Ozark Highlands Trail Backpacking, White Rock Mountain to Fairview. 11/6/13-11/13/13
I had previously completed the Ozarks Highlands Trail by doing the western most portion with Andrew in April of 2005 and the eastern portion with Jamie in November of 2005. I wanted to go back and knock it out in one swoop. You know how it feels to remember previous trips and the highlights, then the soft crinkle of your sleeping bag starts calling your name, the smell of white gas and sound of clips engaging on your backpack bring to mind fond memories of the trail. Fall was on the brink of visiting and I wanted to be immersed in the colors when it took hold!
I decided to hike the OHT from White Rock Mountain to Woolum, I'd planned 10 days to complete this section of the trail. I used the magic of FaceBook to invite friends. It worked out that Todd could join me from White Rock to the Lick Branch Trail Head and two other friends would meet me at Stack Rock and complete the hike to Woolum.
I talked to my in-laws and they were kind enough to ride with me to White Rock then take my car back home. On the way to White Rock I bear hung some drop bags (is that considered an oxymoron?) for food resupply and gas for my stove. Although I explained to my in-laws that we'd be making additional stops, I'm not sure they understood we would be lucky enough to see a large part of the roads that skirt the OHT during our five hour car ride. I planned to carry three days worth of food then have a drop bag waiting for me with another three days worth of food, I used Lick Branch, Ozone and Fairview for my drop sites, these are essentially "parks" off the highway and allowed for quick access. I met up with Todd at Byrd's canoe on the Mullberry river, it was good to re-connect with an old friend, we ducked into the store at Byrd's to grab a bite of food and some coffee to shake off the sunless 40 degree day and the stiff winds. Todd followed me in his vehicle to Lick Branch until I got turned around, apparently I have an old version of the OHT guide book and Todd has a new version, his book notes the change in road signs that lead to Lick Branch Trailhead. Todd then jumped into my car with the in-laws and I, then we made our to White Rock.
When we arrived at White Rock the temperatures had dropped and the wind gusted, it was a rude awakening, and I in my shorts needed to get more clothes on quick!. My in-laws took in the view with Todd and I, as the wind blew their hair and they huddled into their jackets they questioned our quest and left saying, "Good Luck!"
I decided to hike the OHT from White Rock Mountain to Woolum, I'd planned 10 days to complete this section of the trail. I used the magic of FaceBook to invite friends. It worked out that Todd could join me from White Rock to the Lick Branch Trail Head and two other friends would meet me at Stack Rock and complete the hike to Woolum.
I talked to my in-laws and they were kind enough to ride with me to White Rock then take my car back home. On the way to White Rock I bear hung some drop bags (is that considered an oxymoron?) for food resupply and gas for my stove. Although I explained to my in-laws that we'd be making additional stops, I'm not sure they understood we would be lucky enough to see a large part of the roads that skirt the OHT during our five hour car ride. I planned to carry three days worth of food then have a drop bag waiting for me with another three days worth of food, I used Lick Branch, Ozone and Fairview for my drop sites, these are essentially "parks" off the highway and allowed for quick access. I met up with Todd at Byrd's canoe on the Mullberry river, it was good to re-connect with an old friend, we ducked into the store at Byrd's to grab a bite of food and some coffee to shake off the sunless 40 degree day and the stiff winds. Todd followed me in his vehicle to Lick Branch until I got turned around, apparently I have an old version of the OHT guide book and Todd has a new version, his book notes the change in road signs that lead to Lick Branch Trailhead. Todd then jumped into my car with the in-laws and I, then we made our to White Rock.
When we arrived at White Rock the temperatures had dropped and the wind gusted, it was a rude awakening, and I in my shorts needed to get more clothes on quick!. My in-laws took in the view with Todd and I, as the wind blew their hair and they huddled into their jackets they questioned our quest and left saying, "Good Luck!"
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