Organizations Updates
The Other Shut-Ins
Friday, June 9, 2006
With the recent re-opening of the Johnsons Shut-Ins State Park, I've heard a whole lot of talk about the Shut-Ins themselves.
They are magnificent to see. And so many fondly recall all the fun they've had swimming and playing in the water.
Did you know that Johnsons Shut-Ins aren't the only shut-ins to be enjoyed in the Black River area?
The Millstream Gardens Conservation Area is a fantastic place to visit when you visit the Black River area.
This is true in part because of "The Other Shut-Ins," the Tiemann Shut-Ins.
I wasn't dressed to get in the water when I visited the Tiemann Shut-Ins in April, but I walked right out into the middle of the river atop the rock formations.
It's an unforgettable and truly unique experience.
I'll see you on the Black River.
Posted by Kevin Perry 8:26 pm Maps, Old and New
Wednesday, June 7, 2006
 People have been trying to find their way to the fun in the Lesterville area for a long time.
A good map just can't be beat for that job.
I'm proud of the map we're offering on http://www.experienceblackriver.com/.
But it's not the only one "out there."
One of my favorites appears to be printed on an old bandana (if I remember it correctly) mounted on a door in the back corner inside Lenny's.
You'll have to visit Denny and Cathy personally to see the old map up close.
You might as well drive on down this weekend.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 10:08 pm Slow About Elephant Rocks
Monday, June 5, 2006
 I'm slow. I know.
I'm finally posting a pic up here of a visit I made to Elephant Rocks State Park way back in April.
Speaking of slow...I'd never seen them before!
These huge granite formations are worth the trip down here, even if you do nothing else, and I know you won't do that!
Elephant Rocks State Park is not like some fancy museum in which you get to just see the big rocks. No! When you're here you get to be on the rocks, near the rocks, between the rocks, not beneath the rocks, but definitely among them.
For an interesting contrast experience, why not start your day at Elephant Rocks State Park, then come over to the newly re-opened Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park. The tour of the boulder field is fascinating.
I did the tour, as well as the new driving tour through the Park on the Thursday evening before Memorial Day weekend. Amazing!
Even though I'm slow about seeing Elephant Rocks, you shouldn't be. Plan your visit to the Black River area today.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 11:38 pm New Cedar Picnic Pavillion
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
 If you're looking for a beautiful place to picnic with your family, come to the Dillard Mill State Historic Site.
Right near the parking lot, in the shade of trees along the stream is this BRAND NEW picnic pavillion.
It's gorgeous. All of the cedar (I think) wood beams and cedar picnic tables are brand new. They've never been used. And they're freshly finished...waiting for you to use and enjoy.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry at 9:14 am Get Close, The Water's Gorgeous
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
 When I took this picture, I wanted you to be able to see the mill building and the water as it rushes over the fall.
But you don't need to stay a way.
You can go right up to the water's edge, where the view is captivating.
Visit Dillard Mill State Historic Site when you come to the Lesterville area.
Click here for a beautiful picture of this exact view that Ozark Backpacking has made available for wallpaper.
You may also want to view a series of photographs from both the outside and inside of the Mill at RoadLessPhotogrphed.com.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 8:57 am Surprised by Mill & Poppy Too
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
 I was up early today and left my house at 5:30 am. I was in a hurry to get to the Black River.
I came rolling down State Road 49 and for the first time noticed the sign for Dillard Mill State Historic Site.
I can't count how many times I've driven by this place unnoticed.
I hope you don't.
DNR's web page calls this site one of the most picturesque in the state. I can't say I've been to a lot of State Historic Sites, but I think they're right.
I snapped this pic of a red poppy before I went on down the walkway and discovered that the mill itself is painted the same beatiful barn red.
I have a degree in biology, but I know nothing of botany. I'm guessing, truly guessing, that the flower you see in the picture is the Papaver rhoeas.
Click on this link to see some really good pictures by someone who knows what he's doing when it comes to both photography and botany.
Don't drive by this Historic Site on your way to Lesterville. Pull in and spend some time here.
The cascading water is beutiful. I love the sound as it rushes by.
And the mill building looms tall as you approach it.
I was here before it opens (10:00 am) and I still loved this place.
The grounds are beautifully maintained. You'll enjoy this natual space even if you don't like history.
And you'll catch a glimpse of what it was like back in the early 1900's when this mill was used to make flour and livestock feed.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 8:42 am Placard Marks the Spot
Friday, May 19, 2006
 This marble placard marks the highest surveyed point in the State of Missouri.
I found it in Taum Sauk Mountain State Park on an easy to navigate paved path.
It's just a few short steps from the Ozark Trail, which is definintely NOT paved.
Enjoy.
Don't forget to click on the pic if you want to see it up close.
I'll see you on the Black River.
