Exploring the Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Kickoff week continues with a trip to Ozark National Scenic Riverways! Of all the times I have visited this park, my level of exploration has been minimal. This is thanks in part to the beautiful float trip opportunities which are always my preferential indulgence! Because of the already cold spring water and not so warm temperatures, there were no float opportunities to be had which made this the perfect time to explore the area!
First on the list was Welch Spring and Hospital, site of the ruins of a former tuberculosis hospital. As you might guess, a hospital offering treatment with spring water and cave air sounds completely ridiculous by today's standards... Though, back in its day, it was a highly held belief that cave air and spring water held real medical value. As the times changed, so did our understanding of medicine and the hospital eventually closed (for reasons obvious to us today).
Next on the trek were a pair of pass through visits to Current River State Park and Echo Bluff State Park, the state of Missouri's two established parks in the area. The pass through was just to see what has changed since the last visit before moving on! Next was a spin through the Round Spring, cave, and campground area where it was a bit of a surprise to catch sight of the wild horses that are known to frequent the area! It's definitely not a given to see them so it was worth the stop! Unfortunately, they got a bit close and started to investigate the truck... with their teeth... Enough was enough and it was time to move on once again!
Next and final stop on the exploration trek was Alley Spring and Mill. It's true I have been here before but the view is always outstanding and, for that reason, one of my favorites! After a moment for pictures (not posted), it was time to catch a late bite to eat and turn back home. All in all, the perfect cap to the 2019 kick off week!
Span of 1 day; Approximately 8 hours and 52 minutes of cumulative driving; Approximately 396.8 miles; Approximately 29.82 gallons of gas used; Approximate average MPG 13.31; Approximately $69.04 spent on gas; Average fuel consumption rate 3.363 gallons per hour.
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