Castles in Missouri
Today, we started out with a quick stop for water toys and inflatables. Next, we went to see Bagnell Dam which as Laura said "Isn't nearly as awesome without the water going through." However, it was still intersting and the view from the overlook was pretty sensational. We also saw one of the original turbines that was in use for over 70 years.
After lunch, we had a short stint at the lake and determined that since it was a bit overcast and not as warm, it would be a good day to do some more exploring.
We headed to Ha Ha Tonka State Park and visited some really cool castle ruins. Apparently in the early 1900s, a gentleman purchased 5000 acres and began construction on a European style castle high on the bluff with a view of the lake. He died before it was finished and his sons had it completed. Sometime in the 40s, a fire destroyed most of the castle. Now, it is just ruins, but pretty amazing to see. Alex thought it would be cool to live in a castle.
The state park seems to have a lot of wonders and next we hiked down to see a natural bridge. This massive stone created a natural arch that we walked through. Our camera ran out of batteries at this point, but we used Alex's so hopefully we have a few pictures.
We drove down to the lake, but the girls said they weren't up to the hike to the spring, so we just wandered on the lake front a bit while Laura intently studied a little butterfly. She got a bird book for her birthday and has been figuring out the names of birds and now wants the insect version as well. She spotted a cardinal this morning. We also saw some deer on the drive home.
As soon as dinner was cleared from the table, the girls were back in swimsuits and ready to return to the water. Dan took them down the lake but they just passed through and said that it was getting cold there so they are moving to the pool. I'm off to join them.
After lunch, we had a short stint at the lake and determined that since it was a bit overcast and not as warm, it would be a good day to do some more exploring.
We headed to Ha Ha Tonka State Park and visited some really cool castle ruins. Apparently in the early 1900s, a gentleman purchased 5000 acres and began construction on a European style castle high on the bluff with a view of the lake. He died before it was finished and his sons had it completed. Sometime in the 40s, a fire destroyed most of the castle. Now, it is just ruins, but pretty amazing to see. Alex thought it would be cool to live in a castle.
The state park seems to have a lot of wonders and next we hiked down to see a natural bridge. This massive stone created a natural arch that we walked through. Our camera ran out of batteries at this point, but we used Alex's so hopefully we have a few pictures.
We drove down to the lake, but the girls said they weren't up to the hike to the spring, so we just wandered on the lake front a bit while Laura intently studied a little butterfly. She got a bird book for her birthday and has been figuring out the names of birds and now wants the insect version as well. She spotted a cardinal this morning. We also saw some deer on the drive home.
As soon as dinner was cleared from the table, the girls were back in swimsuits and ready to return to the water. Dan took them down the lake but they just passed through and said that it was getting cold there so they are moving to the pool. I'm off to join them.
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