Missouri

Words and pictures featuring Missouri

Steam Mill Creek Crossing – This is where the main North Fork Loop Trail crosses the creek in Steam Mill Hollow. One-minute read

Overhang, not very spectacular, but the sides of the hollow were impressively steep. It looked a bit too low and damp to make a good camping spot for anyone with a tent.

Spring on Steam Mill Hollow – closer inspection of the map showed that I’d missed this spring when planning my trip. It wasn’t a raging torrent, but it was putting out several gallons a minute.

Lunch break by the creek in Steam Mill Hollow. Not that I knew it was the creek in Steam Mill Hollow at the time. It seems I need to learn several more lessons in checking my compass and map before I assume I know where I am. 2 2

Nice Trail (but you may have trouble following it) – The map I was using was slightly under twenty years old (and the best I could find online). I should have cross-checked it against the trail map at the trailhead. If I had, I would have seen that the objective for my day’s hike was no longer on the trail system. One-minute read

Trail junction, there goes the Ozark Trail – Here I leave the Ozark Trail. +1

Cairns, cairns, and more cairns – there were lots in this area, but I couldn’t see any side trails or other blazes.

Dry creek bed – So much of my hope for finding water on the eastern side of the loop. +1

Loadsa trailblazes – From top to bottom: Ozark Trail, Ridge Runner Trail, North Fork Loop Trail.

Ozark Trail, trailblaze.

Ribbit, ribbit. Toad, in a hole.

Camped off the Ridge Runner/Ozark Trail (and some minor irritations) – which were mainly brought on by my own stupidity. One-minute read

Back on the Ozark Trail – Fairly typical conditions for this section of the trail. The Ozark Trail is well maintained and very well blazed. I can’t say the same for the rest of the trail system in this area. +2

Another year, another empty trailhead, and my plans for the weekend – parked up at the HWY-CC (McGarr Ridge) Trailhead ready to start my hike. Two-minute read, +1

Three days on the North Fork Loop trail, Mark Twain National Forest, May 2021. Journal: 15 42

Family Day – Spent with Carol & Jim to celebrate Lanie’s Graduation. Katie was also with us but unfortunately, she left before we decided to take a picture.

Birdbath for Ginger – Thursday was a day of gifts. Carol bought me some farm-fresh eggs, and Jim brought us this wonderful sculpture/birdbath. +1

Behind the lens – I thought I’d grab a quick selfie in the bedroom mirror.

Adult and juvenile male Rose-breasted Grosbeak – this winter we put up four (yes four), bird feeders in front of the ‘Sparkle Zone’ windows. These new visitors arrived today.

Breakfast; crispy bacon, eggs, and tomato – Yesterday, Carol gave me two farm-fresh eggs. She said she wished she could be there to see my face when I cracked them.

Whites Creek Trail completed – now just to hike the short spur trail back to the parking lot.

The final crossing of Whites Creek.

Fiddler Spring – I took a quick detour to checkout the spring and top up my water. +1

Hello li’l buddy – It’s probably as fast on the trail as I am.

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