Posted by Kevin Perry 4:14 Sun and Steel
Friday, May 19, 2006
 I like this view, looking down through the structure of the lookout tower at the top of Taum Sauk Mountain in Taum Sauk Mountain State Park.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 3:35 pm 15-Mile View
Friday, May 19, 2006
 One of the guides I read said that on a clear day you can see 15 miles in every direction from the lookout tower in Taum Sauk Mountain State Park.
Click on the thumb-nail to see a bigger shot of what I saw this afternoon.
It's thrilling up there.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 3:27 pm It's Worth the Climb
Friday, May 19, 2006
 When you're in the Black River area, you should plan to visit Taum Sauk Moutain State Park.
I've been there all afternoon.
Here's a picture of the first thing I did there, I climbed the lookout tower.
The padlock on the trapdoor keeps you from going all the way to the top. But the next best thing is definitely worth the climb.
I felt the wind blowing...which is an overly brave way of saying I hung onto the railing when the gusts came up.
The view was amazing.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 3:19 pm Several Days of Rain Makes the Canopy Lush
Friday, May 19, 2006
 Over the past months I've driven down this road many times.
It takes me to some of my favorite places here, including Riversedge Campground, Camp Taum Sauk, Peola Valley Pottery, and Wilderness Lodge Resort.
But it has never looked like this before. (Click on the pic for a closer view.)
Wow!
Meteorolgist I'm not. But when I add it up for myself, I think it's rained over 5 inches here so far in May.
The result is this beautiful canopy over the road. It's literally like driving through a beautiful green tunnel with the rays of sunlight cutting through.
I'll see you on the Black River.
Posted by Kevin Perry 10:28 am I'm no Ansel Adams
Thursday, May 11, 2006
 I only had the camera on my cell phone with me.
But I think it's probably the most interesting picture I've ever taken.
It's a tree with a knot tied in it.
Last month I was down at the Tiemann Shut-Ins. You get to them at the Millstream Gardens Conservation Area (item #25 on the Attractions Map).
I was tired. The sun was low. I was walking back from the Shut-Ins to the parking lot--and there it was!
Click on the thumb-nail picture above to see it full-sized.
Enjoy the picture!
Better yet, plan your trip down here now. You can see it for yourself.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry at 10:22 am New Maps!
Thursday, May 11, 2006
We just added two new maps to http://www.experienceblackriver.com/!
I've used draft versions of both of these maps on the ground as I made my way around the Black River area. You won't want to be without them when you come down to visit.
The first is a map of Area Attractions. You can view it and print it here.
You'll see featured the parks, historic sites, and natural wonders that people love to visit.
Don't forget, while you're viewing this map online, you can zoom in for closer views.
Use it today to plan your visit to the Black River area.
The second is a map of Black River Area Businesses. The services they provide are indespensible. So call them today to make your reservations or to handle your needs for food, supplies, lodging or adventure. It's all here.
View and print the Business locator map here.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry at 9:58 am. Fort Davidson Fun
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
I just returned from visiting the Fort Davidson State Historic Site in Pilot Knob.
It is so beautiful outside today, I can't imagine anyone not enjoying the day.
This attraction made it easy.
When I got out of the car I saw a huge green lawn, surrounding what remains of the fort. It has been beautifully manicured and maintained by DNR.
The sun was shining bright. There was a blue sky overhead. And I could smell freshly mowed grass. What a great way to start the day.
From the Fort site, you can look back across the lawn and see the building that houses the exhibits and interpretive displays. The building looks brand new. The whole north wall of the building consists of a bank of windows that look out over the Fort area.
Behind the building you can see Pilot Knob...a pretty impressive mountain. Swing around and look to your left and there's Shepherd Mountain.
Beyond the building is a picnic and playground area, with plenty of room for fun in the sun and in the shade. I could hear the kids playing on the playground as I sat on the front steps for a while before entering.
This historic site commemorates the one-day Civil War battle that occurred right here.
I'll write more later. For now, I'm off to Elephant Rocks State Park, just up the road. After that I'm going over to the Black River Ice Cream Parlor. The last time I was there I had a huge omelette. Everyone raves about their desserts, too!
Find our more about the Fort Davidson State Historic site here on our attractions page.
When you plan your trip to the Black River area don't miss Fort Davidson!
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry at 10:48 We're up and running now!
Tuesday, April 4, 2006
We're very happy today to roll out all of functions and features of ExperienceBlackRiver.com.
You'll want to explore the ATTRACTIONS that have been bringing enthusiasts back to the Black River area year after year. They're all still here. And now that the weather is warming up, there's nothing to stop you from enjoying everything this area has to offer.
Please take a look at the EVENTS we've posted. There are some fun activities there you and your family won't want to miss.
While you're checking out what ExperienceBlackRiver.com and the Black River area have to offer, don't forget to take advantage of what our local businesses have to offer. Book a float trip. Reserve your camp space or lodge. Plan your gift buying experience.
Lestervile and Black River area are truly at the center of all of the attractions.
I'll see you on the Black River,
posted by Kevin Perry 9:11 am
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