Not too many folks realize that we have a great trail so close. Meet Bob at the paved trailhead parking lot on Hwy. The West Loop of the Shores Lake to White Rock Loop Trail is still closed, and will be so until further notice. It has also come to my attention that we have a fine crop of ticks this year in the woods-more than I have ever seen in the Ozarks before. So Soft, DEET, etc.
Many people are just down right afraid of ticks, but there is absolutely no reason to be.
As you hike, stop every so often and check yourself for the little critters. You don't need a match, or finger nail polish, or one of those special tick-grabbers. Even if the tick has already bitten into you, just grab it as close to your skin as possible, and pull it off. And enjoy the rest of your hike. Most of you have heard this expression before.