It’s funny how sometimes there’s a place that’s incredibly amazing within a few miles, but we don’t even know it’s there.
Every Tuesday since September, we’ve traveled 50 miles to bowl at a town north of us. I thought that in the past 5 months, we’d seen everything there is to see around that town.
Within 10 miles, there is an area called Clearwater Lake and we’ve ventured there many times. It’s very beautiful. One Saturday we went north about 20 miles and stumbled upon a campground, marina, and beach. So pretty there.
This time though, we took our feet to a hiking trail within 5 miles of the bowling alley. I’d heard about it, but we’d never been there.
My goodness. All I can say is nature’s grace was right around the corner! I was missing out and didn’t even know it. It’s called Lon Sanders Canyon Conservation Area and it’s part of the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Whoa. Simply put, it’s stunning. Huge rock walls, waterfalls, granite, clear water, stone steps, a path along the creek. Breathtaking beauty.
It’s like a combo pack of places we’ve been. It’s a touch of Colorado, a smidgen of Klepzig Mill 60 miles west of here, it sort of reminds me of Castor River Shut Ins northeast of us, and it’s even a bit like Johnson Shut Ins by Elephant Rocks State Park. Lon Sanders Canyon Conservation Area feels sort of familiar, but it’s totally new.
Spring is starting to show her lovely face, bringing longer days and sweet wild flowers. We will definitely be returning there to see nature’s spring show.
Thanks for reading. Hope you find some ‘under your nose but you don’t even know it’ nature treasure, too. Beauty unnoticed becomes beauty now noticed. Love that.
Jessica
©️ 2023 UNMEASURED JOURNEYS- ALL PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN BY ME- ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Unmeasured Journeys 
Beautiful steps – what a photographic fine!
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Wow! It looks like a gorgeous place for a peaceful walk or hike. I would return too!
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Thanks for sharing this peaceful idea.
Anita
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How wonderful that you found such a wonderful place to visit.
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Hi. Thanks so much. Makes me want to keep looking for other places I don’t know about.
How’s the city life going? Saw that you moved.
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As you know, I live in Missouri and I was completely unaware of this! Thanks for your post!
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You’re welcome. Makes me wonder what other areas we haven’t stumbled upon yet. Lon Sanders is at Piedmont.
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Wow, I could spend some time there, beautiful!
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Hi. I bet you’d really like it. Instant nature connection. ❤️
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How exciting to find something so beautiful right under your nose!
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Hi Anne, it sure was a treat. I kept walking around and saying, “who knew???”
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Looks beautiful! Those Missouri Dept of Conservation lands are real treasures! I have to be on the look out for more of them. Do you get the free Mo Dept of Conservation magazine? While we don’t hunt or fish, there are many interesting articles, and the photography is beautiful. Since you are such a talented photographer, you could even submit your photos to be published as they sometimes print reader’s photos. In any case, thanks for the reminder to look for treasures right in your own backyard! I bet it gorgeous in the fall!
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Wow, what a wonderful compliment, Betty. Thank you so very much! We used to get the magazine, but I forgot all about it. I’ll see if I can reorder it. I bet you’re right about the fall. The day we were there it was partly sunny. I bet color in that place really shines because the rocks are mostly black granite in places. I did take some pictures of green moss growing on the rock walls. Sooooo beautiful- the color contrast.
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Looks beautiful, and will be lovely place to explore during changing seasons.
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Hi, thank you. I still can’t believe how amazing it is. Can’t wait to go back.
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Oh, you’re absolutely right, it’s just beautiful (and looks really peaceful)! Isn’t it amazing how we sometimes miss out on these lovely places right on our doorstep – I’ll learn from your experience 🙂.
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Hello. It is amazing. It’s almost like, “wait, what? How did I not ever see this?” And, so close by where we go every Tuesday. It was peaceful, like you mentioned. The trail is mostly near the moving water. Love the sounds of water. Ocean or river. Either one. Saw your post about your beach camping trip. Wish I could go there. Looks very fun.
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