noblett lake

When it’s sunny and almost 50° in the middle of winter, getting out to enjoy nature is a necessity. Zoey and I loaded up and headed to the lake. Zoey has never been a fan of riding in the car, but I assured her that she’d like it when we got there.

My traveling companion,
hiding her head for the ride.

After a little nervousness about being in a new place, Zoey decided this place was pretty nice.

Zoey B at the dam at Noblett Lake.

This was my first visit to Noblett during winter, and I was surprised to discover that the lake was mostly frozen. Zoey and I enjoyed walking the trail overlooking the frozen lake.

Living her best life!

This was also my first time to bring one of our dogs on a trail. Even though it was narrow and covered with leaves, Zoey was a great leader and never let me stray away from the trail! I think she’ll make a great hiking companion, if I can just teach her to love the car ride to get there!

springfield nature center

While waiting for time to pass between a dentist appointment and Taekwondo, we decided to head to the Springfield Nature Center.

Checking out the largemouth bass

I don’t think Z has been here before – or if he has, he wasn’t old enough to actually remember it.

Wanna squeeze into there?
“I don’t think so!”

We hiked the Boardwalk Trail and the Red Fox Trail.

Z loved the boardwalk by the water

We counted two chipmunks, a few birds, and numerous squirrels out on the trails.

The bird room

I enjoyed cooling off in the bird viewing area. It was neat watching Z spot birds on the feeders and then find the information about them on the rolling displays. I hope he continues to be excited about nature as he grows!

grand gulf & mammoth spring

Today we went hiking at Grand Gulf State Park (Missouri) and Mammoth Spring State Park (Arkansas).

Missouri’s “Little Grand Canyon”

I’d heard that people sometimes call it “Little Grand Canyon”, and definitely wanted to check it out. After visiting, I can see what they mean.

Look out below!

It’s 130 feet to the bottom. At certain times of the year, this canyon can fill up all the way to where we were standing. The water drains out through the cave at the bottom, travels underground, and ends up at Mammoth Spring in Arkansas.

Mammoth Spring

We’ve driven by Mammoth Spring on the way to many adventures in Florida. Today was our first time to stop. It was quite a site to see, and we enjoyed walking the trail around the spring.

Along the path at Mammoth Spring.