Day trip to Missouri Ozarks

[tasker109]

The most beautiful day.....perfect temp and sky. Wonderful sights. The hills and forests of the Missouri Ozarks are just awesome. I just wanted to show you a picture of Blue Spring. We had to drive almost 3 miles into the woods on a gravel road (which I took a video of. dont know if anyone would be interested but Ill post it if any interest. lots of bounching...hehe) after we parked, it was a half mile walk to the spring. its right off of the current river. the water coming out of the spring was like ice. unbelievably cold. i had to sit and dangle my feet but not for long because it was very uncomfortable temp. The park ranger said the blue color is from the minerals in the water after it strains through the rocks. whats weird is seeing the change from the blue to the "regular or normal" color of the rocks and flora. it was so remote we were the only people there. quite an experience in this day and age.

[efusco]

Gotta let me know next time you're in my neck of the woods. I was out of town this weekend (State Fair in Sedalia), but there are some really nice areas around here. I've actually never been to Blue Spring though...nice pic.

[tasker109]

we went to big spring first but had been there several times before. its such an awesome sight. we were talking to the park ranger and she told us about blue spring. i must say its pretty much out of the way but it was worth it for sure. i have never seen a blue like that back in the woods. it makes you wonder how long it sat there waiting to be looked at before someone found it.

we are from illinois...across the river from st louis so we dont get down that way very much but it is a supremely beautiful ride.

[Spectra]

Spectacular!

You mentioned a chat with the ranger -- Is Blue Spring a part of one of the state or national parks? Which one? Thanks!

[tasker109]

there are a number of springs in that area, big spring, blue spring, round spring, alley spring....all part of the national park service. big spring is probably the most visited and it is pretty spectacular but this blue spring is amazing....here is a link to one of the websites on them

http://www.nps.gov/archive/ozar/spri...ml#anchor80701

[Spectra]

got it -- thanks!