Keeping warm in my hammock — The low was 23°F (-5°C), well within the 10°F rating of my quilts. I was nice and cozy. A forecast of 20°F is my lower limit, I do this for funsies, not to prove anything.
The forecast Lied. Again – And a couple of early morning passers by. Start of Day Four. It was 23℉ overnight – A bit cooler than the pre-trip forecast of 31℉, and I did not set my tarp last night.
December 4, 2022 7:48
Camped above McGarr Spring, Devil’s Backbone Wilderness. Near the end of the third day of my trip. I surprised myself with an 8 mile hike today. Not bad. Four-minute read, +1
December 3, 2022 15:48
Another view of the North Fork River – I took this picture because it seemed to be pretty much where I took a picture the last time I hiked this trail. +1
December 2, 2022 16:22
The trail here is not for the faint-hearted – Not only is the drop-off steep but so is the trail. It drops 300ft in three-tenths of a mile. I don’t think I’d like to hike this trail clockwise and have to climb up it.
December 2, 2022 14:38
Selfie on the bluffs overlooking the North Fork River – Being so high up, I checked for cell service, and immediately received some messages on WhatsApp from my daughter-in-law in the UK. So I took a quick selfie to show the folks where I was. I still forget to look at the darned lens when I’m taking a selfie with my phone.
December 2, 2022 14:12
The North Fork River from the Ridge Runner Trail North Fork Loop – The bluffs here are impressively high (well they are to me). I was glad that the trees had shed their leaves, otherwise, the views would have been pretty boring.
December 2, 2022 14:11
The North Fork River from the Ridge Runner Trail North Fork Loop – The bluffs here are impressively high (well they are to me). I was glad that the trees had shed their leaves, otherwise, the views would have been pretty boring.
December 2, 2022 14:11
The forecast lied … Not only did it rain overnight, but the temperature was a lot lower than the forecast at 30℉.
December 2, 2022 11:23
Camped near the Ridge Runner / Ozark Trail – I last camped near here in May 2021 on my first hike of the North Fork loop of the Ridge Runner Trail. Then the leaves were out, it was warm, and I deliberately missed a large section of the trail in order to explore Steam Mill Hollow. Two-minute read, +3
December 2, 2022 10:02
Cottage Still Life – This photo started life as a joke picture for the girls, and then it took on a life of its own requiring a second ‘shoot’ just to put right a few of the details.
November 24, 2022 22:14
Titanium backpacking wood stove modifications – My titanium wood stove needs a bit more air. This afternoon I added some more air holes.
November 19, 2022 22:48
Trees, snow, and sky – We woke Saturday morning to a light dusting of snow which had mostly melted by the evening.
November 12, 2022 10:00
Snow in the yard and on the field – We woke Saturday morning to a light dusting of snow which had mostly melted by the evening.
November 12, 2022 9:55
Cottage in the snow – For the past couple of months Ginger has been working with her parents on a remodeling project, converting the one room with ensuite ‘Little House’ into a Writers/Get Away Cottage. It now has a living room/kitchenette, bedroom, HVAC and a wraparound deck out back. +1
November 12, 2022 9:50
Kansas City Skyline. Downtown Kansas City, Missouri. When I took this picture at 6:40 a.m. I’d already been working for an hour and a half.
November 4, 2022 6:43
Another end-of-trip selfie – Time to drive home and return to “civilization.” It has been a good trip. Four days of lakeside solitude. Two-minute read, +3
September 13, 2022 16:34
It’s always good to see the car where I left it.
September 13, 2022 16:17
Black Eyed Susan and backpack – Before heading up the ‘Farm Track Trail’ and into ‘Shelob’s Lair’ I stopped to fill up with cool creek water and a dunk in Piney Creek. It was cold but very refreshing.
September 13, 2022 14:54
Looking back the way I’ve come, east towards the lake.
September 13, 2022 14:14
Hiking westwards along Piney Creek. Much nicer than trying to cross ‘Cat Briar Meadow.’
September 13, 2022 14:13
Please don’t do this. If you can pack it in, you can pack it out.
September 13, 2022 14:06
Packed up and ready to leave – Day four and it is time to go.
September 13, 2022 13:43
Noodles for lunch – I cooked breakfast on the wood stove. I decided to use the Fancee Feest alcohol stove to heat water for my lunch.