Over the years, I have taken many pictures along this mountain stream here in the Ozarks, but this is the first one taken with my phone camera. There are noticeable changes from season to season and from year to year, such as the eroding away of the creek bank on which this scarred old tree clings. Where I once could plant my feet at its base, the tree now teeters on the edge as though it might, at any time, crash into the deep water below. Raging flood waters have, through the years, hurled boulders against the trees leaving them, now, vulnerable and weak.
It is here, on this high bank beside the old scarred tree, that we like to cast our fishing lines. (Although I would much rather go exploring as you will see in the pictures below.)
There's such a lovely little beach on the opposite side of the creek here where we like to make camp. Hot dogs and marshmallows are oh-so-fine roasted over an open fire. We once had a firepit of stones built here, but it was carried away in one year's flooding waters.
We always try to be here on the longest day of the year when we so appreciate the coolness of the deep shade along the water's edge. When the wild Magnolias bloom in the spring is the supreme time to visit these wild places.. unless the creeks are flowing out of their banks from seasonal rains, which they sometimes do.
On my birthday, the first of November, it is our practice to eat out... that is....out on the creek bank. The weather is usually nice and the colors of fall are absolutely breath-taking. It always seems to me that the whole world is celebrating my special day.
So, if you will, come along with me as we take a look at some of our favorite pictures from the past few years, all of which are from the big Canon Rebel.
Every once in awhile, I wander down to the Indian bluffs. Campers have left a lot of rubbish inside, which is a shame, but it does help give one a perception of just how large this space is. One of my friends and teachers, Dixie Redmond, electronically brushed away all the junk and sent this updated picture back to me. Now, that should please the spirits, don't you think?
Dan won't go inside. He says there are spirits living there. I suppose he should know about such things for in his veins flows Native American blood. And, actually, he might be right because years and years ago, archeologists dug up a young Indian woman's skeletal remains there. It, along with other artifacts found at this location is now displayed in that department at the University.
Until next time...
Take care!
mary
