I hiked less than half of my target of 240 miles in 2023, managing just 110 miles in seven trips with 17 nights in my hammock. Apart from finally hiking, what was for me, the missing link of the Ridge Runner Trail to the North Fork Recreation Area, I didn’t hike any new trails.
Here are links to trip write up’s that I posted on my personal blog if you want to check any of them out.
While it was much easier early in the year, this fall and winter, finding water on the trail has continued to be a problem, with creeks and springs drying up. However, my main block to getting out on the trail has been me. I’ve not been scheduling trips, so they didn’t happen!
Just like 2022, I have very little to report. Everything gear-wise has remained remarkably stable. I gave up on the titanium woodstove. Despite making modifications, it still smoked a lot more than my Stainless Steel Firebox Nano stove. I replaced my hammock tree straps — but that was just a matter of normal gear overhaul, they were showing a little bit of wear after six years use. I am getting different hiking sandals for 2024. That decision was brought on by having my previous pair break on me mid-hike in December.
I’ve kept my 20 nights and 240 miles (20 miles a month) target. However, we plan on spending more time on the road this year. I’m not sure if that will increase or restrict my backpacking opportunities. I’d love to explore some of the Arkansas Trails. Failing that I’ll keep hiking the Missouri trails in my regular haunts, and maybe do a bit more exploring off-trail.
