Hike Reports
Yours Truly is just back, tired but happy, from her 50th Reunion held in Boca Raton where it was sunny but chilly. This hike was a new one for the club and looks pretty neat with the added bonus of seasonal temperatures! Becky gives us the following report:
On the most beautiful day yet this year, 16 TrailBlazers made the long drive to Lake Ouachita State Park to hike Caddo Bend Trail. The trail begins near the Visitors' Center and goes up and down near the shore around a peninsula at Lake Ouachita. There were great views of the lake, 2 picturesque foot bridges, boulder fields and plenty of uphill to work up a sweat.
We encountered the Happy Hikers from Little Rock and visited with them as we neared the end of the trail. Several of them said to say "hey" to Beverly and Larry, original TrailBlazers members, who met hiking with them. All of us were very happy to be out enjoying the beautiful scenery, sunshine and great company. We hope that the long, hard winter is finally over.
2010-02-27 Cedar Falls Loop at Petit Jean Photo Link: click here
Seventeen TrailBlazers finally had a picture perfect day for hiking, complete with great temps and sunshine. Today we did something different at Petit Jean. We have done Seven Hollows several times, and many of us have hiked down to Cedar Falls and back up the same trail. Today, under the command of Buffalo Bob, we hiked down to the falls, which were full of water, and then looped around for about 8 miles, eventually taking another route back to the lodge.
Part of the hike was next to swollen creeks with lots of rapids and mini-falls. Lunch featured a neat view of the creek. After a while we started trekking upward and had a long ascent up a dirt road until we came to a trail through a pine forest on a ridge. There were some breathtaking views across the canyon to the other side where the lodge is. We also saw some impressive turtle rocks that rival those at Seven Hollows. We also looked around in Rock House Cave, but we must confess that the rock art eluded us.
We descended down to the creek again, crossed a bridge, and then carefully picked our way along a narrow trail of rocks along the creek. After that we began the final steep, rocky assault to get back on the ridge to the lodge where we were able to have a final distant view of Cedar Falls. Great day!
For the curious, Becky did a public service by opening a stall door, locked from the inside, in the ladies room. On her back she slid under the door, limbo-style, and the camera caught her enjoying the sweet smell of success when the door swung open. There was a long line of women out in the hall waiting in line, so she saved the day!
2010-02-20 Hot Springs Photo Link: click here
Sixteen TrailBlazers headed for Hot Springs to try out a new trail for us, the Sunset Loop. There was the possibility of rain, but hike leader Kenya told us to bring rain gear to ward it off, and this ploy worked! For those who may not know, Hot Springs is a very unusual national park right smack in the middle of the old town, surrounded by hillsides with hiking trails. Back in the day there were lots of bathhouses, some still in use, and people came to drink the water, vacation, take the rest cure, bathe, gamble and do lots of other things in Arkansas’ answer to Sin City.
It was a little cool under gray skies as we waited around for our drivers to set up the shuttle. Once we started trekking we warmed up rather quickly as there were plenty of ups and downs and just enough rocks on the trail to deal fits to tired old knees. There were still small patches of snow here and there, but most of it was gone. We met various people on the trail, including Terence who has hiked with us before, and it was interesting to note that all of them were mature adults like us – well, perhaps I mean “seasoned” adults since we don’t always act mature! Linda, our sweep, was making plenty of snowballs and was threatening us with a rear assault.
After lunch we took a small detour where we did some slip-sliding down a gravelly incline to see Balanced Rock. Mike did his best do knock it off its pedestal, but his best efforts proved futile, so the rock remains safely balanced for others to enjoy. As we hiked along high ridges we did not see as many overlooks as hoped because even with the leaf fall there are plenty of tree trunks and brush to obscure the view in most places. The rain held off so hiking conditions proved to be fine, and once again we were glad to be out and about after a tiresome winter.
2010-02-13 Lee Creek Photo Link: click here
After tomorrow’s hike at White Rock was canceled due to poor conditions and predicted blustery weather, 19 TrailBlazers were happy to opt for Plan B, an afternoon trek at Lee Creek north of Van Buren. Judith was going to lead but had to cancel, so Becky stepped into the breach until Doug showed up. This is a favorite stomping ground of his, so he led the pack.
The weather was ideal, in the 40s, and it probably reached the lower 50s, with no breeze and very welcome sunshine. We headed over to the loop where there are some remnants of the hardy folk who lived and died in these hills above Lee Creek in days of yore. There are still some gravesites here and there as a reminder of the history that was made there.
Next we headed up the loop to the waterfalls that were actually flowing. It is difficult to see them up close and personal, so we had to peek through the brush and foliage at the top of the ridge. We proceeded on to the crack in the rock, somewhat similar to the crevices at Devil’s Den, but not on that grand scale.
We trekked back down to Lee Creek and dithered a bit about crossing it since it had more water than usual; normally it is an easy rock hop. Buffalo Bob and Doug did some boulder-building to make a rock bridge, so the rest of us threw caution to the wind and crossed the creek with no major mishaps. After that we started up the Homestead Loop and a few of us, the ones with bad knees, had our work cut out for us when it was time to slip-slide down the steep trail back to the creek. En route there were some neat overviews of the creek and Lee Creek Reservoir.
It turned out to be a great day, and everyone was so glad to be outdoors.
2010-02-06 Brushy Creek Photo Link: click here
Sixteen TrailBlazers were champing at the bit to get back on the trail after we only managed to get in one hike, a TrailBlazer first, during the January Operation Deep Freeze Arkansas. Some of us were beginning to wonder if we had become candidates for The Biggest Loser! The good news is that we had at least four newcomers to fill out our ranks.
We headed down to the Ouachitas to Brushy Creek, but we hiked it a little differently than usual. We went up the mountain and came back down, but did not start out on the section where there are several creek crossings. We were concerned about creek levels, and nobody was particularly anxious to do any wading in water shoes in a chilly creek. Rock hopping in boots is one thing, cold wet feet is another! We started down the road, crossed the bridge, and then started up the wooden staircase leading to the trail to the top.
It was cool when we started but we soon warmed up on the upward trek as we huffed and puffed our way up – OK, OK, so only some of us did some heavy breathing. We took a side trip over to a high ridge for lunch. It was a scenic spot, but windy, so we had definitely cooled down by the time we got back on the trail. A really neat sight as we finished the hike was the water cascading in the creek. Yours Truly risked life, limb, and her knobby knees to scramble down the steep bank for some photos, and she is not entirely happy with them. Oh, well, it is the thought that counts! Let’s hope for good weather for next week.
2010-01-18 Kilimanjaro Program Photo Link: click here
Jim Dunn, one of the original TrailBlazer organizers, gave a very interesting presentation, peppered with his dry humor, of his October 2007 expedition to the top of Kilimanjaro. Coincidentally, he is a former student of both Billigene and her mother!
