When people ask what my age is I usually tell them I am a 30 max character with 21 epic levels. That’s 51 years old to all of my readers who are not gamers. Being on Earth that long you find yourself thinking first before acting. For example, the picture below may look like it would be a simple jump to get to the other side.
What the picture doesn’t show is the crack separating these rocks is about 3 feet deep. I knew starting the jump would be no problem. Completion is where I would likely receive an injury. I doubt an appendage would get stuck and my only option would be to cut it off with a pocket knife. 1. I did not have a pocket knife with me and 2. my cell phone still had a signal. So I would have to settle for just a photo of my intended destination. Which you can see below.
By now you are asking yourself where was I when I had my realization of mortality? That place would be Elephant Rocks State Park.
Just outside of the town of Belleview, Missouri on Highway 21, you will find the sign marking the entrance to the park. It looks more like the entrance to the parking lot with some picnic tables, public restrooms, and one simple food truck.
What I like to call the true entrance is just a few feet into the woods. You come to a stone circle at the start of the Braille Trail. A 1.4-mile loop trail where you can choose which way you want to go. Most people go to the right like the sign says but those few people who like to live life on the edge can go left. Yes, I did say Braille Trail.
The main trail is pathed with various stops that have information written in both Braille and English.
So if you’re with a group try blindfolding someone and let them walk around that way first. Let them use their other senses besides sight. What do they hear and what do they feel? They can always hike it again to see what was missed.
The trail does have some tricky areas like this spot between two boulders, but the park planners took this into account. The trail goes around if you happen to be slightly claustrophobic or you’re pushing an extra-large stroller.
But it is not all pretty cool shade and large rocks. The park did serve a purpose at one time as a working quarry. Whether you call it red or pink granite if you look closely you can see the boreholes the workers used to blast away the blocks.
The granite was then carved out and carried by trains to be used in various construction projects around Missouri and other locations, including the Engine House, which was large enough for the trains to pull in for serving. To reach the Engine House Ruins there is a small path off of the main trail. It is unpathed unlike the other. It can also be used if you want a longer hike, if not you can always just go back the way you came and continue with the Braille Tail.
About the midway point of the Braille Trail, you come to a set of steps that take you to the whole point of this walk, the Elephant Rocks. Giant boulders act as guardians overlooking the Ozark Mountains having the Earth surrounding them eroded away. It feels like at any moment these behemoths could roll down the side having nothing to stop them.
You could find thousands of photos on the internet, showing every angle and view possible. This site just adds to it, but photos can’t relay the awe you feel standing next to a 27-foot tall “rock” that weighs tons.
So get your friends, pack a lunch, and take a day trip to a place that has been waiting billions of years for you to visit. Remember, Cool things are closer than you think.
Just remember to fill up the car’s tank with gas and your body’s tank with snacks before you set out on the next Day Trip 100.
Does your website have a contact page? I’m having problems locating it but,
I’d like to send you an email. I’ve got some recommendations for
your blog you might be interested in hearing.
Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it grow over
time.
Sorry I have not got back to you. You can email me at timdaytrip100@gmail.com I am still working on getting it up and running.
Have you ever thought about creating an e-book or guest authoring on other websites?
I have a blog centered on the same information you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my readers would value your work.
If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an email.
Thank you for your interest. You can reach me at timdaytrip100@gmail.com Please use the subject guest authoring so I will know it is from you. Hope to hear from you soon.
I have to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in penning this blog.
I really hope to view the same high-grade blog posts by you later on as well.
In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own website now
😉
Thank you for the good writeup. It if truth be told was once a enjoyment account it.
Look complicated to more introduced agreeable from you!
However, how could we keep in touch?
You can follow the Facebook page at Daytrip100
I’m gone to convey my little brother, that he should
also go to see this website on regular basis to obtain updated from latest reports.
Excellent blog here! Additionally your web site so much up very fast!
What host are you using? Can I get your associate link on your host?
I wish my web site loaded up as fast as yours lol
I am using Blue Host.
Excellent goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just
extremely magnificent. I really like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it.
You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it wise.
I can’t wait to read much more from you. This is really a great web site.
Appreciate the recommendation. Will try it
out.
I have read so many articles concerning the blogger lovers but this article is in fact a
fastidious piece of writing, keep it up.
I抳e recently started a site, the info you offer on this web site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.
My son is on the cusp of tweenhood and already I have started ruining his day with some of these things LOL. This was a very funny post. Cristine Marvin Ginsberg
Worthwhile writing plus a easy to read layout. This site earns the numerous happy comments it is getting. Annette Philip Brouwer
Hey! This post could not be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this write-up to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!
Everyone loves it when individuals come together and share thoughts. Great website, continue the good work. Lynn Feliks Primrosa
My brother suggested I may like this blog. He was totally right. Marjie Leo Kauffman
But wanna tell that this is very helpful , Thanks for taking your time to write this. Molly Saw Arnoldo
Hello There. I discovered your blog using msn. That is a very well written article. Anni Benoit Raven
I enjoyed this read Lexi. The title is a little misleading though haha. Antonetta Pavel Rior
Sounds as though you had a great adventure. I remember sharing my very own adventure with my brother, mom and dad the first time I visited. It was so scenic and I was in awe running around viewing the monstrous rocks.
Awesome love the info and the pictures. I felt I was there.