People

Pictures of people, friends, and family.

Gratuitous Selfie — taken just because I took a picture of this sign the last time I hiked this trail. +1

Photograph of Gary Allman in his Dutchware Chameleon hammock, Irish Wilderness, Missouri. March 2023.

Time to get up — Yes, I sleep in my clothes, not all the time, but it is part of my layering plan when it gets cooler, and as I only had a 40F top quilt, this was one of those times.

Bliss Spring (and lunch) 3.9 miles — On my first visit to Irish Wilderness I made it to Bliss Spring in the first afternoon. Just as well I have an extra day for this trip.

At the start (or is it the end?) of the Whites Creek Trail Loop — I was last here in May 2021. +1

End of trip, back at the Tower Trailhead. Trip total a modest 16 miles with 1,100 ft of elevation. +2

Gary on the Pole Hollow Trail. Hercules Glades Wilderness – I love this glade on the ridge overlooking Pole Hollow. It’s nice to get out into the open after being surrounded by trees and brush for so long.

Looking down stream. Long Creek, Hercules Glades Wilderness. I decided that this was a good place to stop for lunch, which was noodles, pre-cooked bacon, and a Snickers bar for dessert, all washed down with a cup of coffee. +1

Gary and hammock, ‘Twin Falls Hollow,’ February 2023. Hercules Glades Wilderness.

Morning hot chocolate – I folded back my tarp so I could enjoy the view and the morning sun.

Dinner time, camped at ‘Twin Falls Hollow.’ A change of plans was needed… +2

Dusk at the Pole (Pete) Hollow Trail cairn — Right on target, 25 minutes from the trailhead.

Setting off — Here I am back at the Hercules Glades Tower Trailhead about to set off on my first backpacking trip of 2023. I am planning on spending two nights in the Hercules Glades Wilderness, starting with a six-mile night hike.

End of trip selfie – and a summary of the trip. Three-minute read, +4

A self portrait photograph of Gary Allman keeping warm in his hammock while winter camping. December 2022.

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.

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.

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

Day Three – Enjoying the last of the sun – With the sun already set on the other side of the lake, the foreground really pops in this picture. 2

Jim in the workshop. +1

Day Three – Another lazy selfie, and I pick up some trash. +1

Back at the Pole Hollow Trail junction cairn (and few ‘selfies’ taken on the trail). +3

Three days backpacking in Hercules Glades, August 2022. Journal: 6 20

Overdoing things mowing the front yard – Today the temperatures eased off slightly for the first time in many weeks. It was just low enough for me to venture out to tend to the front yard for a few hours.

Bath time — I’m looking pleased with myself. That’s probably because I have warmed up after my wilderness bath.

Meanwhile, back at basecamp – While I’m off hiking Ginger’s enjoying her spot in the woods.

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