People in the Ozarks made good use of the abundant water in the area, building grist mills that quickly became the centers of community life. People would come from miles around a mill, bringing their grain and using the trip as an opportunity to socialize, catch up on news, purchase goods at a general store and get repairs done at a blacksmith shop.
It was a long drive home, but worth it. The day started out as a photo-adventure but when I returned home I started doing some serious research on grist mills. I am so glad that I am not too old to learn. Now I have a whole list of mills I want to visit!!!