Icy Meramec River while hiking the River Scene Trail in Castlewood State Park with the family and dogs Christmas Day.

Hiking Kiefer Creek with Crick on the shortest day of the year.

The Meramec River at the beach in Castlewood State Park while hiking the River Scene Trail with Crick on a chilly December evening.

Morning walk on the bluffs overlooking the Meramec River in Castlewood State Park.

Morning walk on the bluffs in Castlewood State Park Thanksgiving morning.

Wildlife Rescue Center at the end New Ballwin Road in Castlewood on a warm Thursday evening in the middle of November.

Shot a buck, with my Nikon that is, while wandering off trail with Crick on the bluffs in Castlewood. He was keeping an eye on Crick!

I've had my morning coffee, the sun is shining, all is good on the bluffs in Castlewood.

Hazy morning on the bluffs at sunrise, October 2016.

Fall colors on the bluffs in Castlewood State Park October 2016.

Train tracks below the bluffs in Castlewood State Park October 2016.

Fungus on a tree while hiking the River Scene Trail in Castlewood State Park.

Fishing in the Meramec on a warm late afternoon in October at Castlewood State Park.

Fall colors in Castlewood State Park on a warm late afternoon in October 2016.

View from the bluffs in Castlewood State Park on a Sunday morning in October with a cup of coffee.

View from the bluffs overlooking the Meramec River in Castlewood State Park

View from the bluffs in Castlewood State Park at the start of the Labor Day Weekend.

Castlewood bluffs on a hot and humid afternoon in August 2016.

Enjoying the view from the bluffs overlooking the Meramec River on a morning hike in Castlewood State Park.

Trumpet Creepers on the bluffs in Castlewood State Park

Lightning strikes a live oak tree, sending bark flying in Castlewood State Park in July.

Lightning strikes a live oak tree, sending bark flying in Castlewood State Park in July.

The Meramec River at Castlewood on a hot and humid Sunday morning in July.

High heat and humidity made for a good day to hike with Crick in Kiefer Creek at Castlewood State Park.

Saturday evening hike along the Meramec River on the Stinging Nettle Trail in Castlewood State Park.