Jim was part of a 7-person team, including his son, and they were supported by no new fewer than 3 guides, who had some medical training, and 30 porters who were worth their weight in gold. The hikers carried their own clothing and personal items, but the porters not only carried their own gear in backpacks, but the group gear, such as food, tents and extra water in huge dry bags on the top of their heads! This support is vital to the trekkers who are not accustomed to long hikes at altitude. In order to get acclimated, Jim’s team took 7 days to ascend, but only two to descend. Kilimanjaro, at well over 19,000 ft. is the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, the “roof of Africa,” and an active glacier to boot.
They passed through 5 different geographic zones, starting out with the rain forest, as they worked their way to the top. Fortunately for Jim, they were enveloped in fog as they climbed the rocky, precarious Barranco Wall, so he didn’t experience his fear of heights. It was a real scramble, and several hikers needed some oxygen by the end of the day. Near the top there were some extraordinary tall glaciers that looked like they had been carved by the wind. Of course, they had their picture taken at the famous Uhuru Peak sign – success!
Although Jim’s camera didn’t work on the expedition, he had wonderful pics from others that captured the scenery, the trail itself, and camp life. Jim’s talk was well received and was followed by questions from the audience. Thank you, Jim!
2010-01-16 Quail Valley at DD Photo Link: click here
Eighteen TrailBlazers, including Jack from England, were more than ready to get the lead out on the old bone-jarring Butterfield wagon trail at Devil’s Den. After our traditional Christmas break when we tend to overindulge, two hikes were canceled while Arkansas was masquerading as Alaska, so this was our first hike of the year. It seemed chilly and damp at our rendezvous in Van Buren, but the skies got lighter as we headed north, and there was even a little bit of sunshine peeking through the clouds as we started hiking.
It came as no surprise that the trail was muddy and slick, with icy patches here and there, but temps were great for trekking. In many places we had to carefully pick our way, and some of us spent a lot of time watching our boots! Becky safely led her flock down the trail to the falls and then we did a little exploring in the canyon that is nearby. When we reached the neat area with the fire ring, we discovered that some careless hikers had left pots, cans, cutlery and junk in the pit. Becky and Ruth Ann whipped out some bags and cleaned up the mess. Good job! Where would women be without our bags?
We continued down into Quail Valley and finally found an icy trail leading to Blackburn Creek where we traditionally eat lunch. It was a neat spot, and the weather was actually quite mild in spite of cloudy skies. Everyone enjoyed getting out as we had been suffering from a severe bout of cabin fever. The rain held off until we were driving home, so it worked out to be a great day.
2009-12-19 Vista Trail Photo Link: click here
Eighteen TrailBlazers headed down to Mt. Ida to hike 7.6 miles on the new Joplin and Hickory Nut sections of the Vista Trail, a work in progress that will eventually be 40 miles long. It was somewhat cool at the trailhead, but after a short downward trek, we started hoofing upwards and soon started feeling warm enough to peel off our layers. This section of the trail has rocks, hills and rills with some deeper valleys. Down in this area most trails feature tall pines, white quartz, fern, and holly, and this one is no exception.
After hiking for a while, we started to smell smoke and then saw that the valley below us was full of it. We began to wonder if this was a controlled burn, the Great American Smokeout, or a giant TrailBlazer roast that nobody had told us about! About this time we started huffing and puffing up the final steep, rocky stretch to the top. Fortunately the smoke was no longer a problem after the trail curved off to the right. On the other hand, it also started to feel much colder and the wind really kicked up.
There was a neat view of Lake Ouachita at the picnic area where there was even a restroom. First we had to bundle up against the cold wind before wolfing down our lunch. Most people congregated behind the restroom, which served as a windbreak of sorts, to chat a little before heading down. The final leg of the trail is new this year. It has some steep ups and downs and features several benches and logs for weary hikers. There was the added benefit of pine needle carpeting! People have done a lot of work placing rocks along the trail to define the path. There are also rock cairns here and there just in case heavy leaf fall blurs the trail. This was a really neat hike that everyone enjoyed. Merry Christmas, everyone. We’ll see you on the trail next year!
2009-12-12 Big Bluff Photo Link: click here
Thirteen hardy TrailBlazers met for an early roll call to travel up to Big Bluff high above the Buffalo River. En route they saw 4 swans on a pond near Boxley Valley. Billigene reports that the temperature was a brisk 34 degrees at the Trailhead. For those who don’t know, the trail to Big Bluff involves hiking down from the highway to the bluff, so the return trip is a steady climb out. Somehow it seems that it should be the reverse!
Since it is colder in this area than in the River Valley, there was ice on the trail in places, making for slick footing. Once again this week there were beautiful icicles as well as frost flowers. For those seeing it for the first time the sighting of Big Bluff is quite amazing. The bluff is enormous and features a narrow ledge trail where there are wonderful panoramic views of the Buffalo River. At one place you can either climb through a hole in the rock in order to continue, or you can climb down and walk around it.
There was some occasional drizzle, but it was on and off. Billigene reports that it was muddy in places on the return trip, and that it became rather foggy at the end of the trail. On the return drive some people reported seeing some turkeys (One wonders if they were people we know)! A final highpoint of the day was three elk sightings in the valley.
2009-12-05 Mt Magazine Photo Link: click here
A small flock of 12 TrailBlazers, led by Buffalo Bob, started the hike at Green Bench Road and hoofed 6 miles up Mt. Magazine, eventually finishing at the Visitors Center. Although it was a chilly day, about 28 degrees at the trailhead, the first stretch is pretty much straight up, so we warmed up as we huffed and puffed our way up the trail. After a while it leveled out in places, and sometimes there was just a gentle incline. Along the way we saw several neat frost flowers, little waterfalls in the creek, and icicles on rocks. A couple of places were wet and slick and some rocks on the trail were ice-covered.
As we reached the top we saw a sign indicating that we were entering the park. Good grief, part of this trail was outside the park and we could have been cannon fodder for hunters! When we reached the road on top we took a little detour over to Cameron Bluff with its beautiful panoramic view. We actually ate lunch there at 11:15, an uncharacteristically early time for a TrailBlazer lunch, but certainly not unwelcome. An anonymous confidential source revealed that Bob had been told that he might have a mutiny or at least a sit down strike on his hands if he didn’t let this bluff be feeding time at the zoo!
Next we picked up the North Rim Trail where we were able to see Cameron Bluff across the valley and continued on to Dill Point Overlook. When we finally arrived back at the Visitors Center, we were delighted to discover that the volunteer Mt. Magazine Action Group was holding an open house with crafts for children as well as some delicious refreshments. Being polite and well brought up, we did justice to all the goodies so that the ladies would know that they were appreciated, and we made sure not to slight anybody’s culinary contributions! Another great hike!
Please note that next week’s hike has been changed from the Dismal bushwhack, where conditions are not good right now, to Big Bluff where there is an actual trail.
