Boxley In The Fall
Empire Park On Lake Taneycomo
Sunny Day On Lake Taneycomo
I want to apologize to my faithful readers for not updating the site in several months. Cancer surgery around my right eye in July and August, and then a total knee replacement in mid-September has kept me sidelined for some time. My six week checkup was on October 25, and I was given the OK to begin walking in the woods again, but starting slow on flat ground and not too far. I called up my hiking partner and we went down to Boxley the very next day;
Boxley Historic District in the Buffalo River National Park provides the visitor with many opportunities to enjoy the park. Camping, floating the river, and hiking are just a few of the activities you can enjoy. Our hike to one of our favorite summer swimming holes is about a quarter mile one way, perfect for my first hike on my new knee. We walked through the two fields and then entered through a small opening in the forest. The river was very low due to our lack of rain over the past several months. The colors were not brilliant but still pretty.
We spent a pleasant hour or so walking along the river and taking pictures. We then decided to head back to the truck and over to the Western Sizzler for an early bird senior buffet. The total distance for this first hike was 1/2 mile round trip. My knee did not hurt at all and I was pleased to be up and moving around again.
November 2nd and another day in the 80's. I wanted to do another short flat hike. My hiking partner and I decided to try Lake Taneycomo. We had read about a park with access, a hiking trail, excellent fishing and easily accessible so we headed for Empire Park on Lake Taneycomo. Empire Park Access is run maintained by Empire District Electric Company, which also owns and maintains the dam there.
November 2nd and another day in the 80's. I wanted to do another short flat hike. My hiking partner and I decided to try Lake Taneycomo. We had read about a park with access, a hiking trail, excellent fishing and easily accessible so we headed for Empire Park on Lake Taneycomo. Empire Park Access is run maintained by Empire District Electric Company, which also owns and maintains the dam there.
We approached from the opposite side. There was virtually no traffic and we had the place to ourselves. The park itself has bathrooms, beautifully maintained grounds, a flat and wheelchair accessible hiking trail and (rumor has it) excellent fishing. We pulled into the park and noticed three large flocks of geese feeding in the fields and one in the water next to where we were. As we stopped to take a picture, they swam over to us and started to follow us. I think they thought we had bread! We then followed them to the next spot on the lake, and the geese entered.
After a hike to get my new knee nice and loose, we sat down at one of the picnic tables and had lunch. It was a really nice day, with the sun shining all day, the wind was warm and not overly blustery and the sky was a deep blue color. It sure felt good to be back outside. I had spent the better part of a year on the injured reserve list...not able to hike, but to just go on drives. I hope that will change as I get stronger and build up more endurance.
Now that the leaves are finally coming down, it is one of our faviorite hiking times. You get some very panoramic views from the tops of such places as White Rock and of course Hawksbill Craig and other famous spots. Plan a trip to the Ozarks and slip backwards in time, to a place where you can slow down and enjoy your surroundings.
Now that the leaves are finally coming down, it is one of our faviorite hiking times. You get some very panoramic views from the tops of such places as White Rock and of course Hawksbill Craig and other famous spots. Plan a trip to the Ozarks and slip backwards in time, to a place where you can slow down and enjoy your surroundings.