I'm not an Ozark Plateau native by a long shot... but I'd like to think I've become one of its most ardent "adopted sons." In the almost six years I've lived in Southeastern Missouri, I've come to appreciate and love the magnificence of its scenery and the down-to-earth genuineness of its people. In fact, it is my fondest hope and intention to spend the rest of my life in what I believe to be one of the most unique and beautiful locations in the world.
I'd like to share a little bit about areas of the country where I lived before moving to the Ozark Plateau Region...
I grew up in the Southwest Texas border town of El Paso, the son of a rocket scientist and his stay-at-home wife. They both worked long hours to make a wonderful home for themselves and me, their only child. I spent my childhood years living in a ranch style home, less than a quarter-of-a-mile from the arid desert sands.
After completing high school in 1975, I moved 400-miles further west to the Phoenix suburb of Tempe where I attended college at Arizona State University. While there, I earned a bachelor of science degree in broadcasting and learned quickly what a palm tree looks like. My five years spent living in "The Valley of the Sun" were among the most enjoyable of my life. They were also, without a doubt, the hottest!
When I first mentioned moving to Arizona, Dad contacted a friend living in Tempe who'd recently started a metal detector company. He asked his friend if his company had any part-time job openings for a college student with few, if any, marketable skills. That's how I ended up working outdoors in the 117-degree heat dipping electrical wires in a vat of molten solder. Small scars still visible on my forearms remind me of when the molten metal would suddenly "pop," stinging and burning wherever it came in contact with my skin. I was actually relieved when, after two weeks on the job, the boss said he was "going to have to let me go." I can't say I shed any tears in losing THAT job!
After earning an undergraduate degree in 1980 and spending an additional year working a full-time job, I moved to the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex where I split my time between attending graduate school and working part-time to support my new wife.
After leaving the Metroplex we moved northwest to the red soiled flatlands of Elk City, Okla. We lived there three years before another job offer in 1984 led us to the town of Durant, just 15 minutes north of the Oklahoma/Texas border. In our more than seven years living in Durant, we thoroughly enjoyed its close proximity to the big city charms of Dallas as well as the natural wonders of Western Arkansas.
Another new job in 1990 meant a move to Maryville, Tenn., a suburb of Knoxville. We literally lived only 15-minutes from the entrance to the Great Smokies National Park. Weekends were most often spent checking out a family music show, old-fashioned craft sale or quaint restaurant. Sometimes, however, we'd spend our time simply basking in the region's breathtaking natural beauty.
In 1994 we moved once more — this time to the state of Missouri. The home office was located in Jefferson City but my job required spending most weeks traveling around the state by car. Moving to Fredericktown, Mo. in March 2002, I was immediately taken by the beautiful, green, rolling hills of the Mark Twain Forest. Within months of my arrival, a temporary writing job led me to first visit the region's historic Arcadia Valley. I was immediately taken by the area's majestic forests, sparkling streams and peaceful lakes surrounded by the rugged St. Francois Mountain Range.
With the start of a new job in Ironton, I began making a daily 50-minute round trip to and from work. In all my years of commuting, I've never looked forward to driving to work like I do now! I arrive at the office feeling refreshed and revitalized rather than wearied and stressed... the way I felt after past commutes. Imagine! My travel time is spent each day admiring some of the most beautiful and inspiring scenery to be seen anywhere.
I've found it's rare to hold a conversation with an area native who doesn't recommend I try some out-of-the-way bed and breakfast, mouthwatering restaurant or eclectic antique shop. In the course of drives I've taken around both Iron and Reynolds counties, it's not unusual for me to discover some out-of-the-way canoe rental place, well-maintained campground or accessible RV park I've never noticed before. It's true... the more time one spends investigating the Ozark Plateau Region, the more unique treasures one realizes are yet to be discovered!
Yes, if asked, I will plead guilty to the charge of being an unabashed cheerleader for Missouri's Ozark Plateau Region. My love for this area has, in fact, provided me with a new calling to make others aware of this largely unknown tourist destination so they, too, can experience firsthand the region's many charms and incredible beauty.
I invite you to come to this site often as together we discover the many unique sights, sounds and scenery that make this area what I like to call "a practically perfect piece of picturesque paradise."
