm and arrived in Zurich at 10:30 am. Our plane to Nairobi wasn’t leaving until the next morning. Not to worry, we decided to see as much of Zurich as we could in that 23-hour window.
I would love to tell you what each of these pictures is of, but that would take all day and then some. I can tell you that we took the train and a bus to the top of Mount Uetliberg. It was a beautiful day, sunny and warm.
I wish you could see the Alps on the horizon better.
The rest of the pictures are just from wandering the streets around the hostel we got for the night. It was within an easy walk to the train which took us to and from the airport. There was so much more we could have seen, buildings, museums and churches, which were close by, but a person can only absorb so much when they are going on a couple hours of sleep. I would do it again, though, in a heartbeat.
Because we had made our plane reservations only four weeks prior, we got what some would say was a rough itinerary. We flew out of Chicago O’Hare at 7:30 pm and arrived in Zurich at 10:30 am. Our plane to Nairobi wasn’t leaving until the next morning. Not to worry, we decided to see as much of Zurich as we could in that 23-hour window.
I would love to tell you what each of these pictures is of, but that would take all day and then some. I can tell you that we took the train and a bus to the top of Mount Uetliberg. It was a beautiful day, sunny and warm.
I wish you could see the Alps on the horizon better.
The rest of the pictures are just from wandering the streets around the hostel we got for the night. It was within an easy walk to the train which took us to and from the airport. There was so much more we could have seen, buildings, museums and churches, which were close by, but a person can only absorb so much when they are going on a couple hours of sleep. I would do it again, though, in a heartbeat.
April 25, 2018
A Plane is always waiting
I’ll make this short, as I have a million things to do. I leave home first thing tomorrow morning for my fifth trip to Kenya. Every time I start planning such a trip, I intend to get my ducks in a row, get myself in good mental and physical shape, and not run around like a crazy nut the last few days trying to get everything done I should have done weeks before. And here it is, almost crunch time and my ducks have run amuck, my foot is still aching (though not nearly as bad as it had been a few weeks ago), now I have a horrible pain in my right arm and can only lift it to shoulder-height and well, basically a hundred of those things are not going to get done.
But I’ve gone through this every time I’ve gone to Africa. The first time, in 2006, I was just plain a nervous wreck because I had never taken such a trip. In 2013, I had just taken up running and was already having heel pain. I came home alone after two weeks, with a cold and leaving my daughter there for the next three months while she tried to figure out if we were really going to start our own nonprofit and how that was going to work. In 2015, I had bursitis in my hip to the point that just five days before we left it took me three hours to get off the couch one morning because of the pain. Just last year, my mom had died just two months before the trip, so even though I was for once physically sound, my head and heart were absolute mush. Returning to Africa then was maybe the best thing for me, except I came home in an even worse state emotionally.
And here I sit with my left ankle in a brace, knowing that I can power through the pain but wondering how much damage all the walking is going to do. And my right upper arm, killing me and kind of reminiscent of that hip bursitis, just not even allowing me to move that arm in every position it should go. (Of course, that reminds me of another trip to Kenya, this one in 2010 when Val went there for six months and I had a frozen shoulder most of that time.)
I know. When am I going to say, “enough, your body really does not want to go there again.”
The very first time we went to Kenya, our team leader said that all kinds of bad stuff may happen leading up to the trip and it is all Satan trying to make you stay home. If that’s true, it is pretty scary that Satan is that vested in my travels, right?
Well, no matter, I believe that God has got me covered, no matter what afflictions assail me and no matter where my travels take me. Away I go.
Seems there is always a plane waiting to whisk me away.
With Val in 2006
With Val on the back of a motorbike in 2013
With Denise and Maggie in 2015
With Val in 2017
But I’ve gone through this every time I’ve gone to Africa. The first time, in 2006, I was just plain a nervous wreck because I had never taken such a trip. In 2013, I had just taken up running and was already having heel pain. I came home alone after two weeks, with a cold and leaving my daughter there for the next three months while she tried to figure out if we were really going to start our own nonprofit and how that was going to work. In 2015, I had bursitis in my hip to the point that just five days before we left it took me three hours to get off the couch one morning because of the pain. Just last year, my mom had died just two months before the trip, so even though I was for once physically sound, my head and heart were absolute mush. Returning to Africa then was maybe the best thing for me, except I came home in an even worse state emotionally.
