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OZARK NATIONAL SCENIC RIVERWAYS

THURSDAY

TRAVEL DAY
STOP #235

We have been in the state of Missouri for 4 days now, ever since we got off the ferry, and I just noticed something. Every time our Garmin GPS gives us directions with the word Missouri in it, like turn left on Missouri Route 60, the word Missouri sounds a whole lot like Misery.

Not that our time here has been anything like misery, but I’m convinced that’s what the female voice is saying. My brain tells me she’s saying Missouri, but my ears are hearing Misery.

Maybe my ears will catch up to my brain after I spend another week or so here listening to her.

The next four nights we will be visiting the Ozark National Scenic Riverways park. It’s comprised of over 100 miles of the Current River and an additional 35 miles of the Jack Fork River. The two rivers are fed by a dozen or more fresh water springs in addition to the regional rainfall. We are going to try and see as much of it as we can.


Campsite #615 (no there are not over 600 campsites here). That's Loop 6 Site #15


FRIDAY - We've driven over 300 miles in the last three days, visiting the numerous springs and campgrounds found in the park. It reminded us of the springs and campgrounds of the Ocala National Forest in central Florida, with a few major differences.

Most of the springs in Florida produce water at a fairly mild temperature, in the low 70°F range, while the springs here in Missouri are at a much chillier temperature in the mid-50°F range. Also nearly all the springs in Florida are open for swimming and snorkeling, none of the springs we've visited here in Missouri allow any kind of those activities.

Maybe because most of the springs in Florida were once privately owned and developed as attractions to generate revenue, taking away most of their natural beauty. Here in Missouri most of the springs we’ve seen are still in their original state, with very little done to detract from their natural beauty.

This means in Florida you get to experience the spring up close and personal, from both above and below the water line. In Missouri you get to see them only from above ground level. They appear just as they have from over the centuries, except for their natural changes over time.

I’m not sure which way to lean on this subject now that I’ve experienced them both ways. What’s your opinion on the subject? Leave your comments in our FaceBook Group!

OZARK NATIONAL SCENIC RIVERWAYS

This is the Alley Spring Mill (built in 1894) which is what our campground is named after.
The crystal clear water of the Alley Spring headwaters.
When the sun came out the water became a deep turquoise color.
A view from the trail that runs behind the spring pool.
This one is called Blue Spring, you'll have to hike about a half mile to see this one.
Again when the sun is shining the deep blue colors really pop.
We saw these trailers camping on the opposite side of the river when hiking to the spring.
These are called Rocky Falls.
This one is also called Blue Spring?
This one is called Big Spring.
It is in a three way tie in the U.S. for the most volume of water output each day. BTW-Silver Springs in Ocala, FL is one of the other two.
Looking down into what's known as Devil's Well.
Nearing the bottom of the walkway.
At the end there is a locked gate because there is an 80 foot fall before you hit the underground river at the bottom.
Now it's time to climb all those stairs to get back out of here.
This one is called Round Spring.

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Until next time

TWO PEAS

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