P.S. Take a little time and check out the other links listed on this page. By visiting sites like the brand new www.missouri-vacations.com you can learn much more about the Ozark Plateau Region and all the wonderful things it has to offer.
I'd like to share a little bit about areas of the country where I lived before moving to the Ozark Plateau Region...
I grew up in the Southwest Texas border town of El Paso, the son of a rocket scientist and his stay-at-home wife. They both worked long hours to make a wonderful home for themselves and me, their only child. I spent my childhood years living in a ranch style home, less than a quarter-of-a-mile from the arid desert sands.
After completing high school in 1975, I moved 400-miles further west to the Phoenix suburb of Tempe where I attended college at Arizona State University. While there, I earned a bachelor of science degree in broadcasting and learned quickly what a palm tree looks like. My five years spent living in "The Valley of the Sun" were among the most enjoyable of my life. They were also, without a doubt, the hottest!
When I first mentioned moving to Arizona, Dad contacted a friend living in Tempe who'd recently started a metal detector company. He asked his friend if his company had any part-time job openings for a college student with few, if any, marketable skills. That's how I ended up working outdoors in the 117-degree heat dipping electrical wires in a vat of molten solder. Small scars still visible on my forearms remind me of when the molten metal would suddenly "pop," stinging and burning wherever it came in contact with my skin. I was actually relieved when, after two weeks on the job, the boss said he was "going to have to let me go." I can't say I shed any tears in losing THAT job!
After earning an undergraduate degree in 1980 and spending an additional year working a full-time job, I moved to the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex where I split my time between attending graduate school and working part-time to support my new wife.
After leaving the Metroplex we moved northwest to the red soiled flatlands of Elk City, Okla. We lived there three years before another job offer in 1984 led us to the town of Durant, just 15 minutes north of the Oklahoma/Texas border. In our more than seven years living in Durant, we thoroughly enjoyed its close proximity to the big city charms of Dallas as well as the natural wonders of Western Arkansas.
Another new job in 1990 meant a move to Maryville, Tenn., a suburb of Knoxville. We literally lived only 15-minutes from the entrance to the Great Smokies National Park. Weekends were most often spent checking out a family music show, old-fashioned craft sale or quaint restaurant. Sometimes, however, we'd spend our time simply basking in the region's breathtaking natural beauty.
In 1994 we moved once more — this time to the state of Missouri. The home office was located in Jefferson City but my job required spending most weeks traveling around the state by car. Moving to Fredericktown, Mo. in March 2002, I was immediately taken by the beautiful, green, rolling hills of the Mark Twain Forest. Within months of my arrival, a temporary writing job led me to first visit the region's historic Arcadia Valley. I was immediately taken by the area's majestic forests, sparkling streams and peaceful lakes surrounded by the rugged St. Francois Mountain Range.
With the start of a new job in Ironton, I began making a daily 50-minute round trip to and from work. In all my years of commuting, I've never looked forward to driving to work like I do now! I arrive at the office feeling refreshed and revitalized rather than wearied and stressed... the way I felt after past commutes. Imagine! My travel time is spent each day admiring some of the most beautiful and inspiring scenery to be seen anywhere.
I've found it's rare to hold a conversation with an area native who doesn't recommend I try some out-of-the-way bed and breakfast, mouthwatering restaurant or eclectic antique shop. In the course of drives I've taken around both Iron and Reynolds counties, it's not unusual for me to discover some out-of-the-way canoe rental place, well-maintained campground or accessible RV park I've never noticed before. It's true... the more time one spends investigating the Ozark Plateau Region, the more unique treasures one realizes are yet to be discovered!
Yes, if asked, I will plead guilty to the charge of being an unabashed cheerleader for Missouri's Ozark Plateau Region. My love for this area has, in fact, provided me with a new calling to make others aware of this largely unknown tourist destination so they, too, can experience firsthand the region's many charms and incredible beauty.
I invite you to come to this site often as together we discover the many unique sights, sounds and scenery that make this area what I like to call "a practically perfect piece of picturesque paradise."
P.S. Take a little time and check out the other links listed on this page. By visiting sites like the brand new www.missouri-vacations.com you can learn much more about the Ozark Plateau Region and all the wonderful things it has to offer.
