Cole Camp Scouting Trip

Margaret and I drove down to Cole Camp this morning to look things over, set the GPS waypoint, and the elevationj of the Union Camp. It was a profitable trip.

For those with GPS ability in the vehicle your coordinats at the camp are:
N 38.27.769
W 093.09.594
+/-22 FT
ELEVATION 1088 FT

See new pictures of area.
Entrance to encampment is approx 1.6-2.2 miles from the FOUR~WAY STOPLIGHT in the center of Cole Camp ( see picture for visual reference). The gate is really small with a ditch on each side so be sure you negotiate it.

It seems the Reb's will have the afternoon shade!! While we get a nice suntan! See pictures.

BRING LOTS OF WATER AND ICE. YOU'LL NEED IT!!!
BRING SUNSCREEN. YOU'LL NEED IT!!!
BRING INSECT REPELLANT THAT REPELLS "TICKS". YOU'LL NEED IT!!!
At least we won't have far to march in the sun, since there are no trees on the orgianl battlefield, or between the camp and the battlefield. or for that matter, many at the Union camp. or to the Sutler area. All pictures taken today are on my yahoo group page missouriirisgbrigade.

My new 7th and 30th hat again opened doors to contacts. Margaret and I were eating in one of the fine German restaurants and the owner of the restaurant noticed my hat and started to ask me questions. He call Mr. Billy Hesse, the owner of the property where the reenactment will take place. After eating, I met with Mr. Billy Hesse at the camps sites.

Don't count on having a south exit or entrance to the area as noted on the Cole Camp Battle Web site. It doesn't sound as if the gate on the south side would be open as noted on the map. but that could change.

The entrance to the reenacment, as measured from the four way stop light in Cole Camp, at the center of Cole Camp is between 1.6 -2.2 miles. It's on you right (south side of 52 hiway) See picture for visual reference.

There are several gas stations in Cole Camp and a small Thriftway Super Market and fine German Restaurants. BRING YOUR CAMERAS BOYS!!

Total miles driven today was 237. That was from my front door and return.
Of note, that's a little farther than one-half of the way to PIPSTONE Minnesota. Total time moving was 3.5 hrs.

Hope this info helps you. See you after 6 or 7 Friday nite.

YOS,
Steward Bair