Kristin and I were up bright and early Sunday morning, eager to check out this "slot canyon" in Missouri. The hike was beautiful! Very similar to Garden of the Gods in southern Illinois (the same ocean covered this whole area). So, familiar to me, but new terrain for Kristin. It made me happy that she got to have some new experiences in the Midwest. She commented that she particularly enjoyed the sound of the wind in the leaves.
After treating the hike like our own personal playground, we headed to Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park. Honestly, I was kind of skeptical about this place. The pictures on the website looked like rocks in a river. Not too exciting. But it was so much more.
It was volcanic rock formations that you could play on. They'd created all these little pools and waterfalls. It all culminated in what looked like a bottomless pool. The water was crystal clear, but you still couldn't see the bottom. We stopped to relax on some rocks and watch a guy and his girlfriend rappel down one of the cliffs.
(Upon reaching the bottom, he immediately lit a cigarette and called up to his girlfriend to bring some beer down with her. Kristin truly got a taste of the South.) As I took in this beautiful, serene moment, I looked longingly at the water and said, "I wish I could just jump in." "Yeah, me too," said Kristin. She paused. "Wait a minute... you're actually serious."
And it was fantastic.
Kristin was then inspired to swim all the way across the pool.
I loved it! I mean, not every part. I don't enjoy the long walk to the bathroom, and the gross showers. But I was totally on board with everything else- hanging out, making s'mores, and sleeping in the back of my beloved Subaru. My bed was really comfortable! I can definitely do camping in the future.
We did not want to leave. It was so amazing to be swimming in this beautiful water with the leaves all changing colors.
But when we finally tore ourselves away, the drive to Meramec State Park was especially enjoyable. We talked about how we are more than friends, we are battle buddies. We have been in tough situations, and I know there's no one else I'd trust as much to have my back.
When we arrived at Meramec State Park, and the moment of truth was upon us: I was going to camp.
I loved it! I mean, not every part. I don't enjoy the long walk to the bathroom, and the gross showers. But I was totally on board with everything else- hanging out, making s'mores, and sleeping in the back of my beloved Subaru. My bed was really comfortable! I can definitely do camping in the future.
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