2009-11-29 Lake Fort Smith Photo Link: click here
While 21 TrailBlazers were assembling in a soggy parking lot in a steady drizzle up in Van Buren, some of us were beginning to wonder about our decision-making abilities! Throwing caution to the winds, we loaded up the cars and headed for Lake Fort Smith for our annual post-Thanksgiving Turkey Trot, an event designed to work off the excess calories. With Katie out of town with other fish to fry, Becky stepped into the role of hike leader. Considering the iffy weather, we were surprised at the good turnout including several newcomers.
After taking a brief look-see at the Visitors Center, we set off on the trail under cloudy skies with fairly mild temps. This trail hugs the shoreline of Lake Forth Smith and features lots of ups and downs, steep in a couple of places and “slickery,” as my daughter used to say, because of wet leaves. Under occasional drizzle we passed the small waterfalls and had almost constant views of the lake. We saw various mushrooms both on the ground and on trees, some low maple and oak trees still sporting their autumn red leaves, some large patches of ivy, and a few small caves. The two kids on the hike had fun exploring and had more energy than the rest of us put together!
When we reached the tall fireplace at the old homeplace, Becky thought this would be a good turnaround spot. As it turned out, this was a great decision. A few people did decide to hike on a little farther, but most of us turned back. It started to drizzle a little, but it was actually lightly raining for about the last 20 minutes of the hike. After we reached the Visitors Center, it started raining in earnest, so we got out of Dodge in the nick of time. For the second week in a row we lucked out on the weather. The hike turned out to be much better than expected!
2009-11-21 Hunts Loop Photo Link: click here
Fourteen TrailBlazers under the command of Captain Kenya headed to Short Mountain north of Hot Springs for a second assault. We warriors from the first campaign warily watched the gray skies, wondering if the hike was jinxed and if we were to be treated to an encore performance of a downpour orchestrated by thunder and lightning. On the last occasion it took 3 days for Yours Truly’s boots and backpack to dry out!
As we left the parking area, we saw the falls in the creek and then Iron Springs on the other side of the bridge. Next we started a steady trek up a series of switchbacks to reach the ridge. En route, we first started to feel warm and shed layers, but then had to don rain gear when it started to drizzle. As Yogi Berra used to say, it looked like déjà vu all over again! At the overlook we sang Happy Birthday to Chase who was spending his special day with us. Shortly after that the rain stopped, never to return. Along the way we saw lots of ferns, some interesting fungi, and several stands of small pines making a comeback.
We continued up the loop to take the one mile detour on another trail to the Moonshine Shelter for lunch. They either moved the shelter, or that was the longest mile, but in the fullness of time we finally arrived at our lunch spot. This time we were not huddled like a bunch of drowned rats under the roof, so we enjoyed a leisurely meal! After hiking back to the loop trail, we completed the loop by trekking up and down a ridge that ran parallel to the road. Fortunately our fears about the weather were unfounded, and we had a great hike!
2009-11-16 Tim Ernst Program Photo Link: click here
Once again Tim Ernst presented us with a great pre-Thanksgiving program, another double feature. The first program consisted of beautiful photos, set to music, of the Buffalo River area, and featured nature in all her various moods, attire, and seasons. There were several stunning photos of autumn color as well as others that are elusive to the average photographer, namely scenes of ice and snow in the wilderness.
The second program, also set to music, was an interesting and beautiful array of Arkansas animals ranging from tiny insects to huge bears, as well as rarities such as a mountain lion and surprises such as loons. Tim calls this program a celebration of animals, rather than a documentary. This is new departure for Tim since most of his previous books and shows have been of scenery and other phenomena of nature. The TrailBlazers really enjoyed seeing animals that we rarely see on the trail. We are a noisy bunch and tend to scare everything away!
There was a great selection of books, DVDs and calendars available at discounted prices, just in time for holiday giving if we can bear to part with them! Four lucky people won “Ernst Bucks” in the drawing. Of course, Tim always takes the time to autograph books and chat with everyone after the program. Another great evening! Thank you, Tim.
Remember that Utah and previous hikes can be accessed by clicking on “more” below.
2009-11-14 Seven Hollows at Petit Jean Photo Link: click here
Twenty-six TrailBlazers with Wilson as our leader hiked Seven Hollows on a beautiful, hot and sunny day. Unlike a lot of trails, this one has a lot of pines that are recovering nicely from a fire several years ago. The deciduous trees have lost most of their leaves by now. This is a neat trail, but in places it is a bit of a problem for the vertically-challenged or the knobby-kneed, with Yours Truly guilty on both counts!
We didn’t take our traditional picture at the trail sign as somebody had parked their van right in front of it. We headed to the Natural Bridge where we took a group picture minus a trio that had forged ahead. Next we hoofed up to Turtle Rocks where even adults like to play around. Somebody conceived the bright idea to climb down in the fast lane by slip-sliding down a steep crevice in the rocks. In a moment of madness Yours Truly blindly followed the pack with assistance from Wilson, Bob and others!
Feeling pretty warm at this point, we trekked on to The Grotto where the cooler temps and shade made for a great lunch spot. As we hiked the final leg we passed through a fairly wide canyon that was dwarfed on both sides by huge rocky palisades. Afterwards, some people decided to do some more exploring in the park. Another great day!
Click on “more” below for Utah and other past hikes. Tim Ernst on Monday night!
2009-11-07 Hawksbill Crag and Lost Valley Photo Link: click here
About 25 TrailBlazers had a beautiful, sunny, warm day to go to Hawksbill Crag and Lost Valley, although later and with fewer people than usual. Among the newcomers were Anita, Beverly, Cheryl, Colleen, Melissa and Katie's brother, Pat, and family. Perhaps many Utah returnees needed to stay home to tend to leaves and catch up on other chores and errands.
It didn't take long on the trail before we were shedding our jackets and sipping water. There were quite a few people at the Crag where the landscape was brown and grey and the wind quite strong. One didn't dare stand close to the edge. Among the people was a young man from Missouri who had climbed Angel's Landing in Zion so he and Linda compared notes. Then Tyler ran into a high school classmate he hadn't seen since graduating 20 years ago.
When we arrived at Lost Valley, parking spots were scarce and bathroom lines long - as usual. We were surprised to see a nice flow of water over the falls and in the pool and creek below the falls. Very pretty. Most of us climbed on up to the cave area but only about 10 ventured into the cave to see the waterfall. On the way out of Boxley Valley, there were a couple of elk in the fields so California transplant, Melissa, was excited to see one - even from a distance with binoculars. She and Phoenix transplant, Colleen, were very impressed with the beautiful scenery in our Ozark Mountains. Although the color was gone already, it was a lovely day to be outdoors.
Click on "more" below for Utah and previous hikes.
2009-11-01 Utah Trip Photo Link: click here
Utah-bound, 30 TrailBlazers headed for St. George where most of us were housed in a large, comfortable home complete with 2 pools and a spa. A different team cooked each evening, turning out some great meals. Weather was cooler than expected, but layers saved the day. On one occasion a group had to turn back from Cedar Breaks due to snow and on another they did the same on the way to Bryce.
