Hidden Gem
I don't think anyone would be surprised to learn that I love to travel (probably more than I love knitting, but since they're not mutually exclusive, life is good. Plus, since I can take knitting with me on my trips, it's even more satisfying.) I love seeing new places, returning to old favorites - sometimes so many times that it almost feels like a second home (can anyone say Alaska?) - and everything that goes with it: the planning, the research, the packing, and the great photography possibilities along the way, not to mention the opportunity to just slow down, get away from the everyday routine, and enjoy the moment.
No, I don't have an immediate big trip planned, but you know what? Travel doesn't have to be big to be satisfying. Robert and I took a day trip yesterday to Ha Ha Tonka, a Missouri State Park about 90 minutes from Springfield. It was an absolutely perfectly gorgeous fall day - and with temps in the 60's, who can believe it's November? We missed the peak fall foliage, but it was still beautiful to hike around, and picnic. What's cool about Ha Ha Tonka is that one of main trails leads to some castle ruins. Yes, you read that right. A castle. In Missouri of all places. Just another reason I love to call it home.
On the drive up to the park, which is near Osage Beach, MO, of course I was knitting in the car. I've only got the thumbs left on the first pair of three Christmas Fetching. We also stopped at the Yarn Basket. Kate really liked this store when she stopped, but I wasn't that impressed. It's probably worth a stop if you're in the area, though.
All in all, yesterday was one of those picture-perfect days.