And here I sit with my left ankle in a brace, knowing that I can power through the pain but wondering how much damage all the walking is going to do. And my right upper arm, killing me and kind of reminiscent of that hip bursitis, just not even allowing me to move that arm in every position it should go. (Of course, that reminds me of another trip to Kenya, this one in 2010 when Val went there for six months and I had a frozen shoulder most of that time.)
I know. When am I going to say, “enough, your body really does not want to go there again.”
The very first time we went to Kenya, our team leader said that all kinds of bad stuff may happen leading up to the trip and it is all Satan trying to make you stay home. If that’s true, it is pretty scary that Satan is that vested in my travels, right?
Well, no matter, I believe that God has got me covered, no matter what afflictions assail me and no matter where my travels take me. Away I go.
Seems there is always a plane waiting to whisk me away.
With Val in 2006
With Val on the back of a motorbike in 2013
With Denise and Maggie in 2015
With Val in 2017
April 19, 2018
MO Vacation Log - Day 6
All right, this will be my last post covering our spring vacation in Missouri. I still can’t believe that a month ago we were complaining about the weather. I would take those 40 degrees sunshiny days back in a heartbeat compared to the two feet of snow that fell around here in the last weeks.
The forecast for our last day in Lake of the Ozarks was sunny and seventy. About time.
Earlier in the trip, while perusing a travel brochure section somewhere, I found a handout of the “Self-guided driving tour of the Highway 134 Historic District”. It looked like a mission I was willing to take on, all within the Lake of Ozarks State Park.
First stop was the Portal Structure, which was originally built as a shelter and place for gathering information. Too small to serve that purpose today, it stands as a reminder of a simpler past.
The Park Office.
The Trail Center.
Airport Bridge is one of three single-arch stone bridges along this highway. When we went over the other two, I naturally wanted to stop for more pictures, but kept quiet and let Hubby keep driving.
We did stop at the Lee C. Fine Memorial Airport. It only looks like Hubby is standing atop those boulders.
The Old Homestead Building.
Wandering around the grounds of this building, I suddenly got the feeling I was being watched.
Yikes.
The Open Shelter.
The Restroom.
The Beach House.
And then, not on the list of historic sites, was the Beach.
And what must have been a fish cleaning building which has seen better times.
Last, with the sun warming up nicely, we drove through the campground and then hiked along the Fawn’s Ridge Trail.
The trail was appropriately named, as we discovered these four deer and I took way too many pictures of them.
Lake of the Ozarks.
And that’s all folks.
The forecast for our last day in Lake of the Ozarks was sunny and seventy. About time.
Earlier in the trip, while perusing a travel brochure section somewhere, I found a handout of the “Self-guided driving tour of the Highway 134 Historic District”. It looked like a mission I was willing to take on, all within the Lake of Ozarks State Park.
First stop was the Portal Structure, which was originally built as a shelter and place for gathering information. Too small to serve that purpose today, it stands as a reminder of a simpler past.
The Park Office.
The Trail Center.
Airport Bridge is one of three single-arch stone bridges along this highway. When we went over the other two, I naturally wanted to stop for more pictures, but kept quiet and let Hubby keep driving.
We did stop at the Lee C. Fine Memorial Airport. It only looks like Hubby is standing atop those boulders.
The Old Homestead Building.
Wandering around the grounds of this building, I suddenly got the feeling I was being watched.
Yikes.
The Open Shelter.
The Restroom.
The Beach House.
And then, not on the list of historic sites, was the Beach.
And what must have been a fish cleaning building which has seen better times.
Last, with the sun warming up nicely, we drove through the campground and then hiked along the Fawn’s Ridge Trail.
The trail was appropriately named, as we discovered these four deer and I took way too many pictures of them.
Lake of the Ozarks.
And that’s all folks.
April 17, 2018
MO Vacation Log - Day 5
I keep thinking that I could just stop boring you with our family vacation to Missouri last month. But the OCD person in me insists that I finish. One more after today, and I’m on to something else. Like my upcoming return trip to Africa!
So, it was mid-week in mid-Missouri. Our kids had gone home the day before, so Hubby and I were on our own and hitting the open road. Two years ago, when we vacationed in Illinois, we drove part of historic Route 66. Our plan for Wednesday was to see another section of the Mother Road.
First, we drove by the Haunted Castle House B&B in Brimley.
