The vast majority of my trips have been either solo, or with a very small group of friends. This past weekend I tried something new. Weird, huh? I was convinced to join up with some folks in the Ozarks for a Budget Overland listener Campout.
The group met up just outside of Independence Ks and camped. I didn't get off work until late so I was the last to arrive. I showed up, we chatted and crashed.
The next day
Breaking camp after first night.
Posing by
Tim, on Flickr
We headed out and since we were in the area I wanted to stop at Picher Oklahoma, one of the biggest ecological disaster sites in the US.
Picher Oklahoma by
Tim, on Flickr
We toured around briefly looking at the devastation this poor town has endured. Between the poison in the groundwater to the tornado that destroyed half the existing buildings, it's become clear that no one should live here.
In stark contract to the dismal gray and polluted surroundings, one of the few remaining buildings was brightly decorated for Christmas.
Picher Oklahoma by
Tim, on Flickr
It was heart breaking to see the neighborhood empty, burned and decaying with giant piles of waste from the lead mines below, that caused so much polution
Picher Oklahoma by
Tim, on Flickr
Melanie, one in our group, shared stories of her childhood of visiting Picher prior to the town being shut down. Her good childhood memories were stark contrast to what we were seeing. If you're unfamiliar with Picher and mess surrounding it, do some google searching or check out YT vids on the topic.
Leaving the mess behind we moved on toward our destination in the Ozarks. The weather didn't improve much, but the views sure did. Especially as we started getting in the hills and away from the southeastern edge of the Great Plains.
Misty hills by
Tim, on Flickr
The turnout for the meet up was smaller than what I was expecting, but that's not a bad thing. Those who showed up didn't allow the cool and damp weather to affect their mood. My little mall crawler was among the milder of the group. She stayed safe at the camp when we took a brief trail ride the next day.
Camp by
Tim, on Flickr
Although I think it would have done just fine, it's not the toy... that's why I have the XJ. This one did just fine... (not mine)
SPLASH by
Tim, on Flickr
Stopped and checked out the Narrows (pronounced "Nars")
the narrows by
Tim, on Flickr
The rest of the weekend was full of hanging out, taking pictures, talking, eating and having a bit too much whisky. It was a memorable trip full of meeting some really cool and interesting people with neat stories and experiences. If you're interested be sure to check out the Budget Overland, BATS Off-Road and Friends, and Lady Overland Radio. They put on a great event in a very beautiful location.
The ride back was a bit rushed. We got a late start, mainly because I was slow. Had to stop to address a small problem with the trailer, and even to do some site seeing at Thorncrown Chapel.
Thorncrown Chapel by
Tim, on Flickr
More pix in the album.
Budget Overland listener meet up in the Ozarks. What a wonderful trip!!!
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