Ha Ha Tonka
Nestled in the hills on the outskirts of Camdenton, Mo. lies a beautiful natural area, that has breathtaking views from vistas high atop a cliff. Ha Ha Tonka is perfect for a weekend getaway, day trip, or afternoon stroll.
We started our adventure by going straight to the top. The view of the lake, down below, is worth the drive. Watching as the boats, kayaker’s and a large assortment of flying birds travel across the landscape. The area is structured in such a way that your vantage point is even with the wind tunnel formed by the hills. Hawks and vultures that are riding the thermals, pass by at eye level. They are so close, you expect them to wave.
Within this settlement the castle ruins can be found. Only portions of the buildings remain. The shells have become unstable enough, that now they stand safely behind a wooden fence. The area around the castle ruins has paved walking paths and several overlooks to the lake and spring below.
Ha Ha Tonka Spring & Lake as viewed from atop the cliff.
A family enjoying the same view from the photograph above.
The fishing docks where the start of dinner and stories of the one that got away begin.
A walking path that runs parallel to the spring. Later you will see some wonderful images of the reptiles that live in these waters.
A treetop overlook that sits over the path by the spring.
A family enjoying one of the many paved walking paths within Ha Ha Tonka.
Peaceful relaxation is what nature offers best, a cleansing of the soul.
A mother and child enjoy a quiet moment within this paradise, or this might need to be titled, even nature can’t stop the needs of a child.
Hikers headed down to the lower level of the castle ruins.
History buffs or nature lovers, either way they are getting as close as they can to take in beautiful architecture.
The northern wall of the castle.
A vulture flying over Ha Ha Tonka Lake
Riding the thermals high above the forest below.
Circling above the trees, patiently waiting for the first scent of the next meal.
A vulture spinning tight circles below the sun as it glows golden through the tips of the wings.
A vulture that turned perfectly at just the proper altitude.
Part two of our day was to visit the lake at the base of the cliff that supports the castle ruins. The lake is an extension of the Niangua arm of the Lake of the Ozarks. It features kayak rental, boat ramps and fishing docks. It is home to many types of birds and is fed by the spring, which we will feature later. It is bracketed by several walking paths and scenic overlooks. A day spent around and on the lake is a treasure beyond description.
A mother and daughter enjoying a beautiful day on the lake.
Kayaking and fishing, how can it be any better. This is the stuff that wonderful family memories are made of.
Dad and the young ones prepare to make a boating day even better. One day it will be skies, but today we are going to be pulled behind the boat on our raft!!
I am almost ready. who is with me?
One of the many people enjoying a walk beside the lake, some of us are getting as close as we can.
Two brisk walkers enjoying a rest just west of the lake.
Exploring the lake with kayaks is a wonderful way to spend this fantastic day.
This group is checking many boxes on the list of how to enjoy the lake.
Suns out, Dogs out!!
One of the several beautiful boats that we found on the lake.
This couple are enjoying the many sights on the lake as they wait for dinner to arrive.
Another great example of boats that inhibited the lake on this glorious day.
Another kayak rental taking advantage on the sunshine.
A mallard paddling along the lake.
This boat is exploring the lake, one can only assume it traveled in from the Lake of the Ozarks.
A Great Blue Heron looking for a different fishing spot.
The third part of our day might have been the most enjoyable. We experienced the reptiles, insects, amphibians and others that call the spring (which is the 12th largest in the state) home. As we strolled along the bank one beautiful creature after another caught our eye as it appeared before us, as if to say “hello”.
Red-eared sliders basking on logs.
A map turtle floating amongst the debris in the spring in Ha Ha Tonka. He blends in very nicely.
Sunning on a thin branch, this Blue Skimmer looks to recharge for a day of hunting small insects.
Enjoying the warmth of the sun as it sits atop a rock in the shallow waters of the spring. This allows the bullfrog to warm up the top side (sun) and the bottom side (rock).
We got to watch this red-eared slider climb up on the log. It took several tries, then it broke out in a wonderful pose for us.
A water snake doing what snakes do so well, having a lung that runs the length of its body really helps.
Another beautiful sight, we found this black rat snake (this ID is a guess, there are no visible markings and the green is from the water/light) hunting for small fish along the bank.
Centipede or millipede, two legs at each joint so millipede it is, it was a pleasure to watch it manuver up the post.
Another map turtle sitting on a floating log.
We all have to breath, even while we are staying out of a predators bullseye.
A beautiful bullfrog posing for an afternoon photoshoot.
Umm no, find your own rock.
A prairie lizard collecting heat using radiation (sun) and conduction (heat from the rock).