With many parks and shops in the area, there was much to do. Many of us did a couple of trips to Zion NP where there are magnificent rock formations of all kinds. On a cold and windy day several diehards hiked the Snow Canyon Trail and later explored that state park.
A highlight for many was Bryce NP featuring unique rock formations, called hoodoos, throughout the park. There even was a steep trail down to the base of some hoodoos where there was a slot canyon to explore. Another showstopper was the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in AZ. We viewed several scenic overlooks that represented only a fraction of the magnificent 277-mile canyon.
Those who flew went through Las Vegas, so we were able to sightsee at Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon, shop, try the slots, or take in a show.
We had a great time, but we missed you, Katie!
2009-10-31 Mt Magazine Photo Link: click here
Several TrailBlazers kept the home fires burning while many birds of our flock were out hoofing the trails in southwest Utah and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Mike, pack leader in chief, gives the following report:
Eighteen hikers were blessed with the perfect autumn day to hike the trails on top of the highest mountain in Arkansas, Mt. Magazine. Clear, sunny skies provided 30-mile visibility of the most brilliant fall colors to be seen in recent years. The morning started out a tiny bit chilly, with the occasional breeze to accentuate the briskness. With the first gentle ascent angling up a mountain flank, coats were shed as `briskness' was soon forgotten.
This day's hiking began at the Visitors Center, following along the North Rim Trail for a couple of miles, a brief walk over Cameron's Bluff before traversing to the center ridge of the mountain to a warm and rocky lunch spot, then the final leg along much of the ridge on the Mossback Trail.
A big thank you is due to Michele for sending us pictures!
2009-10-24 Kings Bluff Falls Pedestal Rocks Photo Link: click here
Nineteen TrailBlazers led by Buffalo Bob headed toward Pelsor to revisit a favorite area. It was a good turnout considering that many of our regulars are en route to Utah for the hiking trip. It was a little cool as we left, but the day turned out warm and sunny, and we saw lots of vivid fall color.
Following tradition, we first trekked to the falls which actually had water. There have been times when they were suffering from such severe dehydration that they begged us to empty our water bottles! It was hard to see the full length of the falls because leaves are still on the trees. Several hikers braved the steep, slippery trail down to the base. Yours Truly saved her knees for Utah!
Next we hiked over to the pedestals where we ate lunch. There were numerous beautiful blue butterflies on and around us as we ate. The enormous freestanding rock formations are always magnificent as we hike along the rocky ledge with its panoramic views. Of course, newcomers are always astounded when we scramble down to the base of the pedestals. There is a series of huge caves to explore under that seemingly solid bluff we had just been hiking on!
Barb, a fervent follower of the state religion, Razorbackism, was listening to the game and giving frequent updates to keep the faithful from dying of curiosity. On this hike we got the best of both worlds!
2009-10-17 Lost Bridge Photo Link: click here
A far cry from last time, only 14 TrailBlazers headed for Beaver Lake, once again on a cool, gray day. The drive was beautiful with color getting better and better as we went north.
With Linda in command, we started down the chilly trail and soon were rewarded with some neat views of the lake as we wound our way along the shoreline. We never got to see the lost bridge since it is apparently submerged! After a while it started to drizzle, so we donned rain gear, only to start feeling warm. Fortunately it had stopped by the time we reached the Indian cave up on the cliff, and we ate lunch near the home place. The sun played peek-a-boo with us for most of the day. We continued on past the old farm pond and then hoofed it up the long stretch of trail leading up to the road. At this point, one of us wimped out by taking a shortcut back to the cars. Wild horses couldn’t pry the name out of me, but a donation to my retirement fund might work wonders.
After crossing the road, Linda did a great job of picking up the trail again, see the picture, and we ambled another couple of miles down to the cars. It really was a neat hike and the unseasonal temps are really good for trekking.
2009-10-10 Mt Nebo Rim Trail Photo Link: click here
Thirty-two TrailBlazers, both new and old, headed for Mt. Nebo under cool and gray skies in search of adventure with Gene as pack leader. Having had our season kickoff picnic rained out for the first time last week, we were champing at the bit to hit the trail again even if we had to start out in pea soup fog! Hiking conditions were actually good and the fog lifted, but the sun never graced us with its presence.
As we started out from Gene’s cabin, the pack chose to leave Yours Truly in its dust. When YT mildly (my foot!) pointed out that all of her photos were destined to be humpus rumpus shots, the ladies ahead of her graciously stepped aside and waved her on down the trail. Now, don’t we have some smart gals in the club? Once burned, twice shy!
We were treated along the way to hints of fall color to come. Due to the recent rains the falls were flowing beautifully, the best that many of us have seen. We experienced a brief cool down as we ate lunch at the Visitors Center, but we quickly warmed up as we did the up and down stair-stepper routine at the end of the hike. Great day!
2009-09-12 Workday Photo Link: click here
In addition to hiking, the Trailblazers engage in service projects to help out in the community. We have adopted Devil’s Den Park, so we have been offering our services there twice a year doing various tasks for the rangers.
Recently we have started holding our general meetings at the River Valley Nature Center at their beautiful new facility that is so accessible to people in the Fort Smith area.. As a thank you to them the club decided to offer some warm bodies to help out. As you can see in the pictures, the members did some pruning along the trails and a lot of trash pickup. It is really sad that a few people don’t appreciate this neat park by respecting it, but we are doing our best to keep Arkansas beautiful. Good job, TrailBlazers!
2009-05-17 End of Season Picnic Photo Link: click here
In keeping with tradition the TrailBlazers ended our seventh season with hiking and a picnic at Devil’s Den. Fortunately the weather was great because this has been a topsy-turvy year with a blistering hike early in January and then some bone-chilling and/or wet hikes later in the season!
Eloise led a hike on the scenic Devil’s Den trail where the waterfalls were flowing beautifully. The more ambitious, led by Doug, tackled the Crevices, an offshoot of the Devil’s Den trail where there are several steep canyons that involve a lot of scrambling and climbing in and out. What kind of Wheaties does Billigene eat for breakfast? The last contingent hiked up to Yellow Rock where they were rewarded with a spectacular overview of the park.
Last but not least, the afternoon was topped off with our traditional wiener roast with all kinds of side dishes and desserts contributed by the members. A perfect way to end our season! We look forward to seeing everyone at our eighth kickoff picnic in October.
2009-05-09 Marinoni Scenic Area Photo Link: click here
After our hike was washed out last weekend, fourteen TrailBlazers, including a young visitor from Germany, were more than ready to hit the trail as our season comes to a close. At Turner Bend the Mulberry River is very high with lots of downed trees, so the outfitters would not even rent their canoes due to the conditions.
