RV weekend at Mark Twain State Park with Chris and Dad- October 2012

The last real weekend chance to get out before all the leaf color is gone. I took my Dad and Brother on a fishing, relaxing weekend to Mark Twain State Park. I have never been to Mark Twain and it turned out to be a very nice park.

 we arrived just as the sun was going down Friday night. Red sky at night

The morning dawned clear and chilly

 Chris and Dad made the best of trying to catch some fish, but the temps were cold and the lake was drawn down for the winter already

When they were done, I made a quick 2.5 mile trip around a couple of the loops just to get some excercise- I couldn't have eaten any more this week and weekend if I tried.

Some of the color was still left in the trees.

Saturday evening was another nice sunset and a great roaring fire. A nice way to spend the weekend with my brother and dad.

Panorama of Mark Twain Lake

RV weekend at Lake Ozark State Park- October 2012

The last weekend of my vacation and Vicky and her girlfriends are going to the Lake of the Ozarks outlet mall to shop and hang for the weekend. I decided to take the RV to the Lake of the Ozark State Park and hang by myself for the weekend as well.

the scenary was just before peek for the colors and I had lots of quiet time to just read and relax

the weather was cloudy and raining for most of the weekend, but the water was calm and it was good just to putts around with nothing really to do.

a nice fire and a nice sunset

the wildlife was really active around the park. I just sat and watched and they all just came by to say hi!

This guy was just banging away and I don't remember ever seeing a woodpecker this large. he was about 24" tall!

Mr squirrel (superfat!) and Mr. Turtle just took their time wandering thru camp

A whole family of deer, just wandered thru in the evening as if I wasn't sitting 20 feet from them.

RV weekend at Hawn State Park- October 2012

After the walking difficulties of this month, We got away with a few days at our favorite Missouri Park for some quiet time and Fall leaf watching.

The campsites are nestled below some cliff with the creek running in front, it is a great place to camp

 There was plenty of time to relax and have some snacks and Missouri wine

Putting your feet up by the fire was a nice way to spend the afternoon of the first day

 There was even some time to hang in the hammock

Day 2 was great with blue sky again and a fine day to walk on the trails at Hawn. There is about 15 miles of trails thru some of the best scenary in the State

 A view from a scenic point overlooking the park

 The terrain is very diverse going through along the trails, Pines, hardwoods, creeks, and rock formations

 Afterword is was great to get back to the RV and BBQ a nice dinner then more sitting by the fire

Hawn is a gem in Missouri

The Small Things- October 2012

With all the large events of planning for a long hike and actually doing it, sometimes the small things get missed. the weather was outstanding and so were the beginnning colors of Fall. The small flowers along the trail and in the fields really added a great sense of color to the days.