-Pickle Springs- St. Genevieve, Mo.

Shop was closed for the day so I did what I do best, I hit the trail
Established in 1986 Pickle Springs has become one of the more well known trails in the St. Louis area. This has always been a favorite of my Grandparents yet we have never done it together. That must change this year. Today's weather was perfect for a hike. 45 deg and brilliant blue sky's. I found myself daydreaming on the way there with each farmhouse I passed. Placing myself in these hill's working off the land. What a wonderful life. Hard, yes but at the same time so fulfilling.

From the trail-head I knew instantly this was going to be a muddy trek. What appeared to be hard trail was sludge. Oh well, not enough to keep me away.

At the beginning of the loop you are greeted with a sign which describes the various landmarks you will come along.

I chose to start left knowing that the best would be waiting for me near the end of the trail. Throughout the entire hike you are welcomed by many interesting rock formations. I suffer from a condition called "Pareidolia" no, you didn't see it on a commercial of the latest and greatest pill you should tell your doctor you need. It's the Phenomenon of seeing faces in inanimate shapes and objects. Lol. Seem's everywhere I go on a hike I will see faces in the rocks. Sometimes others see it and sometimes they look at me like I'm crazy.

Here are a few more of the amazing rock formations

Some of which seem to defy gravity.

Once I started getting down into the canyon the frozen waterfalls started to stick out in the distance. Looks like I arrived just in time to see them before the warmer rains come in the next couple days.

Among all the different shades of brown are patches of bright green that thrive off the dripping falls.