The weather has been very iffy, but we lucked out, at least for half of the hike! The trail is very green and overgrown with vegetation, a jungle of sorts. We actually started out with a wet crossing, something that was never necessary on our previous treks here. Just to be sure, we didn’t put on our boots until we had crossed the swollen creek. Along the trail we saw spiderworts, interesting fungi, fire pinks, beautiful rocky bluffs, and umbrella magnolias, but fewer wildflowers than expected. We kept a careful eye out for snakes as some recent hikers reported an encounter with an angry rattler, unwelcome news for Becky!
When we reached a beautiful cascade, we knew we had found our lunch spot. We saw some magnolias above the falls, but they were past their peak. After lunch we continued up the trail and were treated to several different falls and more enormous umbrella magnolias that seem to thrive in this canopied canyon. As we turned back, we noticed a few raindrops falling on our heads. Before long it really started to rain and some of us belatedly put on some rain gear. It really didn’t matter because it wasn’t cold and the high humidity made us feel pretty sticky either way. Of course, the rain stopped when we got back to the trailhead! Everybody enjoyed the hike, glad to be outdoors again. Next Sunday is our season finale at Devil’s Den where we will do a little hiking and then have our picnic at the pavilion. Don’t forget to sign up – y’all come!
2009-04-26 Buffalo Weekend Photo Link: click here
Twenty-seven TrailBlazers once again headed for Buffalo Lodge in search of adventure and found it during a beautiful weekend. En route 5 hikers checked out Eden Falls and the wildflowers at Lost Valley, arriving in good time for our traditional Friday night wiener toast topped off with Carroll’s Dutch oven fruit cobbler smothered in ice cream. In a dramatic departure from time honored practice, Carroll did not favor us with a guitar serenade around the camp fire, did not eat a peanut butter and banana sandwich for lunch, but did canoe the Buffalo in a color-coordinated outfit. What is the world coming to?
On Saturday two groups of hikers started up the Buffalo River Trail from the Ponca access toward Steel Creek. First we checked out the old homestead and out buildings before trekking up the trail where we saw iris, columbines, snails, dogwood and some beautiful views of the river. One contingent did a longer hike before turning back, and the other opted for a shorter version so they could check out the Buffalo at a couple of locations and drive to Camp Orr to see Triple Falls. The third group went to Indian Creek and returned in record time considering that it is a tough hike and there is considerable ice storm damage obscuring the “trail” that is non-existent under the best of circumstances.
Saturday evening we had a great pulled pork dinner with all the trimmings and followed it up with the traditional Big Man breakfast on Sunday. Twenty BuffaloBlazers in 8 canoes and 4 kayaks had a great day paddling from Erbie to Pruitt. There was pretty good water in this stretch, but a couple of tricky turns did cause a few dumps. Fortunately it was a warm day and the water was not bone-chilling. Another contingent spent quality time hiking in the Russellville area. NOTE: Click on "more" below for Lake FS hike on Sat.
2009-04-25 Lake Fort Smith Photo Link: click here
For the first time the club sponsored a Saturday hike for the same weekend when many club members go to the Buffalo each year to hike and/or paddle. Apparently it was a great idea judging by the good turnout.
Mike, our very own Wheaties-eating energizer bunny, made his debut as hike leader at the beautiful new Lake Fort Smith Park that literally was transplanted from its old location. His enthusiasm certainly makes him an ideal leader of the pack!
Mike reports: “Well, Saturday turned out to be more than just a couple of us. By the time we started walking, there were 22 of us. With only a very few familiar faces, this turned out to be a good introductory hike for several people, many of whom expressed a continuing interest in hiking with the club.” What great news!
It’s neat seeing some of our regulars as well as all the new faces – welcome aboard! The pictures show the beautiful new facility as well as views of the trail that is a work in progress.
2009-04-18 Hunts Loop Photo Link: click here
Under cloudy skies twelve wash and wear TrailBlazers made the scenic drive towards Hot Springs to hike a new trail for us, Hunt’s Loop. In spite of the rainy forecast, we figured it would be on and off as prognosticated by our crack weathermen. We figured wrong. There was a fine mist as we set out, then drizzle, then pitter-patter, and finally just plain rain. First we had to trek up a fairly steep incline, so we faced the dilemma of slowly getting wet from rain or sweating in our rain gear – either way we got wet and clammy!
This pretty trail featured dogwood, but not as many as at Sugar Creek, and several wildflowers such as violets, cream wild indigo, iris, and narcissus. Finally we reached the high ridge where there are supposed to be great views, but by this point Mother Nature had pulled down a curtain of fog. We will need to add this hike to our repertoire and explore it on another occasion to get the rest of the story. Continuing on, we trekked about a mile on the Ouachita Trail to reach a shelter.
The log shelter was providential because it was high, dry, and well-built and had plenty of room for all of us to eat lunch without getting drenched. At this point it had really started to pour. After lunch, without much ado, we skedaddled down the other side of the loop, seeing creeks, flowers, bridges and Iron Springs en route. We had fun in spite of getting water logged, and Yours Truly even had to empty water out of her soggy boots. The pictures aren’t great because the cameras were wet and steamy and balked in the rain.
Hopefully this wet and dirty dozen appeased the rain gods and earned us enough brownie points to guarantee a dry weekend at Buffalo Lodge next week!
2009-04-11 Sugar Creek Photo Link: click here
Seventeen TrailBlazers led by Buffalo Bob made the scenic drive to Booneville to hike Sugar Creek on a picture perfect day with balmy weather. Becky had umpteen things to do at home, but she came anyway and was richly rewarded with a fine display of her beloved wild iris all along the trail, as well as other wildflowers. What was most spectacular was the dogwood. There were glorious trees everywhere and they were loaded with large flowers, in contrast with our waterfall hikes last week where the dogwood was nowhere near blooming. Unbelievably we found several May Apples that already had their elusive flowers in full bloom in April. It seems that the plants with one umbrella are first year plants, and that only the ones with two umbrellas have flowers.
This was a fine day for our pre-Easter hike since it seems that Sunday is going to be a washout. The water was running well in the creek, so there were lots of little falls and rapids. We had several creek crossings, but most could be rock-hopped with the aid of helping hands. Finally we came to a beautiful wide stretch of the creek with rushing water, so there was no way to avoid trading our boots for water shoes. We assessed the creek and pretty much decided that it was going to be a bit tricky no matter where we crossed. The rocks were slippery or slimy, and there were some deep holes, but everybody made it across more or less intact! The water was cold, but not frigid, for those who crossed quickly. Bob, however, took his leadership responsibilities seriously and spent more quality time in the creek shepherding his flock than he would have liked, nearly freezing his toes off in the process. Bob, Wilson and Carroll saved most of us from the drink.
The time flew by because we were having fun, and there still was plenty of time left for Easter weekend activities.
