Cuivre River State Park

Several years back sister Mary and I met Sunday mornings at Cuivre River State Park just outside of Troy Missouri to hike.  Those mornings walking in the woods were just what the doctor ordered for whatever ailed us, whether it was too many hours with a know-it-all boss who had been in management so long he forgot what goes on in the pits, not enough hours in the day to get everything on that never ending to-do-list completed, or dealing with teenagers with bad attitudes. 

We walked, talked and laughed our troubles away until one Sunday our meetings abruptly stopped.  We let what ailed us take over and used the same old worn out excuse "I just don't have the time."  How sad!?!

I had not thought about Cuivre River State Park for quite some time until last Sunday morning while eating a light breakfast with Darrell.  Suddenly memories came flooding over me like sunlight on a cold dreary winter day warming me.  After telling Darrell of Mary and my adventures tromping through the woods he suggested we check out the park.  The morning appeared to be perfect for a fall trek through the great outdoors so we lazily prepared for the one hour drive all the while talking about the eight different hiking trails the park provided.

An hour and a half later the weather had changed and had turned a little windy and spitting rain.  I guess I had talked this event up too much because Darrell was not daunted by a few rain drops and opted to venture out on the four mile trip around the small lake, umbrella in hand. 

The fall foliage was not as lovely as it must have been a short two weeks earlier yet their was a haunting beauty about the whole area.  I made Darrell stop here and there to view the different plant life and examine the trees felled by the beaver.  By evidence of all the downed trees, I'd guess there is a large family of beavers living there.  I renamed the lake, Lake Beaver in honor of all the trees around the lake bearing their familiar mark. 

Two and half hours later we were still dry and had ventured all around the lake.  Our guardian angel must have been looking out for us because we did not have to use the umbrella. We plan to revisit the park often but probably not until next spring.  I am so glad Darrell enjoys doing this type of thing.  I have never had a gentleman friend before who was willing to go for hikes with me.  Thank you, Darrell.  You're the greatest!