Sunday, October 1, 2017

Day 289 CJSM -book IV


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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