Our “Adventure in the Ozarks”

by Angie Clarke,
MMN 2021

Awe-inspiring are the words that immediately come to mind when thinking about our experiences on our 2023 Adventure in the Ozarks field trip. Everyone met Friday night at the Alley Springs Campground Pavilion to enjoy an incredible Dutch Oven Dinner put together by Mary Smead and LeeAnne Googe and cooked by the incomparable Linda Williams. We had a great time eating and sharing together, and a short walk from the pavilion gave way to the gorgeous views of the 3 story red mill and the cerulean spring that pumps out about 81 million gallons of water a day! It looked like an image from a story book.
The next morning, we met at Linda’s property to learn much more about the geology and geography of the area and took a quick walk down to her creek. We then drove to Rocky Falls to another picturesque view of the falls, the shut-ins, and the colorful fall foliage. Another hike led us to a series of smaller shut-ins with plenty of plant identification along the way. After a quick lunch, we headed over to MDC Conservationist Susan Farrington’s property.
Susan took the group on a guided hike to continue our learning about the geology of this Ozark Region. Susan and her husband have spent years working on their own property to clear out two large sections of dolomite glades that they found years ago. The entire area was covered with fascinating dolomite pinnacles and left us with the feeling of walking on the bottom of the ocean surrounded by coral reefs. From there, we headed out to Peck Ranch Conservation Area.
We were all full of hope as we pulled down the main road just wishing to see at least an elk or two. The drive in resulted in sights of a turkey and an armadillo… not very promising. But the drive back out … just wow! Our first sighting of elk was incredibly exciting. Four of them were feeding and wandering and practically posing for the camera. We were all thrilled. We headed out of the area happy people. But not much farther down the road, a herd of 16 elk came rumbling down from the hillside to take a snack break just at the edge of the drive! We couldn’t believe it! Many females and babies were present, and you could tell the bull was keeping a safe watch over them all as they trotted on over the road and off into the woods. It was breathtaking!
A huge shoutout to all of the people that made this happen. It was definitely an experience that won’t be forgotten. It just doesn’t get much better than spending time with great people seeing gorgeous sites together. We’re already counting the days till our next adventure!

Photo by JL Johnson, 2021