Hi Greg - glad you got to the Cove and enjoyed the time there - it's a good place solo or with others in attendance.
I'm going to repost a message I left a couple of days ago - but it's down the message list and it's a sort of spring reminder and primer on the Cove - old stuff to old timers but in case there are some who've recently found this Board or the Cove it's info that we repeat regularly - too often if you've heard it umpteen times already but the nature of Message Boards is that unless something's near the top - it gets overlooked - so yes this is a repeat but still timely info.
This was in answer to a query "where is Heartland Cove?"
Dick
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Q: Where's the Cove?
A: Hello Don,
The Cove location's no secret but it's also not on any roadside signs. Heartland Cove is on the west side of Smithville Lake, the nearest town is Trimble Missouri but for most of us driving up from Kansas City the landmark town is Smithville itself. The Cove is about seven miles north of Smithville.
US 169 north through Smithville to County Route W - right or east about 1/4 mile on W to Route F then left or north on F then just past the "Clinton County" sign you'll see a street sign for King Road, a gravel road. Take King Road to your right and follow King for one mile. The sharp left turn, a ninety-degree turn, in King Road is the last landmark and it's near a wire rope gated entrance to a lane and hay field. Visitors can park there or proceed to the turnaround where King dead ends and that area is designated for parking and public access.
Access to the Cove itself is by foot down the gated lane near the last sharp left turn - it's about a seven minute walk - less than half a mile to the Cove. Please stay suited or dressed until actually in the Cove area itself. The lane and the trail to the Cove are all visible from King Road. I would not drive into the field even if the gate happens to be down or open. It's possible to get locked in if you drive in - either by the tenant or by law enforcement.
The Cove page has more detailed description of the location:
http://www.cirrus.kcsky.net/cove/>;; with a few photos and the beach etiquette guide.
Our use isn't officially sanctioned - the Cove is on Corps of Engineers property with the land leased out for farm use. A hay crop is taken off the field in mid summer. It's up to users old and new to be responsible - keep the Cove, the lane and the parking areas free of trash. Pack out what you pack in: bottles, cans, paper bags, anything.
Also keep Cove behavior "Sunday School squeaky clean" - assuming you attend a clothing optional Sunday School. Basically go to enjoy the sun, the beach the water and leave the rest to your home, motel or RV.
Any improper use jeopardizes our future use of the Cove which as mentioned isn't sanctioned but it is known and we do have occasional visits and patrol by law enforcement. To date that's all been in the nature of a courtesy patrol and I actually welcome that as a move toward keeping the Cove a safe place for everyone.
Ladies - do not go alone. The place is just too isolated for that to be a good idea.
If there is an meet up with Park Rangers or Sheriff's Dept deputies be polite and comply with any requests. If non-nudist users come into the Cove and you feel your presence may be of concern - I recommend covering up at least minimally so as to avoid offending anyone. The Cove is open to all and fishermen on foot or by boat do sometimes come into the area. The better neighbors we are to others the longer we'll likely be left alone.
It is helpful to try to note who you're speaking with if you do have a conversation with a Park Ranger or Deputy. When swimming keep in mind there is no help at hand - it's best always to have someone else around if you're in the water. Cell phones are dicey although my Sprint PCS phone works from there most of the time now.
Thanks for asking - it gave me opportunity to post the "spring reminder". Do visit and report - everyone enjoys reading news from Cove visitors.
George - anything to add?
Dick Williams