Hammock Test Setup
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I’ve been wanting to try hammock camping for quite a while. I’m reluctant to purchase all the necessary gear unless it’s something I’m sure I will be comfortable with — and in.
More >Tagged: Ozarks
Busiek Orange Trail
A warm break in the weather sent us scurrying out to get some miles on the trail, this time we opted for Busiek’s Orange Trail.
More >Trip Report: 2017 Total Solar Eclipse Backpacking
We went eclipse backpacking on the Ozark Trail. The eclipse was more popular than I anticipated. My plan had been to wait until seven days before the event and pick a destination. I picked seven days because the weather forecast would be more reliable. Unfortunately, waiting that late meant that everything was already booked (and […]
More >Kayaking on the James River above Lake Springfield
July 21 I took Luke for an afternoon kayaking on the James River at Springfield, Missouri [12 pictures].
More >Trip Report: Backpacking on the Hercules Glades Pees Hollow Trail
The next couple of months are going to be very busy for us, and opportunities for getting out hiking or backpacking will be limited. The prospect of a spell of warm Ozarks winter weather gave us a chance to squeeze in a midweek backpacking trip. We rearranged our work schedules and took off to Hercules […]
More >Short Hike on the Yellow Trail at Busiek
We decided to fit in a quick hike at Busiek this weekend. We were originally planning on going backpacking at Hercules Glades, but life (this time in the form of pet-sitting for friends) threw a spanner into that plan. Not wanting to miss the opportunity to test some of the new backpacking gear we’ve bought, […]
More >If wishes were ponies
I’d have a whole lot of pack horses by now. This time last year (2015) we thought we were getting back into our hiking / backpacking stride, and we lost it. After about three hikes we stopped. Lots of work came in and we both spent most of the year tied to our desks and […]
More >Another Short Hike at Busiek
We’re still working on getting back in condition. Today, we wanted to increase the distance and elevation climbed while, not getting too wet and muddy, and not driving too far. We settled on hiking the complete Silver Trail at Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area.
More >Short hike at Busiek
We wanted a fairly quick and dry hike. Ginger didn’t want a repeat of Saturday’s wet and muddy trail.
More >An Afternoon Hike at Compton Hollow Conservation Center
I have a confession. We stopped hiking in 2013, it wasn’t deliberate. First we missed our ‘annual’ Spring Break backpacking trip, then we both got tied up with work. I abandoned my semi-retired state, and getting out just faded away. No backpacking, almost no hiking, kayaking or fishing. It all stopped. We made an attempt […]
More >Glade Top Trail – Mark Twain National Forest – Taney County & Ozark County Missouri
The Glade Top Trail is not a recognised hiking or backpacking route. It is a spectacular drive of over 23 miles on unpaved roads within 60 miles of Springfield and Branson. It’s especially worth visiting in the fall.
More >Late Afternoon Paddle on the James River Above Lake Springfield
I decided to ignore the temperatures in the high nineties and take the kayaks and our youngest daughter out for a short run on the James River. The plan was to put in at the Southwood Access point, go up river and drop back down-river and take-out at Lake Springfield.
More >Getting Started: Hiking
Want to take part in the 100 Missouri Miles challenge? Here are some tips on how to get started.
More >100 Missouri Miles
June 1 will see the launch of “100 Missouri Miles”, a new initiative encouraging Missourians to complete 100 miles of physical activity by the end of the year
More >Mark Twain National Forest Closes Big Bay Campground
Mark Twain National Forest has announced it is permanently closing the Big Bay Campground on Table Rock Lake, near Shell Knob, Missouri.
The near-by Big Bay boat launch and picnic area remains open.
The press release states that “The campground closing is part of Mark Twain National Forest’s long term recreation site management plan.
More >Trip Report: Finding the Bluffs at Hercules Glades
We love campsites with spectacular views, who doesn’t? We hoped we’d managed to find a fantastic camping spot on top of a set of 260 ft. high bluffs overlooking Beaver Creek, in Hercules Glades Wilderness, we just needed to get there and check it out.
More >Busiek Silver Trail – Complete Hike
Sunday we hiked part of the Busiek Silver Trail. Wednesday we decided to go back and do the complete trail.
More >Huaraches in Winter – Cold Feet or Not?
Despite some recent warm temperatures the trail this weekend still had ice on it in places, and the melt water was icy. So I was left wondering why my feet weren’t feeling cold, despite being barefoot, wet and muddy.
More >Winter Hike on the Silver Trail at Busiek
Commitments for the kids, work projects, and voluntary work have all conspired to keep us from hiking, camping and backpacking for the past couple of months. This afternoon we made the effort to leave our desks behind and hike what we call the ‘Hill Loop’ of the Busiek Silver Trail – 2.58 miles and 574 ft of Elevation.
More >The Current (Video)
A very nicely produced short video about the Current River by Thomas Malkowicz. Their campfire observations on the Current echo many of the sentiments I’ve heard and read expressed by people talking about wildernesses and nature everywhere.
More >Missouri State Parks – First Day Hikes
Celebrate the beginning of 2013 by taking a guided hike in a Missouri state park. Start a new tradition with your friends and family as you get some healthy exercise and enjoy the great outdoors.
More >Shores Lake West Loop Trail Closed
The USDA Forest Service issued the following trail closure notice on December 6, 2012 for the Shores Lake (Franklin County, Arkansas) West Loop Trail.
“The Shores Lake West Loop Trail has been closed due to tree harvesting activities. This is done to protect public safety. If weather cooperates the trail should reopen within a few weeks.
More >Family weekend
We desperately wanted to get away backpacking for a few days. However, sometimes life just doesn’t roll the way you want it to and you have to make space for other things.
More >Hercules Glades Wilderness – Pees Hollow Trail Day Hike
We’ve not been getting out enough of late so we grabbed a chance on Saturday to see some fall color and hike the Pees Hollow Trail at Hercules Glades Wilderness.
The Pees Hollow Trail runs north from the Hercules Tower Trailhead off of Highway 125.
More >Trail Map: Piney Creek Wilderness
Piney Creek Wilderness is one of our favorites.
Located in Barry County Missouri, the Pineview (Tower) Trailhead is 5.5 miles west of Cape Fair on Highway 76 off Farm road 2150, and around 4.5 miles on Highway 76 from Highway 39. See Getting To Piney Creek.
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