Mucking In The Woods

Today is Groundhog Day.  I don’t know whether the groundhog saw his shadow or not; why would I trust a groundhog in Pennslyvania to know what will happen in St. Louis anyway?  Just looking around locally, I’m calling for an early spring.

                Today’s wanderings were reminiscent of my first few months in St. Louis, where I could turn right on a random street and not know where I might end up.  I started out at a frame store in Chesterfield, and turned right.  Even when I came to streets I that I knew would take me home, I kept going on the road I was on.  In the end, I came to Castlewood State Park.  The park is a beautiful area, with lots of picnic benches, woods, a few fields, and access to the river. 

                I abandoned my car in the parking lot, grabbed my camera and headed down to the river where there were some people launching canoes.  Four lunatics were headed out in canoes in February.  I should mention that it was in the mid 40’s and they were smart enough to be wearing life jackets.  So they weren’t completely bonkers, but I’m happy to leave that particular bit of fun to them.

                For myself, I promptly discovered that mud in Missouri is nearly as slick as ice in Alaska, but provides a much softer landing.  However, being covered in mud at the beginning of my tramping in the woods just meant that I was more willing to tramp in the woods. 

                The trail was busy with people jogging, walking their dogs, biking, and otherwise enjoying a beautiful clear day in winter.  Given how many people were out today, I can only imagine that the park is overrun with people in the summer time.

                For your viewing pleasure, here are a few of my favorite pictures from my adventure.

Castlewood State Park: http://mostateparks.com/park/castlewood-state-park