Ha Ha Tonka, The hidden treasure.

 

 

 

 

Ha Ha Tonka

State Park

 

 

The Castle

 

 

A special place in our hearts.

 

 

 

Waylon, 1994.

 

 

We moved to Camdenton, MO when Waylon was just one year old.  Rex was the Conservation Agent of Camden county.  During the 10 years that we resided in Camden county, Ha Ha Tonka became a favorite spot for us.  During the warmer months, we walked all over the trails and boardwalks.  We spent countless afternoons and days just enjoying the simple pleasure of walking and running and laughing.

 

When Waylon was just a little guy, it was hard for him to say Ha Ha Tonka.  So this is how he would always ask me to take him there...

"Mom, you take me to Honka Honka today?"

 

And, I would go, load up the 4 kids, Rozalyn hadn't arrived yet, and I would push the stroller around,

and walk the trails of Honka Honka.....

 

 

 

Our home in Camdenton.....

so many memories

in "this old house".

 

 

The other day, I took my grandson to Honka Honka...

and we walked those same trails....

and ran on the boardwalks..

visited the castle and tower..

we visited the natural bridge,

and the 316 steps...

although, we didn't go down the steps this time....

 

 

 

Leyton

 

 

 

As we were leaving, a couple that we had seen off and on that day was leaving also..

He asked me if I was from the area....

I said I had lived here for 10 years but had moved away..

He asked if I had spent time here when I lived here...

 

Oh yes, lots of days where spent here...

 

He then said, "this is kinda like a hidden treasure, we just stumbled upon it today....."

 

The couple was on their way to Branson...

but he said he was so happy to have stopped here...

 

 

And, I thought, me too!

I thought of Waylon, and my other children, that had spent so many days there...

So many memories...

 

"in our little hidden treasure..."

 

 

Leyton, I tried to get him in the same spot as Waylon's picture....

 

The tower.

 

The Natural Bridge.  Leyton was afraid we might see a snake.

 

The overlook, by the castle.

 

As I looked down the trails, I tried not to cry...

I tried to hold tight to the memories I have there...

and....

 

the voice that I can still hear, so loud in my thoughts..

 

"Mom, you take me to Honka Honka today....."

Waylon

 

 

Psalm 119:10

 

9 How can a young man keep his way pure?

By living according to your word.

 

10 I seek you with all my heart;

do not let me stray from your commands.

 

11 I have hidden your word in my heart

that I might not sin against you

 

12 Praise be to you, O Lord;

teach me your decrees.

 

14 I rejoice in following your statutes..

 

15 I meditate on your precepts

 

16 I delight in your decrees;

I will not neglect your word.

 

Waylon loved the Lord..

He demonstrated that love over and over...