Not so much for the house, but because when I looked up the satellite picture of it on Google, next door was a ridiculous collection of lawn mowers and we wanted to see if there really were that many. Yup. There was.
First real stop was the St James Winery in St James. They open at 8:00 am, and even though it was after that when we got there, it was still way too early for any wine tasting.
Next stop was the Donut King in Rolla. Don’t know why it’s listed as one of the Route 66 stops, but because it was, Hubby had to stop and buy us donuts.
Next in Rolla was their replica of Stonehenge.
Then we drove through Hooker Cut,
Past the Elbow Inn,
Over the Devil’s Elbow Bridge,
And stopped at the horribly touristy, glitchy place called Uranus, next to the town of St Robert.
Interestingly enough, there is nothing about the Uranus stop in any of the Route 66 literature.
Then drove through St Robert, apparently home of the Tigers,
Past WH (for Waynesville Hill) Croaker,
To the Old Stagecoach Stop in Waynesville.
Motored into Lebanon, where we saw the famous (but I don’t remember why it’s famous) Munger Moss Motel,
The deserted Forest Manor Motel,
And Wrinks Market.
Last we toured the Route 66 museum inside the Laclede Public Library.
Whoa, it didn’t seem like that full of a day, but it sounds exhausting here. I might need to order a root beer float.
So, it was mid-week in mid-Missouri. Our kids had gone home the day before, so Hubby and I were on our own and hitting the open road. Two years ago, when we vacationed in Illinois, we drove part of historic Route 66. Our plan for Wednesday was to see another section of the Mother Road.
First, we drove by the Haunted Castle House B&B in Brimley.
Not so much for the house, but because when I looked up the satellite picture of it on Google, next door was a ridiculous collection of lawn mowers and we wanted to see if there really were that many. Yup. There was.
First real stop was the St James Winery in St James. They open at 8:00 am, and even though it was after that when we got there, it was still way too early for any wine tasting.
Next stop was the Donut King in Rolla. Don’t know why it’s listed as one of the Route 66 stops, but because it was, Hubby had to stop and buy us donuts.
Next in Rolla was their replica of Stonehenge.
Then we drove through Hooker Cut,
Past the Elbow Inn,
Over the Devil’s Elbow Bridge,
And stopped at the horribly touristy, glitchy place called Uranus, next to the town of St Robert. 
Interestingly enough, there is nothing about the Uranus stop in any of the Route 66 literature.
Then drove through St Robert, apparently home of the Tigers,
Past WH (for Waynesville Hill) Croaker,
To the Old Stagecoach Stop in Waynesville.
Motored into Lebanon, where we saw the famous (but I don’t remember why it’s famous) Munger Moss Motel,
The deserted Forest Manor Motel,
And Wrinks Market.
Last we toured the Route 66 museum inside the Laclede Public Library.
Whoa, it didn’t seem like that full of a day, but it sounds exhausting here. I might need to order a root beer float.
April 15, 2018
"I am with you always"
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”Matthew 28:16-20, NIV
Hard to believe that Easter Sunday was only two weeks ago. On that day, we celebrated – and on every day we should celebrate – the joyous resurrection of Jesus from the grave. Forty days after that, which would be May 10 this year, we celebrate Jesus’ return to heaven. During those forty days, Jesus appeared to the disciples at least ten times and the above verse is what He said on one of those occasions. Perhaps it is a familiar passage to you.
I share this today because I don’t plan on posting here again until after May 10. My calendar is pretty full. Next weekend I will be in Milwaukee at a conference for my career as a medical assistant. The following Thursday I leave already for Kenya, returning late on Saturday, May 5. I was going to power-through and put together those missing three blog posts, have them automatically fire on their assigned day. Then I said to myself, “Chris, what would Jesus do? Would He be all crazy, writing these things when His heart and mind was some place else? (which of course would be no problem for Him coz His heart and mind are always in a million places at one time, looking after all of us) Or would He be like, my children, I am with you always, whether you see Me or not?”
I don’t want you to think that I think there is any similarity between myself and Jesus, but I am going to take a rest from my Sunday devotional blogs for a couple weeks, keeping you all in my heart and mind and hoping that you do the same right back at me.
April 13, 2018
MO Family Vacation - Day 4
I promise that after today, I am only going to post two more logs from our Missouri trip, then you can follow my more exciting travels.
