Posted by Bill Dark on October 18, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Here is a shot from Steele Creek yesterday morning, a great one to be outside. The color seems to be coming along a little better on the ridges here than the Richland Creek area, though there is quite a bit of color along Richland and Falling Water Creeks themselves. The ridges still look pretty green over there.
While I was in the RC area, I decided to see how bad the approach to the bridge was, since it has supposedly caused the closure of one of the nicest campgrounds in the state. When I got to the bridge, I could see a half-ton pickup parked on the other side of the creek. I got out of my truck and inspected the bridge, and concluded that, heck, I could drive a Ferarri across this thing. There is nothing wrong with the bridge. I talked to several government folks when I got to where I had cell phone service, and this is what I was told. The main reason that the camp is closed is because of the excessively long response time for law enforcement and emergency medical response, which comes from Witt Springs. I guess Richland Creek is becoming a popular party spot, and the ATVs have become a big problem. I almost ran head-on into two of them that were speeding around a corner as I was coming down the gravel road. One guy, with a girl on the back almost flipped it as he lost control in the ditch. I tell ya, those things are nothing but trouble for 95% of the people that own one. So, we can thank those irresponsible nutsacks that can't drive an ATV, and those that drive them into the wee hours of the morning after a case of beer - for the closure of RC...
I also found out that the landside encompasses 26 acres, and is growing. They are hoping to get the funding to fix it in the Spring. I was also told that they are keeping track of complaints - seems that might help them speed up getting the federal money from Washington. The phone number is 870-446-5122 if you would like to get your two cents in...
Posted by Bill Dark on October 18, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Here's a shot of one of the campsites at Fairview...
Posted by Mark Karpinski on October 18, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Wow!!! You should be very proud of that capture Bill, very stunning image!
Bummer about the ATV's, we have a very large problem with quads in a certain watershed up here in the northern ozarks and it has been a tough problem to deal with.
Posted by Tom Kennon on October 18, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Great shot, Bill, the clouds really add to the scene. It looks like things will be even better next weekend. Thanks for the report.
Posted by Bill Dark on October 18, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Thanks Mark and Tom. This was from one of my favorite locations, one I haven't shot since I've had my D2x. The river has to be down, or you need a canoe to get to it. It's not far from where Tim E. has shot several masterpieces, but I still haven't mustered the guts to go there. I guess I'm a wimp...
Here's one more - from the bridge at Richland Creek yesterday.
Posted by Wayne Rhodus on October 18, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Guts huh ... one wrong step and your "guts" would be splattered all over the riverbed below! Beautiful shots Bill, so vibrant and alive! Can't wait to join you next weekend ... keep your fingers crossed!
Posted by Brad Mangas on October 18, 2008 at 12:44 PM
The Steele Creek image is awesome Bill. Beautiful view. I'm already jealous of everyone who can make it to the fall gathering. I'm sure it will be every bit as fun and enjoyable as the spring, which I enjoyed tremendously.
Discussion
7 repliesWhile I was in the RC area, I decided to see how bad the approach to the bridge was, since it has supposedly caused the closure of one of the nicest campgrounds in the state. When I got to the bridge, I could see a half-ton pickup parked on the other side of the creek. I got out of my truck and inspected the bridge, and concluded that, heck, I could drive a Ferarri across this thing. There is nothing wrong with the bridge. I talked to several government folks when I got to where I had cell phone service, and this is what I was told. The main reason that the camp is closed is because of the excessively long response time for law enforcement and emergency medical response, which comes from Witt Springs. I guess Richland Creek is becoming a popular party spot, and the ATVs have become a big problem. I almost ran head-on into two of them that were speeding around a corner as I was coming down the gravel road. One guy, with a girl on the back almost flipped it as he lost control in the ditch. I tell ya, those things are nothing but trouble for 95% of the people that own one. So, we can thank those irresponsible nutsacks that can't drive an ATV, and those that drive them into the wee hours of the morning after a case of beer - for the closure of RC...
I also found out that the landside encompasses 26 acres, and is growing. They are hoping to get the funding to fix it in the Spring. I was also told that they are keeping track of complaints - seems that might help them speed up getting the federal money from Washington. The phone number is 870-446-5122 if you would like to get your two cents in...
Bummer about the ATV's, we have a very large problem with quads in a certain watershed up here in the northern ozarks and it has been a tough problem to deal with.
Here's one more - from the bridge at Richland Creek yesterday.