Shopping Updates
Angels of Lesterville
Thursday, June 8, 2006
Sometimes when you take a vacation or a long weekend away, you want to go home with something other than a sunburn and some great memories.
Dawn, at Lesterville Florist and Gifts, knows that many visitors to the Black River area like to take home a hand-carved collectible angel from Susan Lordi's Willow Tree collection.
Drop by and pick one up. These beautiful sculptures are a perfect personal gift for a family member who couldn't come along on the trip. Or you're sure to find the perfect piece that will always remind you of your trip to the Black River.
I might recommend the "Happiness" figurine. The birds make me think of all the natural beauty I see every time I'm on the Black River.
Plan to visit Dawn when you make your way to Lesterville.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 9:27 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 Dragon Tails & Cones
Tuesday, June 6, 2006
Click on the picture to see a close-up of that Dragon Tail.
I'll venture a guess that you can only see them (in Lesterville) at the Peola Valley Pottery.
Lee Ferber tells me they're really called pyrometric cones.
He puts a set of these cones in the kiln when he fires his pottery. From time
to time, he pulls a brick out of the kiln wall and peeks through the hole to
inspect the dragon tail.
When three of the cones have drooped over, but one remains unbowed, he knows
the temperature inside the kiln is just right for the clay mixture and glazes he
uses.
By the way, cones like these are used by potters all over the world.
When you're in Lesterville, you should drop by and see if you can talk Lee
out of one. The used ones are sitting on top of his kiln door ready to be
taken home by dragon admirers everywhere.
If you want an ice cream cone, well...you'll have to visit Donna at the Black
River Ice Cream Parlor. She'll make your ice cream dessert just the way you
want it. Go ahead and ask her for anything you can dream up.
I"ll see you on the Black River.
Posted by Kevin Perry 8:57 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 Horsin' Around
Monday, June 5, 2006
In an update I wrote last week, I mentioned that Brushy Creek Resort was a great place for a western adventure.
They offer cross-country trail rides as well as guided rides on the Ozark Trail.
Today, I received an email from Mary Wiltberger, who operates Koinania Cottage. She let me know tha Koinania Cottage has horseback riding available nearby.
You'll enjoy reading what others have said about their stay at Koinania Cottage here.
And don't forget, Riversedge Camping and Floating features trail rides, too!
Call for details.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 7:57 am Unique Lodging
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
 If tent camping by the river, or a beautiful lodge, or cozy cabins just aren't what you're looking for, you'll want to stay in Black, MO at Brushy Creek Lodge and Resort.
But you might have to compete with others (make your reservations early) to stay in one of these tee-pees!
While you're here, ride the Ozark Trail on horseback.
And eat at the Trails End restaurant.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 11:55 am An Old Refrigerator
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
 They didn't have refrigerators back when folks first lived on the property that is now the home of Koinania Cottage.
When you come to stay, you'll get to check out this old cellar that kept things cool year-round, regardless of the outdoor temperature.
I can't resist: It's cool!
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 11:22 am Missouri Maple
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
 Well...that's a rare peek inside my refrigerator at home.
That jar is a gift that was given to me this morning by Mary Wiltberger, the owner of Koinania Cottage.
Wow! I didn't know what to expect when I arrived at her place this morning.
I'll tell you more later. But for now, I'll let you know that this place provides a very cozy, close-knit family retreat in nature.
There are so many special touches to experience here.
Mary and her whole family go out of their way to take care of you so you can be close to creation.
There's a brook right by the cottage to play in. And a nearby blackberry bramble to pick.
There are the "mini-Elephant Rocks" to climb on.
And on and on.
You can even visit in the Winter and help Mary tap the maple trees. All the sap is delivered down the road to a nearby friend who cooks the sap to syrup.
It is intensely good!
Mary says this is a place where families become families again and kids become kids again, untouched by the rat race of daily modern life.
I told my wife and daughter about Koinania Cottages, and we can't wait to come here as a family.
I hope you'll call Mary today and reserve your week with this extraordinary family and this incredible opportunity to get close to nature.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 11:10 am Millstone, Not Flintstones
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
I saw this old mill stone by the picnic pavillion at the Dillard Mill State Historic Site.
