Charles Parrish | Dexter, MO Barber

For the April edition of Rural Missouri magazine, I did a story about a long-time barber in Dexter — Charles Parrish. For more than four decades he has been a constant in the small, Bootheel town. He has even had the same chair.

Over the years he has cut just about everyone in town's hair. "From millionaires to people on welfare," adds Charles. "Everyone needs a haircut."

His tiny barber shop is like stepping back in time. There are no flat screen TVs on the wall or the latest pop music blasting through speakers. Just a simple man that loves to fish and hunt, a chair and plenty of stories to tell.

Read more about Charles in the April issue online at:

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ruralmissouri/201304/#/48

The Falls on the North Fork of the White River | Dora, MO

I had the good fortune to stay at the River of Life Farm, outside of Dora, Missouri, the other week. The place is incredible and truly one of the most peaceful places I have stayed at. Nestled in a valley of the North Fork of the White River, Myron McKee has led the building of several treetop cabins scattered around his property. Each cabin is tastefully decorated and provides a unique view of the river and tree canopies. The hospitality is unmatched and the staff provide a great atmosphere for an overnight's stay or float on the river.

I was lucky enough to catch one wild rainbow trout — my first in Missouri. The North Fork of the White River is one of the best trout rivers in the country thanks to its wild population of rainbow and brown trout. A must stop for fisherman for sure!

While down there I met a film crew working on a piece about fishing on the North Fork. Their project looks like it's going to be pretty special to watch. It's called Chasing Waters. Check em out on Facebook.

On the last morning I stayed there I shot at sunrise at the infamous Falls. The Falls is a popular spot along the river and is within a short walk from the cabins at River of Life Farm.

If you are ever in southern Missouri, stop by and take the time to meet Myron and enjoy a night at one of his cabins. It will truly be an experience you will never forget.

A couple of these shots I got using a technique called HDR, where I combined a couple of images
using Photomatix software.

Enjoy!

Topaz Mill | Douglas County, MO

While working on a story outside of Mansfield, I stopped at Topaz Mill. This mill is privately owned but is just right off the road. The mill is fed by a spring that dumps into the North Fork of the White River. This mill appears in good condition is a cool place to explore.

Located in Douglas County, off Highway E, south of the junction of Highway 76 and 181. The mill was established in 1895 and was the center of a thriving community, including a general store, blacksmith shop, cannery and barbershop. The mill was used up until the 1930's

Crane Lake Shut-ins | Fredericktown, MO

Over the Easter weekend I shot on a cloudy sunrise day at Crane Lake. The 100-acre lake in Iron County is ran by the US Forest Service is a great place to camp if you are looking for a primitive campground next to a secluded lake. There is a trail that goes around the lake that takes you through the shut-ins below the damn and through several cedar glades. It truly is a great spot. The shut-ins are an easy 1.5 mile or so hike from the parking lot. Worth the trip!

For more information, visit: http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mtnf/recreation/fishing/recarea/?recid=75049&actid=42