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Thursday, August 23, 2012

Ozarks Mills Tour


Ozarks Mills Tour


On Monday, August 20, Allison, Nancy and I went on the 5-Mill Ozarks Mills Tour of Ozark County that we have said we were going to do for the three years we have been here since our retirement. We used the excellent Phyllis Rossiter "The Mills of Ozark County" website as a guide (see the excellent map on the website). [Many of you have likely seen the 42 photos Allison posted on Facebook...]

We drove east on State Highway 76, picked up U. S. 160 east through Taney County and into Ozark County to Gainesville. To start the tour we drove east of Gainesfill on 160 to the intersection with PP to located Old Dawt Mill.

This is a photo Allison took of the wheel on the end of the Dawt Mill building.


The restaurant was closed on Monday, the day we were there. This location is primarily known as a great canoe and kayak location on the North Fork of the White River.




I'll later add a link here to a more detailed account of our visit to The Old Dawt Mill.

Next we went to the Hodgson Mill, probably the most familiar and most well-known Mill on the Tour.




This is the photo I took of Allison by the pond in front of the Mill. This mill sits on top of a huge spring that "spews" nearly 3 million gallons of "clear, cold water" a day. Amazing. This mill also has the most working parts and mechanics still in place, even though it is no longer a working mill. The "Hodgson Mill" floor and other products, that you may see in your stores, are now produced in a modern mill in Gainesville. In it's day, this mill not only ground corn, but powered a cotton gin, a lumber mill and a clothing factory, ... as well as generated electricity for all the mill-site enterprises.

Again, I'll post a link to my more expansive coverage a little later.

Next was a drive by of the Zanoni Mill which now sits on the grounds of the Zanoni Mill Inn (and Ranch), private property just off the highway, but with a road and turnaround access. It is the one with the well-preserved example of a rare overshot millwheel. This is also from the photo Allison took.


Next was the Rockbridge Mill which is now part of major Trout Fishing and Hunting preserve - with a fine restaurant. The mill itself now serves at the Club, open in the afternoon and evening for the guest who want a drink in a unique setting (Photo of Mill Club by Allison). The dam is directly behind.


Nice stream and dam in the rear.




Across the parking lot from the Mill Club on the side hill is the Restaurant, with several housing units in the background.




Allison got this nice closeup of Nancy waiting for us to take our photos around the Mill.




Here we are enjoying a fine meal.


There will be a more detailed story of this visit, as well.


We finished our trip by locating the Hammond Mill at the far end of a gravel road. The current owners are in the process of renovation of this mill location. It is a relic only, but still fascinating. The lady we talked to said the prior owners had added the big round window. It was obvious it is now set up as a residence... at lease the top two floors. Only time will tell the next life of this mill.




We had left home a little after 10 am and returned home right at 5 pm - it was a very good day!  ;-)

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Whole family at Fun Spot on Saturday


Whole family at Fun Spot on Saturday



First, we had great pizza, in same building as the Family Fun Spot - across the parking lot from the Grand County complex... this building used to be a souvenir shop.

Then, Grandpa and Grandma 'watched' Kaylee play in the 'ball room' while Allison, Arrion and Alex went to play Lazr Tag - a great experience for them!


Kaylee's ballroom was two stories with lots of climbing, a slide, and more. She was constantly in motion, of course. She loves playing around other kids. There plenty.


That is her face in the window!


Barely caught her here, before she headed back up the stairs!


After a while, she was done with the ball room, and went on to other games... Arrion left me with a card to play them... she knew what was coming. I only was able to catch her on this one - actually making basket! She got many tickets here, and a few on other games.

When the guys finished Lazr Tag, we all got back together and the kids had ice cream, before we went home. They go home, tomorrow, on Sunday.

It was another neat day; a great week!  ;-)

Friday, August 3, 2012

Nancy's Birthday with kids here


Nancy's Birthday with kids here


What better birthday could a Grandma have?


Reading Allison's birthday card together


After eating a piece of cake each, Grandma took a break, and sorted the taffy the kids brought back this afternoon; some to stay with Grandma, some to go with the kids... so everyone got their favorites.


Earlier, Kaylee on her iPad... anywhere, anytime...


This and following were from their first and second days here.


Allison enjoyed the kids, the kids liked having Allison around...


Kaylee modeled her princess costume from Disneyland - she is to grow into it!  ;-)
Lovely, huh?!


Kaylee was just the right age for a lot of the toys in the loft; she played and played, with toys and dolls and Dora with clothes - often as teacher to the dolls!  ;-)


Alex was on vacation, so a lot of Wii time - he played Pitfall from beginning to End!!
Then, he started Harvest Moon, Tree of Tranquility, and did really well! ;-)


Kaylee helped Arrion make cupcakes in the cupcake maker!  ;-)


Grandma checks out the cupcake recipes...

Added Saturday, compliments of Allison Facebook posting. THANKS! ;-)

Ate at Bob Evans restaurant for Grandma Nancy's Birthday. Yum! ;-)


We have had a great week, with tomorrow yet to come! ;-)