Flashback! It made me think of the Flintstones, the cartoon I watched when I was a kid.
Unilke in the cartoons, where these were wheels, these mill stones were used to grind wheat into flour.
Who knows what will come to mind when you're out on an educational, outdoor adventure like Dillard Mill State Historic Site?
I hope you'll develop some fond memories that last a lifetime!
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 9:22 am 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 A Sign of Good Things to Come
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
 I know it's just a sign.
But it's a sign of a great experience ahead.
Dillard Mill State Historic Site is just one of dozens of reasons you should plan your visit to the Black River area now.
When you get down here, you'll have plenty to do.
See our attractions map for help in planning your vacation or weekend getaway.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 9:08 am Barn Red Mill
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
 This is the mill building at Dillard Mill State Historic Site.
It looks great in the morning light. I can't see anything like this in my hometown.
It's an imposing structure when you stand down by the water and look back up.
Enjoy!
This attraction is well worth the short drive off the main road...on your way to the Black River.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 9:03 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 Double Cheese Burger In Paradise
Thursday, May 25, 2006
I just arrived in Lesterville. I'm glad to be here. I've been in the car too long today.
On the way over here this afternoon I did two things:
- I stopped at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park. The place is buzzing with activity. The media tour is done. Another tour is about to begin. And tonight MDNR's Parks Division is hosting a public meeting. The Park really looks different. If you haven't seen the boulder field, you've really got to come. It's like nothing you've ever seen before.
- I had lunch over in Centerville. I dropped in at the 21 Diner. Oh my stars! I had a double cheeseburger that was home-made. I can't remember when I've had a cheeseburger that good! I was moaning and groaning as I ate it. It didn't last long. It was fantastic.
When you come to the Black River area, be sure to stop in across the street from 21 Diner at the Centerville Quick Stop. They have EVERYTHING you need, including gas, convenience food, a deli, sodas and beer, fishing tackle, camping equipment, souvenirs, video rentals....and they are THE place in the area where you can get your trail permit to use your four-wheeler on the trails in the Sutton Bluff Recreation Area.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 4:25 pm Trail Head to the Top, and Mina Sauk, too
Friday, May 19, 2006
 Once you're inside Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, you'll want to start at this trail head like I did. It takes you to:
- the highest point in the State, and
- Mina Sauk Falls
You can read, too. It takes you elsewhere. I simply didn't go there today.
The signs along the way warn you to bring your water. They're right. Don't forget it.
By the way, this sign says Johnson's Shut-Ins is closed.
The Park will open next weekend. But the Shut-Ins themselves won't be open until construction is done.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 4:02 pm 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 Psycho-Ceramics or Ornithology
Friday, May 19, 2006
Lee Ferber, the potter at Peola Valley Pottery, tells me he's been accused of "psycho-ceramics." In other words, some people think he's a crack-pot.
If you don't give a hoot about pottery, you should still go visit Lee and Pam at their shop. Especially if ornithology is your thing.
They do their best to create the ideal conditions for hummingbirds. I saw at least a dozen while I was there today.
But what I really liked was watching an indigo bunting light on the window sill of the building in which Lee mixes his glazes. This incredibly bright blue bird saw its own reflection in the window pane, and it didn't want to leave.
Skip the mugs, jars, tiles and plates, if you like. And just come for the birds.
Oh. I forgot to mention there's a fun little water crossing you have to make just to get here. That alone is worth the trip.
I'll see you on the Black River.
Posted by Kevin Perry 11:03 am 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 Pug Mill at Peola Valley Pottery
Friday, May 19, 2006
One of the reasons I really like visiting the Lee and Pam Ferber at Peola Valley Pottery is I ALWAYS learn something.
Here's Lee working with his pug mill. (Click on the picture for a larger view.)
He uses it to mix different types of clays so that he gets just the right qualities and consistency he needs.
Lee says it works just like a sausage grinder.
Chunks of unmixed clay go in the chamber by the long handle you see sticking up. Then an auger mixes the clays and forces them out the end.
Lee uses a wire to slice off a clay column, just like the one he's holding.
He cuts the big pieces into smaller ones and runs them through the machine again until he gets the mix just right.
