Mike Caro selling Ozarks lake retreat (All photos)

— Stretch of creek when water isn’t flowing —

— A living room in the forest? —

Well, not exactly. But, before I added paths, I walked upstream when the creek was dry. And after 30 minutes, I discovered this strange area in the rolling hills surrounding that looked almost flat. In fact, it looked almost as if someone had poured a concrete floor. So, I named it the “living room” and personally cut the first path to access it quickly.

This led me to suspect there might be much more magic hidden on these acres than anyone suspected. Five miles of paths later, and I was proven right.

— First fish —

I caught this catfish on my very first cast below the house. It was just good luck, I guess. Table Rock Lake is legendary for fishing, but you won’t likely do this in the first minute, like I did.

— Inexpensive and easy path decoration —

I personalized the five miles of paths by going to local auctions and buying the cheap stuff. Most of the lawn furniture and statues has been moved to my smaller property six miles away. But you might have a lot of fun making the paths your own. Total cost will be small. I picked up this table, chairs, and umbrella for about $10. Great fun!

— Turtle surprise along path —

Bring your imagination. Decorating paths is great entertainment for adults and children. Kids loved walking these paths to discover hundreds of secret sitting areas, ornamental animals, and even tall knights in shining (make that “rusting”) armor. I’ve moved most to another location, but it doesn’t cost much to populate and personalize your forest paths by attending local auctions. Most ornaments cost $2 or less. Nothing was over $40. Go for the stuff with small chips or blemishes. It won’t matter in the forest.

— You might choose a tiger like this one to guard your paths —

— Cartoon-character ducks along paths —

— Entering the circular end of the 0.4 mile driveway —

Clockwise from left: Well house/shed, garage, main house (about 3,000 square feet), and cabin (about 1,200 square feet). The lower level, with three doors exiting to the lake, cannot be seen from here. A short distance behind the camera is the extra 2,400 square foot metal building.

— A closer view of left side at end of driveway. (Circling to right below…) —

— And a closer view of right side at end of driveway. —

— Turkeys —

These wild turkeys were photographed at a distance when I was leaving the retreat. Yes, they usually just walk. Other wildlife is abundant: deer, raccoon, possum, fox, dozens of bird species (including eagles), squirrels, armadillos, and more.

— Raccoon at front porch —

— Deer near the well house —

— Five trails converge in this flat forest I named “Central Park.” —

— From the balcony of main house, you see the patio and lake in springtime —

— Driveway approaching house in the fall of 2011 —

— Paths lead deep into the forest where creek often flows —

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