(Fishing in the Bennett Spring branch)
Founded by pioneers in the mid-19th century (most notably the James Brice and Peter Bennett families), the spring originally was used to power a series of grist and flour mills along the immediate stream and nearby Niangua River. By the dawn of the 20th century, however, the area had moved from an industrial site to a tourist magnet. With a fish hatchery built in 1923, the stream started releasing fresh "mountain trout" daily, luring (pun intended) avid fishermen to the Bennet Springs area for a tranquil getaway in the Ozark Mountains.
Today the park draws 800,000 visitors annually who come to test their angling skills, hike the nearby trails, or just explore the 3200 acre complex. On Wednesday Sabrina and I added ourselves to the mix. We wandered some of the trails, viewed the fish hatchery basins, and enjoyed the serenity of the spring-fed stream where dozens of anglers silently taunted the trout with their fly rods.
(Prior to the pioneer settlement in the 19th century, the Osage Nation used the spring as an area for fishing, camping and festivals. They believed the spring was created from an earthquake brought on by their Creator and subsequently named it "Eye of the Sacred One," as they thought it resembled an eye that was crying. The spring emits 103,000,000 gallons of fresh water, daily!)
(Anglers perch themselves at the top and bottom of the fish hatchery dam. Built in 1930 by the Civilian Conservation Corps the dam serves to make the spring more inhabitable for rainbow trout - a non-native fish species)
(The hatchery predates the state park by two years and stocks up to 420,000 rainbow trout into the stream annually)
Had it not been nearly 90 degrees - even in the shade - we might have stayed longer, but Sabrina was panting heavily and even a a long drink from the stream didn't abate her fatigue and exertion. A couple of fishermen on their late afternoon lunch-breaks even commented on how "the pooch look[ed] tired." After a couple of pats on the head from the friendly admirers - who Sabrina was all too-happy to sniff their waders (which undoubtedly smelled like a fine trout supper) - we made our way back to the car.
Since my air conditioning went out a few weeks ago (don't worry, it's in the shop getting fixed today as I write this blog), I've been enjoying the old-fashioned amenities of a 460 AC (4 windows down at 60 miles an hour). Sabrina likes the arrangement quite well, as she is able to stick her snout out of the backseat window at any time and take in a deep breath of the cool, country air. However, on Wednesday there was nothing "cool" about the air. It was thick and humid and even the breeze seemed heavy as it came in through the windows.
By the time we returned home at 4 o'clock both the dog and I were ready for a nice cold one. As Sabrina sauntered to her bowl by the door, I opened the refrigerator and scanned the shelves. I grabbed a Bud Light, kicked off my shoes, sat down on the living room floor next to the air register, and just enjoyed the quiet of the house. Sabrina came over and laid her head in my lap, water dripping from her snout onto my shorts and bare leg. She looked up at me with her solemn brown eyes and I could tell she was exhausted...exhausted, but happy.
As I scratched behind her ears she slowly closed her eyes and I realized that I wasn't going to be able to move for a good while since I feel horrible about waking a sleeping dog. But that was okay, I was content on the floor, the cold air blowing at the back of my shirt. I laid my head against the wall and realized that I may very well pass out right there too, exhausted from the afternoon in the sun...exhausted, but happy.
References:
MO State Parks - Bennett Spring
Bennett Spring State Park
Mizzou Dept. of Conservation - Bennett Spring Fish Hatchery
Bennett Springs - A Fisherman's Paradise
No comments:
Post a Comment