Friday morning we went for a drive with the Dixons to see what fall at the Columbia Bottoms Conservation area looks like. This dramatic view of the ripe grass is toward the east.For more information on conservation programs, visit the web site here.
We stopped first at the visitor center and purchased Natural Events calendars for next year. This year's entry for Nov. 14 is blank, but Nov. 15 says: Most leaves have fallen; forest floor blanketed. Yep, that's right. The calendars and other items can be ordered online here.
The Columbia Bottoms Area is one of two spots to clearly see the confluence of the Missouri (near side) and Mississippi (far side) rivers. The point in the center of the photo marks where they meet, and the trees are part of a Missouri State Park that offers a chance to stand right at the confluence. The water in both rivers was much lower than when we visited this spot in August. Click here to see the photo of the same spot on August 3.
Looking down river from the observation area, we can see an old eagle's nest in the distance. Its a tiny black spot in the trees on the bank in the center of the photo. If you click to enlarge the picture, you might be able to make out the nest. (Dear Santa, I need a camera with longer than a 3x zoom if I'm going to keep taking pictures like this. )Also, note the many sand bars and small dams that were not visible in the spring or summer when water was high.
The day was cloudy and drizzly but mild; temps were in the 50s ahead of a cold front forecast to arrive overnight. We stopped for a hearty lunch (quesadilla tejana platters) at a favorite Mexican restaurant in Florissant. It was a low-key, pleasant outing that we enjoyed very much.
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