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When the weather is 75-85 degrees, I
just want it to keep staying nice through September, October and
even November if possible. I have been like that since I was a
little kid. I loved being outdoors. So, since I can't update you on
the state of our local football and baseball teams, I do want to
challenge you to get out and take your family on some day or weekend
trips in the next few weeks. Some of the places I think are worthy
of your venture are:
1. Jack's
Fork and Current rivers, Missouri
Travel time is about five to six hours
depending on where you go, and you can canoe, go tubing, swimming,
fishing, camping, etc. For those who would rather not rough it so
much, there are bed and breakfasts, hotels, lodges, and cabins
galore to choose from. For those looking more for a family setting,
I suggest Discovery Ministries near Eminence, Mo. You can reach them
at (573) 226-3213 or www.goDM.org.
2. Clinton
Lake beach
Travel time is about 40 minutes, just
east of Clinton, and it will cost you $1 per person to enjoy the
beach and bathhouse there. It is a nice sandy beach with a sandy
lake bottom that gradually goes out to the buoys, which makes it fun
for kids and adults of all ages. The water is still pretty warm over
there. There is also the possibility that the marina there will be
renting boats next year. Nice concessions, snack bar and restaurant
are also at the location. Some tell me that they use a nearby
pavilion to grill and have family lunches or dinners.
3. Weldon
Springs
Also just east of Clinton, with a
travel time of 25-30 minutes from Lincoln. A very nice family place,
especially for young families. They have rowboats and paddle boats
for rent and a snack bar and a restaurant on the grounds. The lake
also has some hiking trails, and there is a very nice campground for
those who want to spend the night or the weekend.
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4.
Miller
Park
In Bloomington-Normal, approximately
40-45 minutes from Lincoln. Features a lake with rentable paddle
boats and a cute little zoo that small children can really enjoy.
There is also a great playground there; at least my son thinks it is
great. You can also pay to play putt-putt golf, and there are lots
of places to hike and have picnics.
5. Lake
Springfield
Probably takes 30-40 minutes to get
there from here. There is a nice beach on the west side, and on the
east side is a marina where you can rent jet skis, pontoons and even
a huge reunion barge for those wanting a different family reunion
idea. There is also an excellent little zoo on the west side, some
beautiful gardens and trails, and plenty of places to picnic.
6. Starved
Rock
Approximately 1½ to two hours north of
Lincoln on U.S. 39 near Oglesby. A great place to go with your
family, especially if the kids are in elementary school or beyond.
There are great hiking trails with tremendous views of the river.
There is lots of history on our Indian heritage and on the early
settlers. There are places to camp in the area, and for those who
desire, there are nice
cabins and a lodge and restaurant. This is one of our family's top
destinations.
There are lots of other places out
there, but I tried to list those that would not break the bank.
There is still plenty of time to get out and let you and your family
enjoy God's beautiful creation.
We just got back from a couple of
glorious days on the creeks and rivers of the Ozarks, spending one
day at Rocky Falls and another day at Bluff Hole. We jumped off
rocks, canoed, went inner-tubing, skipped rocks, had picnics, went
swimming and overall just had tons of fun. What's more, trips like
that create some of the best memories you can ever imagine.
So, go out there and have some fun, but
please be careful because it's a jungle out there. Please call me at
737-5903 or e-mail
jmayfiel@lccs.edu if you would like more information on any of
these destinations.
That's it for me… Have a great week,
everybody!!!
[Jeff Mayfield] |
