Have you ever began to just drive to see where you would end up? Todays Wandering Wednesday was exactly that.
We had some business to take care of early in the morning and as we came back through Arnold we still didn’t have a plan of attack.
Mastadon State Park
Driving down highway 55, we discussed visiting Mastadon State Park. We had previously visited the park, but the museum had been closed. Maybe today we would be able to take a tour.
Passing the entrance to the park made the decision for us, so Dan turned onto a Scott unchartered area, Old Antonio Road.
As we drove the semi country road, we enjoyed the beginning of the fall season as the leaves at the treetops began to show their colors. There was still lots of green in the trees, but a promise was in the air.
Our path was decided when we came to a crossroad. Decision made, we drove on.
Twenty-five miles later we realized, when we saw the sign for Mastadon State Park, we had driven in a complete circle.
I’m warning you now, don’t get lost in the woods with me. I will lead you in a circle and we will never be seen again.
Missouri Museum
The museum was open and for $4 we could learn everything we needed to know about a Mastadon.
This huge extinct elephant-like creature was not pretty, but I assume his mate would disagree. Who am I to argue?
Archaeological Digs
The video presented was informative and the displays were quite interesting. They spoke of archaeological digs and paleontological sites.
My mind wandered back to the TV show “Friends” where Ross was a paleontologist. I had to giggle just a little bit every time I heard the “p” word.
The Kimmswick Bone Bed was located on the property a short 1/2 mile hike down the Wildflower Trail.
The trail also went in a circle and had two sets of long stairs. It looped around, back to the 35 steps and up to the museum.
Two other trails were located on the property which were also circles.
The Limestone Hill Trail was two miles long which was rated as rugged and would take two hours to complete.
The third trail was the Spring Branch Trail, an easy 0.8 mile loop. The brochure stated the trail was manageable for wheelchairs and strollers and would take about 25 minutes.
Food in Kimmswick, Missouri
Of course, we stopped for lunch and chose the Dough Depot at Kimmswick, MO. It had been several years since we walked through those doors.
The aroma wafted to the front entrance to make quite a happy greeting. It also made our tummies say “feed me”!
Dan ordered the Italian Sub and a bowl of chili. I had a chicken, bacon, ranch and a salad. Both sandwiches came on a deliciously soft pretzel bread.
This little restaurant, located in a cute two-story building called the Ruess-Terry House, stood the test of time since 1866.
The building was full of customers, but the wait staff kept up with the demand as bright smiles crossed their lips. Lunch was a very nice experience.
As we left the building we decided to visit here more often.
If you feel like your life is going in circles, I recommend a Wandering Wednesday trip of beautiful leaves, a nice hike and a great lunch in the Imperial and Kimmswick area.