An aqua blue spring with crystal clear water flows into the nearby Current River. Round Spring was my destination in Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
Gazing at the Blue Waters of Round Spring
Dad Hikes: Piney Creek Ravine Nature Preserve
The largest area of Native American Rock art in Illinois is found at Piney Creek Ravine Nature Preserve. This 198-acre nature preserve also has cascading waterfalls and colorful limestone cliffs. Our Hike Starting the Hike It was a whole family trip including the dog. The two-mile loop trail begins between two farm fields from the gravel parking lot. Next, we came to a second sign…
Dad Hikes: Meramec Conservation Area
Meramec River views and caves are some of the sites at Meramec Conservation Area. This area is just across the river from the more well-known Meramec State Park, which I will talk about in my next blog. 1.3 Mile Woodland Trail at Meramec Conservation Area Finding The Cave I spent my time here exploring the paved ADA access Woodland Trail through the woods. (Although, a…
Feeding Barnyard Animals at Suson Park
Checking out barnyard animals with my son Andrew at Suson Park Animal Farm in south St. Louis County was our Friday fun day.
Bird Watching at World Bird Sanctuary
A zoo for birds can be found at World Bird Sanctuary in western St. Louis County just off Interstate 44. Here you can see North American birds such as eagles to Australian birds such as a kookaburra. History of World Bird Sanctuary Walter Crawford who grew up in Venezuela among the exotic birds in the jungles founded the sanctuary. He worked at the St. Louis…
Dad Hikes: Lone Elk Park
Lone Elk Park in West County St. Louis is the only place where you are guaranteed to see elk or bison in a gated park. Here you can hike the 3.2-mile earthen and rock White Bison Trail in the elk section or you can see the wildlife by driving through the park on a mostly one-lane road. While you are here be on the lookout…
2020 Top Ten Dad Hikes
Here are the top ten hikes I liked the most in 2020. I chose them based on length, how much I enjoyed them, and what natural beauty I saw. Lon Sanders Canyon: My Favorite Shut-Ins Short Hike Waterfalls and shut-ins in a rocky gorge are what you will find at Lon Sanders Canyon Conservation Area in the Missouri Ozarks. Dad Hikes: Silver Mines A mineshaft and a cascading…
Top Ten Travelogues and Memoirs for 2020
Here are my 2020 Top Ten Travelogues/Memoirs that I have found inspirational and gave me insight into other countries in the world. I hope these books help you find a journey of discovery about yourself and others. Walking the Amazon by Ed Stafford In April 2008 Ed Stafford set out to be the first person to ever walk the entire length of the Amazon River….
About the Author: Todd Allen Smith
Author Todd Allen Smith’s credentials include 20 years of experience as a writer. He has worked professionally as a reporter and editor for both newspapers and websites. He has a Master’s in Journalism from the University of Kansas. He has shared his viewpoints on the Kirkwood Missouri City Council shooting with the New York Times, Newsweek, MSN, and local media outlets in St. Louis. He is still…
Media Interviews
Kirkwood mass shooting survivor pens book on survival, moving forward Edwardsville resident, former journalist shot twice pens books Todd Smith, Reporter Who Survived Kirkwood Mass Shooting, Writes Book Shooting Survivor Tells Tale Reporter Todd Smith’s scars will never heal after Kirkwood New York Times Interview on Losing Job After Taking a Bullet for My Newspaper Giving Back to the Community After the Shooting MSNBC Interview…
