Sunday we left Osage Hills for Salt Plains State Park, which lies at the eastern end of a big lake and wetlands. We arrived about 5 pm and quickly set up at the Sandy Beach Campground in site 18, which was the number on my reservation. We were surrounded by daisies, on a lovely breezy hill overlooking the lake. And yes, there was a beach and swimming area down below.

But that was not our campsite! This was our campsite!

Prodded by a sneaking suspicion that we might not be in the right spot, we went in search of the camp office. Never did find that, but on the way we spotted another camping area and drove in—this one marked River Road Campground. We drove in and, lo and behold, there was a site 18. Now the RR018 on my reservation made sense. We returned to the first site, hooked up (thank goodness we had not bothered to unpack) and headed to the new site.

And this was a MUCH nicer spot. Right on the river, just below the dam, breezy, shaded—everything you could hope for. Russ even found a perfect spot for his hammock, which he’s taken to sleeping in every night that doesn’t rain.

The next morning we took Moe for his pre-breakfast constitutional up to the dam and spillway, where there were already fisherman on the banks. There is also a more primitive campground right next to the dam—really quite nice, with lots of shade trees and water hookups for each site (but no electricity).

Back in camp, we had breakfast. The wind is so brisk, Moe’s chair keept blowing over and Russ had trouble keeping the camp stove lit, so he had to use the burners in the camper (much to his discomfort).

Maybe later we could visit the wildlife preserve at the other end of the lake?