I recently went camping in one of the many nearby conservation areas Rippee, just outside of Ava, Missouri. It was primitive camping, so no: person in charge, shower, flushing toilet, running water or electric hook-ups. It was also gorgeous and free. The sites did each have a concrete picnic table, fire ring, and gravel drive.
During last year’s trip to the Ozarks, this was where we camped and between the many natural sights and experiences, and the charm of the sweet people, I was hooked and convinced that yes, this is an area of the country where my spirit would be both inspired and find a soothing calm. One year later, I was happy to be back, as a nearby resident and know that this is a short ride away, all of the time.
Last July, there were a few other families camping, but many spots were open, which was fine for privacy and quiet, as there isn’t much separating the sites. After a few nights, the other guests broke camp and gifted us their remaining firewood on the way out.
We stayed on one more night, having the whole place to ourselves. Two adults in a SUV built out with a platform for sleeping and storage, and a teenager in a tent with a dog. That was magical. No cellphone signal and in a 418 acre nature area, we were in the wilderness. I have never seen so many stars in my life as I did on that trip, while on a night walk on a bridge over the rushing creek. It was also my first time hearing coyotes yipping in the distance. The sounds of frogs, crickets and sight of blinking fireflies paled to that experience.
That was last year, and after we packed up it was back to South Florida. While it was an amazing experience, I did bring back one souvenir that was not so good, a chigger bite. I never felt it happen, but after days of walking around in the mountains, playing in the cool, shallow waters of the creek and walking paths back to the campsite, it was inevitable.
I come from a family of hypochondriacs and have seen too many doctors in my lifetime, for a healthy person. I tried every over the counter remedy I could find and waited weeks before I caved and went to a dermatologist. He diagnosed what I already knew, but prescribed some ointment that made it heal faster and I was happy.
One year later, back to enjoying the same wonderful camping area and bringing lots of natural and DEET laden sprays. Again, amid humid days, we lavished in the cool, clear creek beneath the moss covered cliffs. The water was shallow and fun to explore with wet shoes on. This time we took a huge walk down the creek, all by water. We encountered many fish and a crayfish as we wound our way along the creek bed, often shaded by leaves of arching trees overhead. Some parts were deep enough to swim in, while others, floating in the gentle current was fun, but to stop, one only needed to reach down a foot and stand up.
This year the campground was packed. From groups in tents, to the largest, fanciest RV I have seen to date. Neighbors were kind and respectful as usual. One family asked us to keep an eye on their puppy that was tied up, had shade and water, but would not be good for their float trip for miles down the creek where someone was picking them up later. In exchange, they gave us a ride to the start of our river walk – a nice break as the long walk on land, at the start, would have been uncomfortable, albeit doable.
This was a shorter trip than last year, a two night stay. I made sure to keep socks on when I wasn’t in the water, but I gave in to wearing shorts by day. And again, I never felt it happen. This time I had several chigger bites. They itch like crazy and take too long to heal. I couldn’t believe all of those other people camping, kids in bathing suits all day long, were dealing with the same situation.
I learned a few lessons: locals use more DEET than I do and reapply it often, they accept bug bites as part of country life, and they know the magic of the plantain plant. I had to undo my South Florida training and accept that plantain was another plant besides an alternative to a banana, that I knew from Latin culture. I had been told to try it and had trouble believing that locals picked the green leaves, chewed them and put them on the bites for instant relief. Was it safe to ingest?
I found that some people make a salve from the plant, and braver people make it with their mouths (and yes, it is safe) . We had it all over our yard. After researching different recipes/methods for making it, I tried it. Oh Mama! I’m a believer. I picked, washed, dried leaves on a towel and then hung them to dry for days, followed a recipe and slowed cooked them in oil, strained them, adding other ingredients and applied the salve. I don’t have much to which I can compare that relief.
Beyond nothing, I felt a soothing, calm across my skin. It smelled clean. It didn’t stain my clothes and I saw redness disappearing within hours. I felt so empowered. I made my own medicine, and with no side effects. It came out of my yard! Henry David Thoreau’s “Self-Reliance” essay came to mind. Of course I want doctors around, but taking part in my own healing for minor woes, and learning, made me feel less vulnerable and dependent.
As someone dear to me describes this place, “It’s Paradise, with bugs.”