For decades I have been photographing the St. Francois Mountains of the southern Missouri Ozarks. Last month I made several photographic trips to the area and I began reflecting on my ties to the region... yes, my childhood memories are rooted deep in the St. Francois Mountains... but I still find it a thrill to explore this region. Perhaps it reminds me, subconsciously, of those eye opening experiences as a child when we first began visiting the area.