Journal: Paddy Creek Wilderness, February 2025 — My first plan was dashed. I decided to spend three days on the Big Piney Trail at Paddy Creek Wilderness instead. It was a good hike, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Eight-minute read, +23
Backpacking
Everything backpacking: our gear, trip write-ups, and individual pictures.
Day Three stats and end of hike thoughts — My total mileage for the trip was 22.02 miles, with 1,875 ft. of elevation climbed. Three-minute read, +1
March 1, 2025 16:00
Little Paddy Creek crossing on the North/South Loop Shortcut — This is the crossing on the shortcut between the North and South Loops. You used to be able to cross straight over here, but now it is too deep for my short legs.
March 1, 2025 12:19
Camped at ‘Paddy Creek Trolltunga.’ One-minute read.
March 1, 2025 9:47
Today, I’m wondering when that unsupported span will collapse. It’s a good 75 ft.
March 1, 2025 9:46
End of Day Two’s hike — I’m stopping at ‘Paddy Creek Trolltunga’ tonight. +1
February 28, 2025 16:21
Gary at the end of Day Two’s hike.
February 28, 2025 16:18
The second Big Paddy Creek crossing — After crossing the creek, the sign directs you to go right. No, not anymore. Follow the trail to your left. One-minute read.
February 28, 2025 14:14
Frozen stock pond.
February 28, 2025 12:15
Looking out across ‘Spring Hollow.’
February 28, 2025 10:29
Camped above ‘Spring Hollow.’
February 28, 2025 10:05
‘Spring Hollow’ — I decided to camp above the big rock formation on the right. +1
February 27, 2025 16:00
‘Spring Hollow’ a great secluded spot — Getting here across all the large boulders and down the steep hollow sides can be a bit sketchy, but worth the effort.
February 27, 2025 15:58
Spring in ‘Spring Hollow’ — This spring is proving to be very reliable and was running well.
February 27, 2025 15:52
North Loop — At the start of the Shortcut to the North Loop. Paddy Creek Wilderness, February 2025.
February 27, 2025 14:04
Signs of confusion — It appears that the most popular route, along the North Loop to the falls (straight ahead) is no longer signposted. Plus, my plans and lots more confusion in general. Five-minute read, +4
February 27, 2025 12:27
Journal: Hercules Glades in the snow, January 2025. A forecast winter storm in Southwest Missouri on January 9 and 10 was just what was needed to let me get some time out when the trail conditions would be a bit more challenging. 15-minute read, +44
January 11, 2025 16:00
And finally… The roads had been plowed and were clear.
January 11, 2025 14:17
Day Three stats and end of hike thoughts.
January 11, 2025 14:00
Back at the Tower Trailhead. No tracks — so no one else has been here. Now I’ve got to get all that snow off the car.
January 11, 2025 13:51
Getting close to the trailhead — heading east on the Pilot (Tower) Trail.
January 11, 2025 13:24
Another Pole (Pete) Hollow Trail junction cairn selfie — Well, it had to be done with some snow in the background.
January 11, 2025 13:04
Heading east on the Pilot (Tower) Trail in the snow — Watch out for those low hanging boughs, they’ll dump their snowy burden on you if you touch them.
January 11, 2025 12:52
Is it a stupid idea if it works? — I don’t have footwear suitable for bad weather, so four years ago I bought some waterproof socks.