It was a bit cool when Susie and I pulled out of the driveway and headed for Meramec State Park in Sullivan, MO. The park is situated along the banks of the Meramec River surrounded by bluffs, caves and forests. Many of the buildings and campground facilities were constructed by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) during the 1930's. The park has almost 7,000 acres for hiking, camping and river fun.
Susie and I found a nearly empty campground as we were there midweek during the fall.
Our site was just across from the river, and after a nice walk exploring the riverbank we settled in for a quiet evening in Saffire with dinner and a movie.
Wednesday morning dawned with fall smells and sunshine and the arrival of Christine. She was housesitting and came out for the day.
I noticed a class C pull in and was intrigued to see a woman with white hair setting it up. We crossed paths with her as we headed out for the over the mountain trail hike. She was from Michigan, looked to be in her late 70's and had a friend from Kansas who had flown to Michigan and she was taking home. I invited them to join our campfire and have some stew with us in the evening.
Susie, Christine, Teddy and I had a great day of exploring. At the trailhead there was a marker commemorating the 1982 flood on the Meramec. The marker was almost at the top of the building, and as you looked back toward the river you could see the whole campground had been a large lake during the time of the flood. We poked around the caves on the trail which were pretty big and open, and agreed that we were glad that Fisher Cave was closed so we didn't have to be brave and venture inside!!!
After a pleasant lunch we went to the river and threw rocks for a while. The lighting is lovely in the late fall afternoon, the river beautiful. We saw some birds and lots of leaves down.
We had an awesome fire and delicious stew and got to know our guests a bit better. The mother of the driver had a motorhome into her 80's and camped into her 90's, very encouraging!
Christine left to return to the city on a very dark, moonless night. Susie and I snuggled down in Saffire and I was asleep before the lights were even turned out!! We returned to St. Louis the next moring, it would a great couple of days. We are looking forward to more trips in the spring!!
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