Eleven Point River view from my campsite — looking south — I camped about half a mile from here back in March 2023. I thought this location might offer better views. It did.
Backpacking
Everything backpacking: our gear, trip write-ups, and individual pictures.
Eleven Point River view from my campsite — looking north — I camped about half a mile from here back in March 2023. I thought this location might offer better views. It did.
January 31, 2024 16:33
Appearances can be deceptive — A quarter of a mile upstream the creek was dry. I had to backtrack a little way to get water for lunch and to stock up with water for the afternoon and night. There wasn’t going to be any water where I planned to stop.
January 31, 2024 13:55
At the Float Camp Junction of the Whites Creek Trail — I was last here in March 2023.
January 31, 2024 13:47
An hour later, Whites Creek Cave — The unofficial trail came out exactly where I expected. I’d hiked the top part of it on my last visit, and obviously missed where it turned to go down to Fiddler Spring. The main Whites Creek Trail was easy to follow, until it wasn’t.
January 31, 2024 13:29
Sunshine at last — Drying out my gear was my excuse for not rushing to get on the trail. The frost on my tarp needed a chance to melt and dry. I lollygagged around and didn’t start packing up camp until eleven-forty. Taking it easy, I didn’t leave camp until twelve-thirty.
January 31, 2024 11:21
Camped at Fiddler Spring, Irish Wilderness. +1
January 31, 2024 8:46
Trying out a gas stove for a change — Conclusion: I prefer my Fancee Feest Cat Can stove.
January 31, 2024 8:21
Day Two, the view from my hammock — When I decided to stop at Fiddler Spring, I forgot to check its orientation to the rising sun. It was a long chilly wait until the sun climbed high enough to reach the campsite. It was also “Surprise! Suprise!” a lot colder than forecast. At seven-thirty it was twenty-four degrees. Two-minute read, +1
January 31, 2024 8:20
Irish Wilderness Day One — Camp Five Pond Trailhead to Fiddler Spring — It was a loverly warm afternoon. At two pm I had to stop and get rid of some layers, have a bite to eat, and a drink. The South Loop was easy to follow, until, that is, I dropped down to Whites Creek, where it had been washed out in several places. But that’s par for the course. Two-minute read
January 30, 2024 16:30
Evidence of Busy Beavers on Whites Creek, Irish Wilderness, Missouri. They’ve been very busy, and at the moment, it looks more like wanton destruction than a lodge building exercise. Video: 34 seconds
January 30, 2024 15:41
New notice boards and a registration point at Camp Five Pond. And a warning about not taking maps or a GPS. +1
January 30, 2024 13:21
Ready to get on the trail — I’m planning on spending four days hiking the Whites Creek Trail. This time I’m starting with the South Loop (I don’t know why they call it a loop it is not. But hey!).
January 30, 2024 13:10
At the Camp Five Pond Trailhead — It’s good to be back. It might be a challenging trip, it’s very early in the season so the trail is going to be difficult to follow. I’m hiking the trail backwards — clockwise, leaving the eight-mile, possibly water-less, section for the last two days.
January 30, 2024 13:02
A break in the weather means I’m off on a four-day hike of the Whites Creek Trail, South and North Loops at Irish Wilderness. Just for a change I thought I’d take out my old 60/70-liter Deuter backpack for a trip. Then I changed my mind. 2
January 30, 2024 9:37
Journal: Three days solo backpacking in Hercules Glades Wilderness, January 2024 — I’m off out for three days, blowing away the cobwebs and walking off some holiday season excesses. Journal: 4 10
January 4, 2024 18:00
At the Pole (Pete) Hollow Trail Junction. 39°F and feeling a bit chilly with a slight head wind. Two nights, three days, and a modest 13 miles. That will do for my first run out of 2024. Time to go home and trim my beard. It has done its job! +1
January 4, 2024 14:58
Day Three. Tucked up in my hammock. Deep Hollow, January 2024.
January 4, 2024 8:38
Heating water for dinner — Using my Firebox Nano wood stove.
January 3, 2024 16:52
Hammock sunset — Camped above ‘Deep Hollow’ January 2024.
January 3, 2024 16:20
Just to prove that I was there.
January 3, 2024 14:00
View to the south from the slopes of Lower Pilot Knob – Hercules Glades Wilderness.
January 3, 2024 13:47
Camped on the side of ‘Twin Falls Hollow’ The start of Day Two of my trip.
January 3, 2024 7:57
Day One. Another year, same trail cairn — I’m off out for three days, blowing away the cobwebs and walking off some holiday season excesses.