On Tuesday morning, Hubby and I left the resort around nine, once again leaving the kids to wake up and get going on their own. We didn’t know where we were headed, just out for a drive. We drove around the Osage Beach Outlet Mall but nothing of interest was open. And yes, I took pictures, but they were pretty boring. All except maybe this one which was across the street.
We next discovered the Osage Beach City Park. It was pretty nice and would have been even nicer had it been warmer than 40 degrees out. But I wasn’t going to complain, at least the sun was out.
I don’t know about swimming at the beach though, no matter how warm it was. It needed a lot of cleaning up.
We drove around some more before stopping to explore a different section of Lake of Ozarks State Park.
I took way too many pictures of this beauty that Hubby spied in a tree.
By 12:30, we headed back to the resort. The kids were waiting for us just down the road at Dog Day’s Bar. I can imagine the place really hops in the summer, but not so much in early March.
The kids wanted to take us out to lunch before they left to drive home, and they chose El Charco Azul Mexican restaurant. Val ordered whatever was in this monstrous bowl. It was really good thoughWe got back to the ranch around two and by three the kids headed out for their ten hour drive home. We hated to see them go but were glad that they could spend at least part of our vacation with us.
On Tuesday morning, Hubby and I left the resort around nine, once again leaving the kids to wake up and get going on their own. We didn’t know where we were headed, just out for a drive. We drove around the Osage Beach Outlet Mall but nothing of interest was open. And yes, I took pictures, but they were pretty boring. All except maybe this one which was across the street.
We next discovered the Osage Beach City Park. It was pretty nice and would have been even nicer had it been warmer than 40 degrees out. But I wasn’t going to complain, at least the sun was out.
I don’t know about swimming at the beach though, no matter how warm it was. It needed a lot of cleaning up.
We drove around some more before stopping to explore a different section of Lake of Ozarks State Park.
I took way too many pictures of this beauty that Hubby spied in a tree.
By 12:30, we headed back to the resort. The kids were waiting for us just down the road at Dog Day’s Bar. I can imagine the place really hops in the summer, but not so much in early March.
The kids wanted to take us out to lunch before they left to drive home, and they chose El Charco Azul Mexican restaurant. Val ordered whatever was in this monstrous bowl. It was really good thoughWe got back to the ranch around two and by three the kids headed out for their ten hour drive home. We hated to see them go but were glad that they could spend at least part of our vacation with us.
April 11, 2018
MO Family Vacation - Day 3
Oh, my goodness, it seems like such a long time since we were in Missouri on our family vacation and here I am only sharing our third full day there. I need to get on with this.
Monday morning, Hubby and I woke up early, well, at least earlier than the three kids. We decided it was time to split up, so around nine, we left them at the resort so they could get moving whenever they felt like it. I wanted to see the Shrine of Mother Mary and knew they didn’t have much interest in it.
I bet it would be a beautiful place in the summer when the flowers are out and the pools are running and you can walk around without three layers of winter gear on and your nose running.
Next we stopped at Bridal Cave on Thunder Mountain. Since we had just been to a cave the day before, we didn’t think it was necessary to take another tour, but I enjoyed noising around the gift shop, looking at rocks.
Shortly after that, we heard from the kids. They were having breakfast at the Wacky Knacky diner, not for lack of food back in our unit at the resort. They said they were heading to the Lake of the Ozarks State Park. We followed in hot pursuit, but never caught up to them. My son Nick had put some tracking thing on my phone, so that I could see where ever each of them were. And likewise, they could see where I was. The things they come up with these days.
Anyway, before we had left home, when I was looking up things to do in the area I read about the Swinging Bridges. They looked terrifying to me and I had hoped the kids wouldn’t discover them. But of course, they did.
Actually, they both seemed pretty sturdy, but just too narrow and too noisy when you drive over them.
I walked about halfway over the longer one. I had a bit of a panic attack and couldn’t move for a minute or two, was terrified that I would fall through one of the cracks, which seriously were not that big and my five-pound cat wouldn’t even fit through them. But sometimes it’s too hard to be rational.
We left there and started driving over to Ozark Cavern in the State Park. Along the way we passed this cool old house. I post this picture here just for my friend Denise, wondering if she happened to ever take a picture of it, as she had of another cool old house I’ve passed in Missouri. No?
Got to Ozark Cavern, aware that it was closed until April, but the ranger at the visitor center said we could walk out to it and go in as far as the gate. She warned us about a beaver that was living there. We thought, cool, but we will never see it.