2009-04-04 Glory Hole and more Photo Link: click here
Thirty-two TrailBlazers in search of waterfalls started the day hiking down to the Glory Hole. It seemed a little cool at first, but it was mostly the stiff breeze we were feeling. Although we saw some dogwood in flower en route, we found that spring has not quite sprung as we went farther north. There was quite a bit of ice damage on the trail and the trees were not yet leafing out. We had to climb over, under, or avoid debris in several places. The good thing was that water was running well in the creek, so there were lots of mini falls all over the place.
There were a few hikers who had not done this trail before, so it was a treat for them to see for the first time how the creek suddenly descends down a vertical rock tunnel, only to disappear from view. After scrambling down the steep, rocky trail we found ourselves down under the high bluff where the water cascades down through the hole to form a sheer curtain of swirling water. We explored this interesting area and then hoofed our way back up to the cars.
Next we drove to Magnolia Falls where several parts of the “trail” were overgrown and brushy, so it could do with a manicure. The water was running well here also, so the falls were beautiful and made a nice backdrop for lunch. Just below these falls are the Woods Boys Falls that are difficult to photograph because of the vegetation. It would take another 2 miles of hiking to get to the bottom to see them properly.
Finally some of us decided to hike another .6 miles up to check out Stahle Falls. This trail is full of brambles and leads up a high bluff to the falls. The pictures don’t do them justice because there is a lot of vegetation and tree fall blocking the view. In any case they are quite impressive. A very fun and successful day!
2009-03-28 End of the Womble Trail Photo Link: click here
Eight WombleBlazers, appropriately led by Womble Wilson, finally finished the last leg of the 39.5 Womble Trail Odyssey. Although the weather forecast for Northwest Arkansas had all kinds of dire storm and freeze warnings, it seems that the Ouachitas were much more hospitable.
Billigene reports that this section was not as difficult as some of the others. There was an uphill at the beginning, but there was not a lot of up and down. She was pleased to see several more wildflowers emerging and early glimpses of dogwood. It was not as cold as many of this season’s hikes, but it did seem a little colder after lunch, something that frequently happens when we stop to eat.
There were several unexpected creek crossings, Billigene’s least favorite nemesis, but nobody suffered any mishaps due to the ready availability of helping hands. They eventually arrived at North Fork Lake where they ran into some fishermen visiting from Louisiana. Fortunately the rain held off until they had finished hiking, so they lucked out with a good day all around.
2009-03-21 Pinnacle Mountain Photo Link: click here
Ten determined TrailBlazers, led by Chief BoulderBuster Becky, headed toward Little Rock to go tell it on the mountain. Billigene bullied (OK, OK – “encouraged”) Yours Truly to do the hike. By accident or design YT either was out of town or battling pneumonia when the club previously assaulted this rock pile, Arkansas’ geological answer to Teddy Roosevelt’s charge up San Juan Hill.
It was raining by the time we rendezvoused in Van Buren and continued to do so all the way to Little Rock, making us wonder if we might need to execute Plan B, the Clinton Library! Although Doug kept telling us that the weather was fine in LR, it started to drizzle when we reached the trailhead. Throwing caution to the wind, we started up the East Summit Trail that quickly turned into a giant pile of rocks and boulders strewn all over the place, possibly by a giant dump truck in the sky. The wet rocks were slippery, so we really had to watch our footing as we found toeholds, handholds, and helping hands to make our way up the mountain. As we gingerly looked back over our shoulders, we were treated to some neat scenery. When we finally reached the top, the views were much better than expected considering the rain and haze. Since there are no obstructions on the top, the view is virtually a 365-degree panoramic wraparound.
The fun really began as we started down the rocky staircase of sorts on the other side. The “steps” were wet and slick, so we needed to spend a lot of quality time watching our foot placement. Eventually we found ourselves on a trail to the bottom where we ate lunch at a dry table under a shelter, and then took the base trail back around to our starting point. Everybody finished the trek unscathed and actually had a great time in spite of the inauspicious start.
2009-03-15 Fern Gully Photo Link: click here
Eighteen TrailBlazers under Captain Kenya spent a fun afternoon messing around in Fern Gully. There is no trail to speak of, so this is one of those rare occasions when we renew our right to call ourselves TrailBlazers. While driving a couple of miles on a rocky road off 215 to reach the gully, we had to stop a couple of times to remove branches and debris off the road. Gene is driving a brand new red truck, so he was being extra careful with good reason!
The hike begins with a steep descent down to the creek, and then it is every man for himself. People trekked willy-nilly to look at whatever caught their fancy. Wildflowers were in short supply, but we did see some lovely moss and ferns. We crisscrossed the creek a number of times in an attempt to find better footing in the steep canyon. We climbed up through some narrow crevices in search of flatter ground, and then came back down again to look at the falls in the creek. Some of us, Yours Truly included, made the rough trek to see the larger falls. Unfortunately the water wasn’t flowing well, but we still qualify for bragging rights! Sherri can rest easy knowing she didn’t miss taking the picture of a lifetime. Caleb found the water so enticing that he decided to take a dip, only to find out that it was really cold. Some things have to be learned in the school of hard knocks, so he can write this one off as March Madness.
The gully has many megalithic boulders and unusual rock formations, so something new can be found each time. After reaching the falls, we scaled our way back up to the top of the bluff and then had an easy return on an actual trail high above the creek. A great afternoon!
2009-03-14 Devils Den Workday Photo Link: click here
Led by Becky eleven all-weather TrailBlazers made their annual spring pilgrimage to Devil’s Den to do a service project of Ranger Harry’s choice. When some of us met in Van Buren, Gene was our lone male, so we were relieved to see an influx of testosterone when we arrived at the park!
As we started under gray skies and drizzle, the day did not look very promising. Once again our crack forecasters got it wrong; we were promised sunny skies and no rain north of I-40. Perhaps they should invest in some Windex for their crystal ball! Although it drizzled while we worked, it didn’t actually feel very cold.
Our project was to mulch 2 trails that lead to the amphitheater. This is actually easier than making new trails or building steps on existing trails as we have in the past. The fly in the ointment was that there was only one wheelbarrow, so the workers on one trail had to haul mulch shovelful by shovelful. Of course, some of our innovative engineers improvised high tech solutions such as a plastic trash can or a vinyl garbage bag to haul mulch. Like a bunch of army ants, we walked back and forth shoveling, hauling and spreading the mulch. After a while we sent the wheelbarrow over to the other trail so they could make some real progress. Harry got into the act with us and our busy beavers got it all done in about 2 hours. Then Becky suggested the great idea of heading over to Alma to have lunch at The Red Rooster. The day turned out to be much better than we anticipated and we had fun.
News flash: Harry is going to retire June 15th. We don’t believe this is allowed in the fine print of his contract since he is an institution at the park. Somehow we think wild horses couldn’t keep him away from Bat-o-rama, one of his favorite programs.
2009-03-07 Buckeye Mountain Photo Link: click here
Seventeen TrailBlazers once again headed down to the Ouachitas to climb yet another mountain. What a difference a week makes! Hike leader Buffalo Bob was certainly glad that we were not assaulted by a subarctic front like last week. Since the day was cloudy and windy, temps fortunately did not soar to predicted highs, good because the hike is long and ambitious.
