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Nature Close at Hand: A Walk Through Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield

Sunday, August 23, 2009
By Ed Cox
Nature Close at Hand:  A Walk Through Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield

Nature does not have to be experienced at the end of a four hour drive and a day of hiking.  Rather, natural areas exist all around us and we simply have to open our eyes.  This is particularly true in the Ozark region.  There are many streams and trails within a few miles of... »

A Slight Geographic Diversion: Trout Fishing in Northeast Iowa

Monday, August 17, 2009
By Ed Cox

Though this blog is dedicated to exploring the Ozark region of Missouri and Arkansas, I thought a short entry on trout fishing in Northeast Iowa might be of interest.  Northeast Iowa, generally the area along the Upper Mississippi from Dubuque to Decorah, has what... »

The Niangua: Paddling from Bennett Springs to Barclay Conservation Area

Wednesday, August 12, 2009
By Ed Cox
The Niangua: Paddling from Bennett Springs to Barclay Conservation Area

Nikki and I headed up to the Niangua for a short day float.  We put in at Riverfront campground, about a mile upstream from Bennett Springs and floated the seven or so miles down to Barclay Conservation Area in about four hours. The water was... »


Floating the North Fork: From Hebron to Twin Bridges

Tuesday, August 11, 2009
By Ed Cox
Floating the North Fork:  From Hebron to Twin Bridges

Missouri’s North Fork River begins in South Central Missouri and flows through the Ozark hills and bluffs into Norfork Lake in Northern Arkansas.  The North Fork River is predominantly... »

The Civil War in the Ozarks: A Review

Saturday, August 1, 2009
By Ed Cox
The Civil War in the Ozarks:  A Review

Only Virginia surpasses Missouri in the number of  Civil War battlefields. While there were traditional battles, such as Wilson’s Creek, fought in Missouri, much of the fighting was between... »

Springfield Cardinals

Thursday, July 30, 2009
By Ed Cox

Springfield, Missouri has a great minor league baseball team, the Springfield Cardinals , and very clean, comfortable facilities at Hammon’s Field.  Taking in a ball game can be a good activity... »