Day 289
Meramec
Springs---feeding the fish pelleted horse food
and fried
chicken by the stream
As
I have written on numerous occasions, we find our own entertainment. To enjoy
those events, we look for inexpensive outings that can involve the entire
family in the fun experience.
My
Dad once covered Southern Illinois and Southern Missouri, in those years, he
spent a great deal of time exploring the countryside. Through his endeavor to
find interesting places to share with the family, we came to know, and
appreciate, myriad state parks and grounds through- out both states. Many a
Sunday we loaded up 3 or 4 cars with all
the family members and set out.
One
of our best finds was a dandy little spot just off I-44 in Missouri at St.
James; Meramec State Park lies just 5 miles east of the quaint little town; it
is funded by the James Foundation.
The
park’s main feature is a stream supplied by a deep natural spring which flows
some 90-million fresh water gallons of pure, clear water into a basin and out
to a river which empties into the Meramec River. The site was an iron foundry
during the Civil War; the voluminous spring flow was utilized to operate the
heavy equipment forging weaponry by the Union Army.
The
foundation has set up a miniature display in the park’s center where the actual
operation of the manufacture of iron material can be viewed. Our intent in
visiting the park, beginning when I was a kid and continuing until today, was
to enjoy an outing in a fantastic setting.
Rainbow
trout are raised on the site by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources,
hatched in the park’s nursery, fed and developed into full size fish when they
are released into the spring water river. The DNR sells fishing permits and
allows a quota per day; the banks are generally lined with anglers giving their
acumen a challenge.
The
water is crystal clear, has a fast flow rate and is only about a foot deep, on
average. There are some deep holes in the river and this is usually where the
anglers congregate.
A
rock path makes for easy walking along either side of the 1 ½ mile long stream
and a suspension bridge at the confluence with the Meramec River allows for
hikers to easily return to the picnic area once they have exercised. We took
fried chicken with the picnic “trimmings; often, we placed a watermelon in a
burlap sack and tethered it in the freezing water; after our hike and fun
feeding the trout with floating fish food, or, pelleted horse feed, which we
had readily on hand and brought with us on our visits to the park, we enjoyed a
royal picnic feast alongside the frigid stream.
The
pool where the spring exits the ground lies under a curved limestone
overhanging bluff; the grotto has a walk path around the huge spring pool; the
water is crystal blue and frigid. Trout can be easily seen in the pool and the
large fish come to the surface seeking the fish tidbits offered. Great fun and
excitement for all to enjoy to their heart’s content.
I
went there with my grandparents and have now had the pleasure of introducing our
children and grandchildren to the experience. It is one very delightful
entertainment. (Originally, way back yonder, when I was a sprout, we got in Free; now, they charge $2.00/ car for
the day.) Facilities for a bar-b-que are readily available; I prefer fried
chicken for the feast.
Faith! Family!
Freedom!
That’s what it’s all about for me. Fun
doesn’t have to be expensive!
Ah! Cookie Jar Sweet “Meramec Springs Park”
Memories!
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