Ha! Didn’t see the beaver (I actually don't think there ever was a beaver, I think the locals were confused) but scared up another critter. When I downloaded my pictures and started editing them, this muskrat showed up. We actually think there were two muskrats – the one that splashed away on us and the one cowering in the corner of their nest. Muskrat love!
We drove back to the resort and walked around until the kids got back. Then we went down and played a few family games of shuffleboard. How sweet, huh? What a happy family.
Monday morning, Hubby and I woke up early, well, at least earlier than the three kids. We decided it was time to split up, so around nine, we left them at the resort so they could get moving whenever they felt like it. I wanted to see the Shrine of Mother Mary and knew they didn’t have much interest in it.
I bet it would be a beautiful place in the summer when the flowers are out and the pools are running and you can walk around without three layers of winter gear on and your nose running.
Next we stopped at Bridal Cave on Thunder Mountain. Since we had just been to a cave the day before, we didn’t think it was necessary to take another tour, but I enjoyed noising around the gift shop, looking at rocks.
Shortly after that, we heard from the kids. They were having breakfast at the Wacky Knacky diner, not for lack of food back in our unit at the resort. They said they were heading to the Lake of the Ozarks State Park. We followed in hot pursuit, but never caught up to them. My son Nick had put some tracking thing on my phone, so that I could see where ever each of them were. And likewise, they could see where I was. The things they come up with these days.Anyway, before we had left home, when I was looking up things to do in the area I read about the Swinging Bridges. They looked terrifying to me and I had hoped the kids wouldn’t discover them. But of course, they did.
Actually, they both seemed pretty sturdy, but just too narrow and too noisy when you drive over them.
I walked about halfway over the longer one. I had a bit of a panic attack and couldn’t move for a minute or two, was terrified that I would fall through one of the cracks, which seriously were not that big and my five-pound cat wouldn’t even fit through them. But sometimes it’s too hard to be rational.
We left there and started driving over to Ozark Cavern in the State Park. Along the way we passed this cool old house. I post this picture here just for my friend Denise, wondering if she happened to ever take a picture of it, as she had of another cool old house I’ve passed in Missouri. No?
Got to Ozark Cavern, aware that it was closed until April, but the ranger at the visitor center said we could walk out to it and go in as far as the gate. She warned us about a beaver that was living there. We thought, cool, but we will never see it.
Ha! Didn’t see the beaver (I actually don't think there ever was a beaver, I think the locals were confused) but scared up another critter. When I downloaded my pictures and started editing them, this muskrat showed up. We actually think there were two muskrats – the one that splashed away on us and the one cowering in the corner of their nest. Muskrat love!
We drove back to the resort and walked around until the kids got back. Then we went down and played a few family games of shuffleboard. How sweet, huh? What a happy family.
April 8, 2018
On the Road
Later in the morning, on the day on which Jesus rose from the grave, two of his followers were casually walking along the road when a stranger caught up to them and joined their conversation.
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
19 “What things?” he asked.
“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him.(from Luke 24, NIV)
Can you imagine having such a conversation with Jesus? Do you think that maybe at some point in your life you have?
April 6, 2018
MO Vacation Log - Day 2
We woke the next morning to still cold weather - around 40 degrees and rainy. Before the day was out we would even run into snow. Still, there was none on the ground, not even snowbanks. I don’t think the snowbanks outside my window at home will be melted until June.
We didn’t get going until almost noon. That day, I couldn’t totally blame the kids, the time changed overnight, so we were all an hour behind to start with. We decided that the weather was perfect to explore a cave, Jacob’s Cave, in Versailles, an hour from our resort.
On the way there, we crossed Bagnell Dam, the structure which created the whole Lake of the Ozarks area in the 1930s. Hard to believe that this would turn a winding river into a massive lake and recreation area.
We also took a side trip to check out Willmore Lodge. Built during the construction of the Dam as an administrative building, it now operates as a visitor’s center and museum. Unfortunately, it was closed when we stopped in.
But we came this day to explore a cave. I’ve been in probably four or five caves in my life, and even though they are all the same in many ways, everyone is still totally fascinating.
We didn’t get going until almost noon. That day, I couldn’t totally blame the kids, the time changed overnight, so we were all an hour behind to start with. We decided that the weather was perfect to explore a cave, Jacob’s Cave, in Versailles, an hour from our resort.
