Paddlesport for Everyone!

Missouri state parks: once you pop you just can't stop.

We met up with Zoe and Spencer at Crowder State Park for what is humorously referred to as "paddlesport".

Someone insisted on getting a standing paddle board. It was a little windy and... just seemed like an invitation for me to take a big drink. No thanks.

Earlier somebody was like “Let’s not kayak Crowder State Park” and I was like “Water you talking about?” The park and the 18-acre Crowder Lake were named after Maj. General Enoch H. Crowder, who was born in nearby Edinburg, MO.

When we could paddle no more we ditched those two and hit the next park. All's fair in love, war, and parks.

The 1868 bridge at Locust Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site is about half as long as its name. After World War II, the course of Locust Creek was changed and the bridge spanned a dry creek bed.

I thought it was cool that this graffiti was so old that it was sort of a historical element of its own.

Checked out the crib at Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site in Laclede, MO. He lead the American Expeditionary Forces in WW I and was the only living person to attain the six star rank of General of the Armies.

Admired the prairie grass at Pershing State Park, situated three miles west of Laclede in Linn County, Missouri. Within the boundaries of the park are two Native American burial mounds and a former village site. 

Camping Under the Missouri Stars

We had another weekend of camping at Missouri state parks on the docket.

An adventure is only as good as its provisions.

I figured out a way to get free magazine subscriptions. I may have gone a bit overboard.

We arrived at Wallace State Park last night and set up camp. I think our friends Lainey and Chris and their kid Nora joined us this night. I don't think I have any pictures of them as it was dark when we arrived, we left in the morning to hit some parks and had plans to see them when we returned, but I think they got too hot and went home while we were gone or something? It all happened so fast.

No one can stop us now

'Cause we are all made of stars

An Eastern Yellowjacket chewing up dead leaves to make paper for its subterranean nest at Wallace State Park. The park was established in 1932 and is about an hour’s drive from Kansas City.

Studied up on my history at Lewis and Clark State Park in Buchanan County, MO. Apparently Thomas Jefferson was planning on sending an exploratory expedition west years before the Louisiana Purchase even took place in 1803.

Big Lake State Park got big wrecked by flooding from said lake and was closed. 

The park was destroyed by Missouri River floods so many times that they began using wheeled rental cabins that can be moved to a safe location during emergencies.

We made an exception to our "MO state parks or bust" rule and visited Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge.

It was a pretty unique place to birdwatch. In my experience I don't think that land like this still exists that isn't being protected.

Drives through the heart of Missouri serve to remind one that Missouri is a rotten place.

We did a tasting at Of The Earth Farm Distillery that I just happened to spot on the side of the road. 

They had some fun flavors.

I was trying to get a picture where both I and the stars were both visible... with mixed success.