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Volunteer Beach Party

The OTA construction season may be over until September, but it doesn't mean OT volunteers can't get together to tell trail stories and enjoy each other's company. Yes.. it's time for the Annual OTA BEACH PARTY!

Everyone who's worked on the trail is invited. Don't be shy if you've only attended a single event-- come on down to Crawford County and enjoy a day swimming, fishing, hiking, eating and socializing. The Beach Party will be held on July 12th at John Roth's farm, located near the Berryman Trail and Courtois section of the Ozark Trail in Crawford County.  The farm features 330 acres of woods, bluffs, pasture and great swimming hole along a mile of the beautiful Courtois Creek. You can come for the day or bring your camping gear and spend and evening or two.

Saturday's beach festivities run from 10 am to 6 pm, with a hearty BBQ at 6 pm.   We'll congregate at the swimming hole, and there are rafts if you'd like to float the mile of Courtois that runs through the property.  The fishing is fair if you'd like to bring tackle.  There are also some half-completed trails and two ATVs if you'd like to take a spin through the pastures and woods. We'll have an evening bonfire, and maybe we'll see a few meteors as we chat the night away.

Food will be provided, but BYOB and a lawn chair (plus camping gear if you'll spend the night).  Everyone is welcome, but you have to sign up first! If you plan on attending, please take a moment to register via our online signup or email John. (If you'd like to bring a side-dish, indicate such in your sign-up comments)

Directions

FROM ST. LOUIS:
  1. Go west on I-44 from St. Louis.
  2. Get off at Exit 208, which is the Cuba exit.
  3. Turn left on Highway 19.  You'll be going South through Cuba.
  4. Continue on 19 about 8 miles to Steelville.
  5. Go through town.  At the end of the business district, you come to a stop sign.  Go straight.  You can reset your trip odometer at this point.
  6. You are now heading East on Highway 8 toward Potosi.  The road changes from 19 to 8 at the stop sign.
  7. Go about 12.5 miles or so.  You'll notice a road-side park on your left.  Start slowing down.
  8. Make the first left past the road-side park.  This is Blunt Road.  
  9. Go 4.1 miles down the gravel road.  Go slow.  It winds and turns, but it's a good road.
  10. You're now at a landmark called "Four Points."  Veer to the right.
  11. Go about 1 mile.  Keep to the right as you pass a side road.  Blunt Road ends right at the gate to the property!
  12. After you go through the gate, the house is about a half-mile down the hill.

FROM VAN BUREN & POPLAR BLUFF:

  1. Take the fastest route to Potosi. From Van Buren this is probably up Highway 21; from Poplar Bluff it is up Highway 67 and west on Highway 8.
  2. Go west on Highway 8 from Potosi.
  3. Travel on Highway 8 about 23-25 miles or so, past Berryman and Highway Y. 
  4. About 2 miles past  Highway Y you'll see a sign for a Roadside Park.  Slow down and make the first right past the Roadside Park sign onto Blunt Road. (If you get to the roadside park, turn around!)
  5. Go 4.1 miles down the gravel road.  Go slow.  It winds and turns, but it's a good road.
  6. You're now at a landmark called "Four Points."  Veer to the right.
  7. Go about 1 mile.  Keep to the right as you pass a side road.  Blunt Road ends right at the gate to the property!
  8. After you go through the gate, the house is about a half-mile down the hill.

The drive is less than 2 hours from St. Louis.  Below are two maps showing the farm.  The first is an overview, and the second shows more detail.

Please call (573) 786-2065 if you have any questions!