First glimpse of the lake – but not my first encounter. I checked the lake level before I left, and it was five feet above standard pool. When I was here this time last year, I think it was eleven feet above pool. Anyway, the lake was high enough to have covered the trail in places on the way in. One-minute read
Leave no trace – How NOT to camp in the Wilderness. Got your own land? Go for it, cut down trees, and make as much mess as you like. Public land? Leave no trace, Let’s not trash the wilderness. One-minute read, +3
‘Top-up Creek’ – On my trips to the lake at Piney Creek I almost always stop here to get water. So I’ve decided to name this feeder-creek ‘Top-up Creek.’
Three days on the North Fork Loop trail, Mark Twain National Forest, May 2021. Journal: 15 42
Tomfoolery at the trailhead. +2
The end of the hike – Day hike with Katie and Lanie. I took them to my favorite spot in Piney Creek Wilderness. It was an easy 5.5 mile hike with 570ft of elevation, and a nice long lunch stop by the lake.
Dogwoods on the ‘Farm Track Trail’ – Spring is sprung in the Ozarks.
Tomfoolery at the lake. +5
Katie and Lanie – lunch break by the lake. +1
Katie by Lanie.
Gary eating lunch – Day hike at Piney Creek Wilderness.
Lanie’s Selfie – She should know better by now, I’ll publish them all. +1
Gary and the tower at the Pineview Trailhead – Trip over, 14.5 miles hiked, 1,300 ft. climbed, and some downtime by the lake. Just what the Dr. ordered. Now for more of what the Dr. ordered. My COVID-19 vaccination. +1, and three maps
My campsite by Table Rock Lake – It’s a shame my stay was cut short by my COVID-19 vaccination appointment.
Camp Table. The stove is on the ground because it is very windy, and the table is sheltering it. +1
My lakeside camp at night – I love this spot.
Clouds – I was hoping for a nice, as in flaming oranges and yellows, sunset. It didn’t happen, but this cloud formation and an otter made up for it.
Wind on Table Rock Lake – I feel like I’m home when I get to this view.
Loop complete. The start of the Siloam Spring Trail – This is the Piney Creek end of the Siloam Spring Trail. I’ve come full circle. That’s it, I’ve completed all the official trails at Piney Creek. Now to head off down to the lake and have some quiet time lake watching.
What is it with old truck cabs in the woods? I’ve no idea what sort of truck this was, and there was no sign of the chassis, engine, or drive-train anywhere around. +1
Cat Briar Central – I name this area Cat Briar Central. The cat briars around it were horrendous, and I carry the scars to show for it. +1
Large pool on Piney Creek – I didn’t check how deep, but judging by the color, a few feet.
Piny Creek glinting in the sun – you can get a clear idea of how narrow the hollow gets from this picture. Can’t find the trail? hike down the creek.
The trail is quite clear and easy to follow (In places)