The gravel roads around here often do not have stop signs where two gravels meet. So, since nobody will be stopping, make sure your van drivers slow down and look both ways before crossing these types of intersections. It’s an issue mostly on the way to the Butters site.

For those at the Ellington bunkhouse, you will take highway 106 then 17 to get over to the Houston pits site. On your return, as you are driving east, you will pass through the intersection of 17 and 106 in Summersville. This is the stupidest intersection I have ever seen. To make a left turn from 17 to 106, they have a sliding left that takes you straight into oncoming traffic on 106 but you can’t see the stop sign until after you make the turn (which I saw at the last moment and only because a semi was coming right at me and I stopped). You will understand when you see the intersection. Just be very alert when going from Houston home to Ellington via Summersville.

I think Missouri is the roadkill capital of the US. I don’t know why but our deer get hit a lot (as well as armadillos, possums, coons and skunks). There are also elk wandering around the Peck Ranch area and up to Ellington. Drive carefully, especially at twilight and night. Most of the backroads around the contest site are very hilly and curvy and animals will pop out quickly. Keep your speed down and arrive home safely.

Unfortunately, the beautiful Rocky Falls waterfall is dry (unless it rains). This part of the state hasn’t had rain all summer. It is still the only rhyolite exposure in the contest area.

How to have privacy in the bunkhouse showers. This is an issue for everyone because who wants to bare all to their team. To help solve this, I am going to place chairs in front of all the showers stalls. Stand outside the shower stall and get your water temperature adjusted correctly. Once the temperature is fine, turn off water, get in shower, remove clothes, place on chair just outside stall. Turn water on, Shower. Turn water off, reach your towel and clothes, get dressed in privacy of the shower stall.

Everyone needs to bring their own towels and sheets/sleeping bag or whatever. Beds are just mattresses with a vinyl covering. There are pillows but you’ll probably want to bring your own.

The free MOFEP (Missouri Ozark Forest Ecosystem Project) housing is provided by the Missouri Department of Conservation and is used by researchers, trail builders, students, etc. There are no janitors or anyone who cleans up after us. That is our responsibility. I’ve posted the MOFEP housing rules on our website so please keep them clean and leave it as you find it. Follow the instructions on how to leave the facility at the end of your stay.