On the Flly (fishing)

  Casting a line in or around Springfield, or in the Ozarks is inspiring. Relax and reel 'em in at Dogwood Canyon. To get started you might need to brush up on which fish are biting and the bodies of water in the area from the pros at Bass pro, while you're there you can pick up some fishing and hunting tackle and perhaps some bug spray and sunscreen.

  Do you need to practice your casting technique? Dogwood Canyon is the place to cast, hook and reel in beautiful trout. Snap your flies near attractive waterfalls, under bridges and along fast moving streams where you can catch and release or keep your prize. Novice anglers can take a private lesson from one of the guides and become a pro in no time. Bike paths meander through part of this beautiful 2,200 acres of nature park for kids of all ages. Explore a slice of paradise on a Guided Tram tour where you can see an Indian Burial Cave and the Great Spirit Rock Shelter, limestone bluffs and clear spring-fed waters and through the rugged canyon to see bison, elk and longhorn. Rustic, yet modern cabins are available for rental of groups (www.dogwoodcanyon.com) 

    I visited in early spring and all the colour was not yet flourishing, however you can easily visualize the beauty of the area. Best of all, I was finally learning to fly-fish. And yes,  I caught those fish not my guide. He just brilliantly showed me where to fish and how to snap my wrist to cast where the trout can be found. Cool, crisp, clean water flows freely, tumbling over rocks and branches, under bridges and over falls spilling bright, colorful trout.

  

Bike Month

Isn't it amazing how we have to have a special day, week or month to remind us of something? For instance did you know that there is a national procrastination day? Or frozen food month? Well March is National Bike month and obviously the idea is to get more people to get off their couch potato, glued to the computer behinds, and peddle! That's right. We want you to burn off some calories, make some new friends, don those bullet-looking helmets (you don't have to put on the spandex, please) and conserve our resources while cutting down on emissions. Thankfully our cities, states and national government understands this challenge we have, and appreciates what valuable land we have left. 

I love our Rails-to-Trails system. You can ride from towns, through suburbs, admiring nature, various forms of architecture and feel great, both during and after your excursion. These trails can take you from Washington, D.C. to Pittsburgh, PA. Re-acquaint yourself with history, or learn something new along the route. Follow rolling rapids, see one of Frank Lloyd Wrights masterpieces. www.railstotrails.org

Maybe you want to make your next vacation (or mini-vacation) as a biking trip for the family or with friends. This will take a little planning, but will be a trip full of memories!