That big tube of clay isn't much to look at, but his shop is full of beautiful pieces you won't be able to resist. You can see a few here. I hope you'll visit him soon.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry at 10:06 am A Day Full of Fun in the Black River Area
Friday, May 19, 2006
It's raining in Lesterville this morning. It's just a little bit chilly out. I doubt it will get in my way.
Yesterday, I spent the whole morning floating the Black River in a canoe. I was out early. It was quiet and still and absolutely beautiful. Despite the rain, I'm expecting another fun day here.
I'm sitting at the Black River Ice Cream Parlor right now eating my breakfast. It's great. You can't beat this Western Omlette. It's huge. It's delicious. And it's packed with bacon, ham, cheese, and...well you get the idea.
After breakfast, I'm going back to check out of my room at the Black River Family Motel. (For those of you who can't leave the electronics behind, the Black River Family Motel offers one feature that's sometimes hard to find down here...excellent cell phone signal!)
Then I'm off to visit Lee Ferber at Peola Valley Pottery.
Lee has fired a new batch of mugs using mud from the Black River as a glaze. I'm going by his place to pick one up. You'll want to get one, too. I'll post a picture up here later today so you can see one.
Lee's also got some beatiful tiles and other pieces that commemorate the old bridge that crossed the Black River. It's gone now, the bridge that is, but Lee's art and artifacts capture it beautifully.
My favorite is a rugged image of the old bridge stamped into a hunk of iron they took from the bridge when they tore it down. I use it as a paper weight. It's on my desk right now. You can get one only at Peola Valley Pottery, right here in Lesterville. (Click on the picture above to see a close-up of mine.)
Then I'm off to Lenny's. I've been told so many times that I can't really experience the Black River area if I haven't eaten the famous "river-ready" Black River Sub. BUT...Lenny's only serves the famous BR Sub sandwich during the high camping and float trip season.
FINALLY, today the kitchen opens up for the season at Lenny's. At 11:00 am, to be precise. And I'll be there. I wouldn't miss it.
I was at Lenny's last night and talked to Kathy. She's excited about their new menu. (I'll see if I can post a copy of it up here later.)
And She and Denny are gearing up for their booth at the 25th Annual SEMO bike run here in Lesterville this weekend. Lenny's will have a booth over there featuring Red Bull and their equally famous hot wings.
From there, I'm off to Taum Sauk Mountain State Park. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park has suffered an unfortunate naming problem.
Many of you know that the reservoir that breached and caused flooding in Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park is called Taum Sauk Reservoir.
So, there's been some confusion. Many think that the Taum Sauk Mountain State Park is closed.
It's not. I'm headed there today. I'm excited about it, too. At 1,772 feet, Taum Sauk Mountain is the highest point in Missouri. I'm on my way there.
By the way, Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park is opening to the public next weekend, Saturday, May 27 at 8:00 am. I don't know yet if I'll be there for it. But the excitement and anticipation are irresistable. Visitors to JSI this year will be able to see things they'll never see again, because restoration construction is on-going.
Enough of this talk.
I've got to go.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 8:48 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. I Almost Missed Missouri's Grand Canyon
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
 I headed out east of Ironton this evening on 72.
After visiting Millstream Gardens Conservation Area, which by the way was fantastic, on down the road I went to check out the Silver Mines recreation area.
This is part of the Mark Twain National Forest.
I got out of the car and walked along the river. I love the sound of the rushing water!
The sun was getting low by now, so the glare off the water had me squinting.
It was beautiful. I've put up links on our LINKS page so you can find some pictures of the incredible rock formations that are out in and along the St. Francis river.
I was getting ready to leave, after snapping off a few pictures, when drove up in a van with a kayak strapped on talked.
We talked for quite a while. He encouraged me to walk 3 miles up the trail. "It's a beautiful trail," he said. He told me that what I was about to see was called the Grand Canyon of Missouri by many.
He was right. It was fantastic. I glad I didn't miss it.
I'll tell you more about my hike later.
I've never seen anything like this before. Be sure to plan a trip to the Silver Mines Recreation Area when you make your visit to the Black River area.
I'll see you on the River.
posted by Kevin Perry 7:17 pm 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
|