The trail starts out with a couple of long uphills, leading the uninitiated to believe that we are actually making progress up the mountain – not so! Alas, for every uphill, we made repeated descents down to the creek which we rock hopped any number of times. Along the way we saw early spring flowers such as trillium and spring beauty. After a couple of hours we reached beautiful Katy Falls where we ate lunch, and the physically fit scrambled down to explore.
After this the hike started in earnest as we made a long, steep climb up to the top of Buckeye where we trekked quite a distance along a rocky up and down ridge where there were some great views. Eventually we made the long, roundabout descent back down to the road that some doubted they would ever reach!
Previously Bob K had been dubbed Buckeye Bob by Yours Truly to distinguish him from Buffalo Bob and Bonanza Bob. However, Buckeye had only seen Buckeye Mountain from Tall Peak. Today he formally earned bragging rights to the title of Buckeye Bob.
Trivia: Mike C’s party had to turn back due to suspected car trouble, our Danny received a warning ticket from Greenwood’s finest,we climbed over 394 logs/trees across the trail, and Judith and Ed got a flat on a rocky road.
2009-02-28 Mauldin Mountain Photo Link: click here
Fifteen stalwart TrailBlazers headed down to the Womble Trail in the Ouachitas in search of Mauldin Mountain. Some of us woke up thinking that we might be better off sleeping in. It was damp and chilly at the trailhead while we danced around waiting for the shuttle drivers to return.
Wilson, head Womble Warrior of many campaigns, was officially the chief honcho. However, Hanna unofficially fought him tooth and nail for this title every inch of the hike. Somebody either shot our Hanna out of a cannon and lit a firecracker under her, or she had ants in her pants, or she was freezing her buns off, probably the latter!
Normally we stop fairly early in the hike to shed some layers, but this was not to be one of those days. In fact the higher we hiked, the more the temperature dropped while the wind increased. Nevertheless, there were quite a few bikers sharing the trail with us. There were also several little creek crossings.
Typical of the Ouachitas, this trail features holly, white quartz rocks on the trail, pine trees, and cactus. There is a pretty view through the trees at the top, and unbelievably we actually saw some wildflowers that probably regretted their early appearance. Of course, we didn’t spend too much time looking at things as we hoofed it up the windy trail. We were feeling kind of hungry, but it was a while before we found a somewhat sheltered spot to get out of the wind. It started to sleet a little as we ate, so this turned out to be one of our shortest lunch breaks on record. We took the group picture at the end, and some of our hikers had to be lured out of warm vehicles! As we drove home with the heat cranked up, giant snowflakes swirled all around us. Quite a day!
2009-02-21 Herrod Creek Photo Link: click here
Eighteen TrailBlazers under the command of Buffalo Bob headed up toward Cass wondering if our crack weather forecasters were going to be right about possible light snow, ice and rain; fortunately they weren’t! There was a little drizzle en route but the sun started peeking out and it was only a little cold and windy at the trailhead, but nothing like our January chill at White Rock. As usual layers started coming off as we went along. Heading out on the trail to Hare Mountain, we picked up the trail to Herrod’s Creek. It is mostly downhill and it doesn’t look like the footing is bad, but there were an awful lot of rocks hiding under the leaves just waiting to trip us up or poke us in the sole of the foot, or maybe they were just lying in wait for Yours Truly with a fair degree of success!
There was not a lot of tree damage from the ice storm, but there were a few large trees here and there that had bitten the dust. Fortunately some volunteers armed with chainsaws had done a great job of clearing the trail. We detoured for some small waterfalls along the way, but the best one was at the creek itself. We hiked along the creek until we found a pretty lunch site where Bob found some fragrant witch hazel. As we headed back, we decided not to hike the side trail up to Spy Rock in favor of driving to it – great idea! The return trip is pretty much all uphill, but it wasn’t bad because the elevation gain is gradual.
After a short drive, we made the quarter mile trek to the Spy Rock overlook where it was breezy and beautiful. The day turned out to be sunny under dazzling blue skies with good temps for hiking, so we lucked out.
2009-02-15 Scull Creek Photo Link: click here
On a cool gray day 22 TrailBlazers headed up to Fayetteville in a light drizzle to hike along Scull Creek, a trail that goes right though the city. A paved trail is a first for us, but it was great having free hands and no hiking sticks for a change. It was a little cooler than we expected, but we set out at a good clip and warmed up quickly. Thankfully, it didn’t rain!
All along the trail we witnessed the damage from the ice storm. The trail must be very popular because within a week of the storm volunteers had cleared the debris off the trail itself. We thank you! It will take a while to cart it all away. As hikers we love nature and the outdoors, so all the damage was sad to see. Trees and limbs are down everywhere, and the creek is bottlenecked in several places with accumulated debris.
A unique feature of the trail is a long 650 ft. underground tunnel, the longest pedestrian tunnel in the state, under the road. In many places we saw houses, apartments, and even a hospital right on the trail as we trekked along to the sound of chainsaws in action.
At trail’s end we had to walk a couple of residential blocks to the cars. We had a close up view of the debris that homeowners had stacked along the street. We can certainly be thankful that we were spared the worst of this storm.
2009-02-07 Lost Bridge Photo Link: click here
Under cloudy skies twenty-six TrailBlazers and one canine headed up to Beaver Lake to hike the Lost Bridge Loop. We were pleased to see old friends as well as some new faces as we gathered at CV’s. The farther north we drove, the more evidence there was of tree damage from the recent ice storm.
The sky made it look like a cold winter day, but looks can be deceiving. It was actually quite balmy. Led by Captain Kenya, we started down the trail and it wasn’t long before we were feeling warm. No sun, no problem!
As we looped around we had several views of the lake and marina. The lake is low right now, but there is evidence along the shore of the high water last year. Unfortunately there was also some Styrofoam and litter left along the shoreline when the water receded. There were small patches of snow and ice scattered along the trail, and lots of patches of soft green moss. This trail is mostly a gentle up and down with some longer uphill climbs, but it was somewhat difficult and slippery in places due to wet leaves, squishy mud, boggy ground, and debris on the trail. Most of the tree fall on and around the trail is old, but some of it was certainly caused by the recent ice. We felt lucky to be able to hike this loop as many trails in Northwest Arkansas are in poor shape.
We climbed up to the Indian cave to eat lunch with Bob and his dog Dixie. She is well-mannered and reportedly a little camera shy, but she did manage to smile pretty for the group picture! After lunch, we saw the fireplace, spring and farm pond of an old home place, and Linda received a disreputable-looking trophy for some unknown accomplishment. After scampering up a high ridge we were treated to a neat view of the lake, and then we completed the loop a short time later. Another great day for us!
