Backpacking

Everything backpacking: our gear, trip write-ups, and individual pictures.

Leaves, leaves, and more leaves. Gary takes a picture and then leaves too.

Up on the ridge.

Crossing Point — Little Paddy Creek.

Crossing Little Paddy Creek — I stopped for a brief lunch before making the final crossing.
+1

Well to the left and stock pond right in front. What an overgrown mess. This will be my last time on this trail until the winter. +1

Can’t see the bluff for the trees. The bluff’s some 50-60 ft. high. There might be a decent winter camping spot here too. +2

Tangled mess — view of a small hollow off the Big Piney Trail.

Day Three — Rocky Outcrop by the Big Piney Trail — South Loop.

Camped at sunset.

Camped at the end of Day Two — And I’m facing east, ready for the morning sun.

Ticks and Chiggers and snakes! Oh my! This (and the heat) is why I don’t like summer backpacking. All those places for ticks, chiggers, and snakes to hide! And don’t forget the spiders too…

I had just crossed Paddy Creek Road for the second time today.

Lunch in the shade by Paddy Creek.

Paddy Creek Crossing — Looking down Paddy Creek from the crossing. +1

Gary (and company) at the Paddy Creek scenic overlook. 2

It’s a long way down — according to the map, over 200 ft.

Scenic Overlook — Paddy Creek, looking southeast.

Scenic Overlook — Paddy Creek, looking northwest.

Scenic Overlook of Paddy Creek on the Big Piney Trail, Paddy Creek Wilderness, Missouri.

Spur trail to Big Piney Trail Camp.

All motorized vehicles prohibited on this trail — Sign just after crossing Paddy Creek Road.

Gary, about to cross Paddy Creek Road — The Big Piney Trail has three road crossings. I’m about to cross Paddy Creek Road, and if things go according to plan, I’ll be crossing it again a few miles further on and after lunch.

Day Two — Camped off of the North Loop of the Big Piney Trail. +1

Visitor — It’s not the first time I’ve shared my tarp with an amphibian when it rains.

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