The temperatures were perfect for a November Wandering Wednesday. We grabbed our snacks, jumped in the truck and were off, headed toward Eminence, MO and the springs. Our plan was to find smaller springs and mills in out of the way places.
As we traveled the highway we noticed the leaves had finally turned brown and turned loose. We watched as they gently floated down in front of the truck, tumbled along the highway and danced behind us as we passed over the top of them. Once again, bringing them to life. It was kind of sad the beauty of last week was now laying dead in the ditches.
Lunch at JB’s in Eminence, MO
Our late morning start gave us lunch at J&B’s Old Tyme Family Restaurant in Eminence. Dan had the catfish and I chose the chicken fried steak sandwich and salads. We mentioned as we finished, our meals were not bad, but outstanding and over the top were not in our vocabulary.
The old buildings, which were established in the mid 1800’s in Eminence were fun to view.
Klepzig Mill
Our first adventure was Klepzig Mill located on County Road 522. The gravel road which lead to the mill was as rough as a washboard, and we fogged the area for bugs as we drove in a continual cloud of dust.
We were rewarded with an old turbine saw mill and spring house. Mr. Klepzig sawed logs for his own buildings and saved the better lumber to build coffins for his neighbors.
Wonder how the neighbors felt about that? I can hear the conversation now. “Hi, I’m your neighbor and I’m building your coffin!” Humm? Time to move out of this neighborhood!
Dan checked out Rocky Creek which flowed by the mill. Of course he climbed as high as he could.
A waterfall in the creek made a beautiful setting. The big grey rhyolite boulders once again reminded me of Johnson’s Shut ins. The area would be beautiful in any season.
Peck Ranch Conservation Area
Next on our list was Peck Ranch Conservation Area, which consisted of 23,700 acres. It was the home of 200 wild elk as well as other area wildlife. We were disappointed to find the ranch closed for a controlled elk hunt. There was usually a reason to return to an area, so we added Peck Ranch to our return list.
Falling Springs
The old wooden mill and huge water wheel of Falling Springs stood before the spring which flowed out of the hillside, tumbling down on the rocks below. The beautiful lake, laying at the foot of the mill, was a perfect setting for a quiet summer’s evening.
The sun began to disappear behind the hills surrounding the small valley. Although a sunset could not be viewed, the shadows and light made a perfect time to take lovely pictures.
Jumping back into the truck we thought we had time to hit one more spring before dark. As we danced in our seats to the ‘70’s music of James Taylor and John Lennon and bounced off the walls to Led Zepplen, we began our search.
Turner’s Mill
We noticed a sign for Turner’s Mill. Onward! Those old gravel roads felt as though we traveled 10 miles before we came to an area we hoped was correct. Without a signal our GPS was worthless.
We turned into Eleven Point National Scenic River and searched the area for signs or a trail. Finding neither, we headed toward Alton, MO. We later learned we were within a few hundred yards and missed Turner’s Mill.
Greer’s Mill
As we began our search for Greer’s Mill our GPS came to life and our ladies voice said “In 3.9 miles leave the road”.
Leave the road, what does that mean?
She repeated that message over and over until we came upon a random house alongside the road, when she said “Arrived”.
We were both scratching our heads. I think we need a GPS hospital.
At dusk we found the three-story Greer Mill. It was locked so we were unsuccessful in seeing the interior. Peaking through the windows we noticed the building had been gutted.
A new roof was on the mill, so we hoped next time we wander this way we could visit a restored Greer’s Mill.
It was a great day to wander near the springs, but I think it’s time to update Miss GPS before she tells us to ”leave the road” to unknown random houses.