On the way there, we crossed Bagnell Dam, the structure which created the whole Lake of the Ozarks area in the 1930s. Hard to believe that this would turn a winding river into a massive lake and recreation area.
We also took a side trip to check out Willmore Lodge. Built during the construction of the Dam as an administrative building, it now operates as a visitor’s center and museum. Unfortunately, it was closed when we stopped in.
But we came this day to explore a cave. I’ve been in probably four or five caves in my life, and even though they are all the same in many ways, everyone is still totally fascinating.
April 4, 2018
MO Vacation Log - Day 1
My apologies to those who have been reading my Wednesday blogs about how to make the most of your visit to the doctor’s office. I thought that if I was going to post pictures and stories of my trip to Missouri last month, that I really should get that over with. I promise to give you another thrilling episode of “Coming to the Clinic” as soon as I can.
So, as you may or may not remember, the second week of March, Hubby and I were joined by our three kids (ok, son, daughter and son-in-law) at a resort in the Lake of the Ozarks. It was the first time we had all taken a family vacation together, with my two kids as adults. We had a good time, but I’m glad we had the chance to figure out our limitations on shorter, cheaper trip.
Our first full day there, we woke to cloudy, cool weather. Actually, looking out the window as I write this and all I see is snow, that 40-degree morning with grass beginning to green seemed like we were in the tropics. We got a late start (late for me and Hubby at least, coz we are ready to walk out the door by eight am, vacation or not) and drove to Ha Ha Tonka State Park, in our two separate vehicles.
From the Missouri State Park website: Ha Ha Tonka State Park with its intriguing history and outstanding geologic features, should not be missed. The park is a geologic wonderland with sinkholes, caves, a huge natural bridge, sheer bluffs and Missouri’s 12th largest spring. The ruins of a turn-of-the-century stone castle overlook these wonders and offer impressive views of the Lake of the Ozarks and Ha Ha Tonka Spring. A series of trails and boardwalks makes it easy for visitors to experience all the park has to offer from its historic castle and geologic wonders to its wooded areas and open rocky glades. Picnic sites beckon visitors for a relaxing lunch in a scenic setting unparalleled in the lake area. All these fascinating features combine to create a park that can be explored and enjoyed time after time.
I could go into great deal about these ruins, but you can look it up on line just as easily.
I experimented with some computer enhancements on some of these pictures.
Ruins of the carriage house.
The old watertower.
The old post office,the only building left standing from the town of Ha Ha Tonka.
The Natural Bridge.
The lake looking towards Tonka Springs, the castle ruins atop the bluff.
So, as you may or may not remember, the second week of March, Hubby and I were joined by our three kids (ok, son, daughter and son-in-law) at a resort in the Lake of the Ozarks. It was the first time we had all taken a family vacation together, with my two kids as adults. We had a good time, but I’m glad we had the chance to figure out our limitations on shorter, cheaper trip.
Our first full day there, we woke to cloudy, cool weather. Actually, looking out the window as I write this and all I see is snow, that 40-degree morning with grass beginning to green seemed like we were in the tropics. We got a late start (late for me and Hubby at least, coz we are ready to walk out the door by eight am, vacation or not) and drove to Ha Ha Tonka State Park, in our two separate vehicles.
From the Missouri State Park website: Ha Ha Tonka State Park with its intriguing history and outstanding geologic features, should not be missed. The park is a geologic wonderland with sinkholes, caves, a huge natural bridge, sheer bluffs and Missouri’s 12th largest spring. The ruins of a turn-of-the-century stone castle overlook these wonders and offer impressive views of the Lake of the Ozarks and Ha Ha Tonka Spring. A series of trails and boardwalks makes it easy for visitors to experience all the park has to offer from its historic castle and geologic wonders to its wooded areas and open rocky glades. Picnic sites beckon visitors for a relaxing lunch in a scenic setting unparalleled in the lake area. All these fascinating features combine to create a park that can be explored and enjoyed time after time.
I could go into great deal about these ruins, but you can look it up on line just as easily.
I experimented with some computer enhancements on some of these pictures.
Ruins of the carriage house.
The old watertower.
The old post office,the only building left standing from the town of Ha Ha Tonka.
The Natural Bridge.
The lake looking towards Tonka Springs, the castle ruins atop the bluff.
