Exploring Missouri: Stockton Lake and Orleans Trails Resort

Stockton Lake is located in southeastern Cedar County, northeastern Dade County, and southwestern Polk County, Missouri. The lake is 'V' shaped, and covers 39 square miles (100 km2), with 298 miles (480 km) of shoreline. is one of the top 10 lakes for sailing here in the U.S. It has a "non-development policy," and is surrounded by unspoiled, tree-covered hills. Its banks are owned and operated by the Army Corps of Engineers.( Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockton_Lake)

I've visited this place last summer of 2010. My husband was invited to play music on a wedding entourage. Coming from an archipelago where visiting other island requires a plane or a boat, this has given us opportunity to cruise on country roads.

The town of Stockton was truly had great surprise for us. Its lake was well protected by not letting residence built around it. We were accommodated at the Orleans Trails Resort Marina, where hundred of parked sail boats nested on its lagoon. It was like discovering paradise in the middle of nowhere. We toured the roads surrounding the lake. I was so impress with the beautiful country landscapes. We stopped by at the overlooking hill where we can see the view of the lake across the swaying grassy meadows. If only I had the best landscape camera, I could have captured it perfectly. But then I know even the best camera could never capture what was before my naked eyes at that moment!

As spring gets warmer and soon all the trees budded, I am hoping to visit the place again. The results of our visit there was a great way for my husband and I to slow down and enjoy time with each other.

Feel free to visit their site by clicking the picture for more info. Thanks!

Who would have thought winter refused to leave and decided to linger around spring? The amount of snow that we have gotten this winter was more than to what Missouri would normally get. 15-21 inches of snow piled everywhere was a challenge for most residents. As far as I know, the people who celebrated most of it are the students! LOL Not liking of being wakened up for school bus routes and more time for sleeping in, is sure like an instant vacation treat!