I find it extremely hard to believe that I have lived in Clarksville for 9 years now and am just starting to see the beauty of the Ozark Mountains. We recently purchased a UTV so now we can go everywhere! It amazes me every time we go for a ride how much there is to do and see here. One thing Chris and I have always talked about is having a weekend at his cabin. Chris and his family would go to the cabin almost every weekend when he was young. I can't believe we had never done this, but with work and kids and everything else there just never seemed like a good time! We decided it was past due and mom, dad and Robert were in for weekend of riding!
We stayed an entire weekend and rode everyday. We logged over 20 miles each day through the mountains and creeks. Mom and I packed sandwiches and snacks and we stayed out all day. We took an after lunch dip in the Mulberry River then headed down to the old swinging bridge in Oark. It hadn't rained in forever so finding a place to swim was next to impossible. All of the creeks were dried up. Michael joined us on Sunday and started off the day with a delicious breakfast/lunch at the Catalpa Cafe. Dad had his eye on a piece of homemade blackberry pie all during lunch. We were about to order our desert when a lady came in and ordered the rest of the much coveted pie. He was heartbroken! We will have to take Dad back to get him that pie one day! After the pie debacle we headed out on another ride. The day's adventure took us to a trail off of Porter Road across Highway 21 from the cabin. The road was steep all the way down the mountain, but the treasure that awaited us at the bottom was worth every moment! At the bottom is an entirely restored cabin from the 1800's. It is something that isn't advertised to protect it from vandals so you just have to know where it is. That's where my Johnson County boys come in handy! The cabin is completely furnished with period pieces and is a true treasure. The land around is surrounded with hand stacked rock walls and gorgeous, huge old oak trees. It looks like something that should be in a museum and is absolutely amazing that it still stands untouched in its original location.
Cooking breakfast at the cabin.
Ready to roll!!!
Robert caught a water mocasin in a creek. It's a little odd but I grew up with him and my papaw doing this. He's never been bit but...ewww!
Bud Pearson's cabin
Bear track!!!
