Fabulous Fall Extravaganza
A Walk Along The Creek
We have been waiting for that one day when the fall colors are at their fullest. November 9 turned out to be that day. It was a spectacular day, warm with just a slight breeze with the sky at times cloudy but other times just as clear as can be. We decided to make it an all day affair with another trip down to Boxley Valley then over to Jasper, Vendor, Mt. Judea, Lurton and over to the Piney. We were anticipating a really enjoyable day.
Boxley was alive with color, unlike the last issue when it was rather muted. We stopped by "Beaver" Jim Villines boyhood cabin. It was early morning and the sun was out among the clouds. The cabin, while showing its age (built in the middle 1800's) still exhibits the hand hewn joints and logs. The park service has tried to maintain the cabin as best they can, and have done a good job. The color along this part of the valley was beautiful, the sun just starting to hit the tree tops.
Moving on down the highway we stopped by the old mill. The mill has been restored and is an interesting tour when open. We noticed that the trumpet swan that lives in the mill pond was up and moving around. I tried to get the best shots I could but the area is fenced off and my old camera does not have a great zoom lens. In the back yard of the homestead at this spot was an old artifact. We were not quite sure what it was, but it looked like some sort of forge or metal working setup.
After Boxley we drove to Jasper then south and headed over to Vendor. We had the wonderful opportunity to catch the sun just right as it illuminated Red Rock. Wow, I think it was the best color all day. The clouds had moved on and the sky was clear and blue. The warm temperatures made for a really fine outing and we pulled over a few times to get different shots of the area. Past Red Rock, through Vendor and Mt. Judea and then past Sam's Throne we drove. We headed towards Lurton.
Before you get to Lurton you come to Tarlton Flats. There is a very large pond there and next to it a cemetery and community area. The cemetery is tenderly cared for and most all the graves had flowers on them. A pavilion for burial services is also at this end of the pond. At the other end of the pond is a community pavilion and park area. There is a plaque in the community building dedicating it to Ernest "Pop" Daniel. There is also things for kids to do and a fire pit, plus an old fashioned outhouse.
Leaving Tarlton Flats we stopped by Lurton. There is a very old homestead there and in the yard is a pristine gas pump. There was some nice color here also. We then drove down to the Piney and stopped under the one lane bridge for some more pictures, and a brief walk along a small creek. It was beautiful. After a long day of driving we headed back home, but thankful we got to see the Ozarks in all its splendor.
