Elm Spring - Part 1

We take frequent trips to the area in central Missouri, the Ozark Highlands, where my husband grew up.  He is a proud Ozarkian (aka Hill-Billy). This summer we hiked part of my father-in-law's property in Mack's Creek, Missouri.  We were on the hunt for a spring that he had shown me the year prior.  We found it!  And explored its entire two mile length...

Luke and Joshua hunting along a likely washout for Elm Spring.

Abby helped us find the spring.  Good job, Abby!

Elm Spring.  This right where the water bubles up from the ground.  It is crystal clear, drinkable in fact, and very cold.

All along the creek that flows out from Elm Spring is breathtaking green.  The lushness of the green makes the creek stand out against the rocky brown Ozark terrain. 

Will and Josh try reenacting the trek to the spring that my Father-in-law's family did daily for water before they had indoor plumbing or even a well!

The water is so clear!

Beautiful oasis in the otherwise dry, woodland hills.

The explorers: Olivia Rose, Josher, Willy-Beast, & dear ol' Pa.

At some points the creek spread out over its rock base.

  

At other points, Elm Spring creek cut deep into the soil.

Here you can see the depth of the surrounding topsoil.

Livy found a good luck charm.  I wonder how old that horse shoe is.

My favorite spot - a little waterfall.

Will found his own place to relax.

Eventually we came to the confluence of Elm Spring Creek and another un-named creek.

The two creeks together make a nice little pool to dip in.  The children were very surpised just how cold the water could be.  In fact, the water temperature seemed to cool down the air temperature right around the creek - you can feel the difference by walking only a few feet away.

Come back soon and see what we found when we explored a bit further! 

And check out other amazing blogs celebrating Outdoor Wednesday.