My dark sky is a site called, Jadwin, Missouri USA. This is a little known place, with an unknown population. Jadwin is named for the family of loggers who settled the area to make their fortune harvesting the hardwood trees that grow abundantly here. Trees like red and white oak and mighty black walnut, some of the white oak is exported to Europe in the form of barrels inside which fine wines would ferment.
Jadwin is located about 50 miles south of Rolla Missouri, home of the prestigious Missouri University of Science and Technology where some attend classes to study geology and mining practices. Mining is also one of the areas claims to fame, although it is mostly for lead. Jadwin is in southernmost Dent County, Missouri. Here we call a traffic jam two pick trucks behind a tractor. The terrain is ferociously rugged, and mountain lions, bob cats, black bears, turtles and snakes slither, walk and otherwise freely roam the hills and hollows. There are certainly many more black cows that call Jadwin their home than their human counter parts might. I am fond of saying, “That I would not be a bit surprised if Bigfoot himself stepped out of the woods one day to see what we had on the grill.”
Some of the best things about Jadwin are the terrific float trips on the Current River and some of the best trout fishing in the world can be found in Montauk State Park, the home of a pair of huge springs that give birth to the Current River.
The Current River is the most spring fed river in the world. Brown and rainbow trout jump and play in the cold waters as an occasional Bald Eagle soars overhead.
These are all wonderful things, if you like nature and solitude. But for me the attraction is the night sky. Its darkness insured by thousands of acres of Mark Twain National Forest, low human population, and rugged Ozark mountain terrain, the sky here, staggers the imagination, showcasing naked eye nebulosity, and stars that shine as low as possible on every horizon. Here the sky appears alive as even the faintest falling star is visible starlight at times casts shadows on the ground. In my opinion Bortle Class 1 to Class 2 darkness exists here, but mostly in a smallish area around Dent and its surrounding counties. This area, though small in size, is a true portal into space, a window back in time that I believe is often overlooked by the stargazing public because it is not well known. Jadwin is no Texas Star Party to be sure, but to me it is the best kept secret in the astronomical community.
The people here are friendly backwoods sort of folk. Tough and wise to the ways of the woods and the sort of people who took me in, a city boy from Chicago with his dreams of seeing and photographing the wonders of the night sky, without the distractions of light polluted skies. These people, many who are gone now, made sure that I would make it here, and sometimes I was able to help them in return. They are gone now and we are more alone here than ever. But as I step out into the darkness of the Dent County night, I know their souls mingle with the twinkling stars. Their Ozark traditions of helping a stranger live on, and their kindness will not soon be forgotten.
Jadwin, is just a couple hours drive from St. Louis and about an eight hour drive from Chicago. There is plenty of camping and cabins for rent and lots of daytime activities to do. And I promise the view of the sky on a moonless clear night is one that is well worth the trip to inspire everyone from the newest beginner to the most advanced astro imager and astronomer. All those who come with respect for the land and the people here would heartily welcome, for a day or a lifetime!
Today’s My Story is written by Victor C. Rogus of Jadwin. Submit a My Story on any subject to salemnews@thesalemnewsonline.com or P.O. Box 798, Salem, MO 65560.