2009-01-31 Vista Trail Photo Link: click here
Two dozen TrailBlazers led by Katie headed down to Lake Ouachita to hike another segment of the Vista Trail. After two weeks of challenging, bone-chilling, teeth-chattering hikes, we were more than ready for something new, and we were not disappointed. It was a little chilly while we were waiting for our shuttle to be set up, but once we were on the trail the conditions were perfect. After taking a short detour down the wrong trail, so we could show off our humility and practice our map reading skills, we started hiking in earnest. This trail, also used by bikers, is mostly gentle ups and downs, but it is not very rocky or steep, so it merits a knee-friendly rating.
The flora and fauna is different down in this area, although we rarely see the latter because we scare everything away when we chatter and crunch leaves with our boots! All along the trail there are lots of pine trees, holly bushes and trees, oodles of quartz rocks both big and small, ferns, and patches of moss. There are also little plastic flags that identify various plants. Lake Ouachita is composed of many fingers, so we would frequently catch glimpses of the lake, sometimes on both sides of the trail at the same time.
When we found some convenient logs with a view of the lake, we decided to have lunch. We were pretty warm by this time, but we did cool down quite a bit sitting in the shade. On the trail again, we started feeling hot and began shedding as many layers as possible, with several hikers ending up in shirtsleeves.
This was a beautiful area that shows no ill effects from all the ice and rain that caused so much damage in Northwest Arkansas. It was a perfect place for today’s hike.
2009-01-24 Big Bluff Photo Link: click here
Thirteen hardy TrailBlazers with antifreeze in their veins braved the cold, for the second week in a row, to hike the Big Bluff Trail near Ponca. With Linda in the lead we tackled this unusual 5.5 mile trail. It was really chilly, but sunny at the outset, so we were all bundled up, but we warmed up once we got going.
Conventional wisdom indicates that we would hike upward to reach a high bluff, but on this trail we actually had to trek downward to reach this majestic bluff with the narrow ledge that overlooks the Buffalo River. After a gradual descent, we suddenly reached the towering wall of the bluff. Once we passed through the wooded area we reached the bare ledge and had a fantastic view of the river and the surrounding bluffs as we carefully walked along. We spent some time exploring and then found a sunny, sheltered area on the ledge to eat lunch. In places the ledge is narrow, so it could be scary for anyone who does not have a head for heights.
Since we had hiked down to reach the bluff, the laws of Physics dictated that we had to hike up on the return trip. The ascent is gradual, but it is a fairly steady climb with a total elevation gain of 1,000 feet. In any case, the warriors from last week’s trek felt that this one was easier. As unscientific as it might seem, Yours Truly thinks that the return trip is longer. Maybe that is because it is uphill and the oxygen masks did not deploy when she lost cabin pressure! In any case, it turned out to be a beautiful day and we had a great time.
2009-01-19 Machu Picchu Program Photo Link: click here
Our January meeting featured an interesting presentation by TrailBlazer Dan Nolen on the trip he and his daughter Hillary made to Peru in June of 2008. After a 5-hour flight to Lima, they had the opportunity to stroll the palm-lined streets of this very old city and visit some historic churches with catacombs underneath. The next day they traveled to Cusco, the old inland capital that sits at an altitude of 12,000 feet. Here our Dan succumbed to the dreaded soroche, the altitude sickness that attacks many visitors who are not born and raised in the Andes. Fortunately Dan revived himself with the local pick-me-up, a native tea brewed from coca leaves. He certainly looked happy enough in the photo taken after he had imbibed several cups!
Next they journeyed to Pisca and saw the terraces where the Incas harvested several different varieties of potatoes. Finally they took the Backpacker Special Train to start their trek to ancient Machu Picchu, Lost City of the Incas, first discovered in 1912 by American Hiram Bingham. They chose the one day hike of 10-12 miles rather than the 4-day marathon of 40 miles, which sounds very sensible considering the altitude and the rugged terrain of the old Inca Trail. Dan assures us the expedition was quite challenging for legs and lungs. They slept in tents overnight so they could experience the dramatic view of Machu Picchu at sunrise, a sight he says cannot be totally captured in photos. The stonework created by these ancient craftsmen is truly remarkable.
Dan’s talk was well received, and we appreciate him sharing his experience with us.
2009-01-17 White Rock to Shores Lake Photo Link: click here
On a cold, windy morning under leaden skies Buffalo Bob led 35 TrailBlazers on the 6-mile descent from White Rock down to Shores Lake. It was too cold to linger on top any longer than it took for us to use the unisex restroom, and that seemed like an eternity, so we even postponed our group photo. This trail is up and down with some steep, rocky sections that do not qualify it for my knee-friendly rating. There are also several large tree falls blocking the trail in various places, so it could use some do-gooders with chain saws.
Once we actually started down the trail, the winds subsided, but it was quite a while before we started shedding our thick, colorful layers. Most of us didn’t feel terribly cold once we started moving, except for cold fingers. Kenya merits the Fashion Statement Award even without the lederhosen that would have been the icing on the cake to complete her outfit, and Judith is cited for her dramatic, daring, innovative flair for color, which is sure to be copied by the top French designers. Along the way we saw several different frost flowers, each a unique work of art, and icicles spouting out of the rock walls here, there and, everywhere. Some of the waterfalls were totally frozen, and the most spectacular one was a combination of water on one side and ice on the other. This was the perfect spot for our group picture. There were also many patches of ice in the creek that made beautiful crystal formations.
After a while, the sun actually came out and it warmed up considerably. It was hard to believe that it was the same day that we started the hike. It was Cindy’s first long trek since her surgery and she really put in an impressive performance. It turned out to be a neat day for hiking after an inauspicious start.
2009-01-11 Lee Creek Trail Photo Link: click here
Although the day had a chilly start, by afternoon it was sunny with perfect temps for hiking. Judith and Ed led 29 TrailBlazers on the Leek Creek Trail in Van Buren. It wasn’t long before we were peeling off our layers because we got warmed up quickly with no wind to speak of in the woods.
Old Friends, like Speedy and Gene, joined new ones on a leisurely stroll through the hills. Yes, Virginia, Speedy occasionally does come out of mothballs to join us on a hike, especially when it is on his favorite turf! We checked out the old homeplaces and gravesites of people long gone and enjoyed the scenic views of the reservoir and creek. Since we were in no hurry, we had plenty of time to look around and visit, and Yours Truly was even able to get some up close and personal shots of the hikers. At one point the group got separated, with some taking the high road and some taking the low one, only to meet up again near the crevices. This prompted Randy to say that he hadn’t even missed some of us! Big mistake, Randy, we women have long memories and we never forget a slight, real or imagined!
Good weather and good company made for a very enjoyable afternoon.
2009-01-03 Womble Trail Photo Link: click here
Thirteen stalwart, diehard TrailBlazers, hereby dubbed the Womble Warriors, started the New Year with an impressive 10.9 mile trek that started out with a steady uphill climb, which was not for the faint of heart! What was even more incredible was the unseasonably warm day with temperatures reported to have reached a high of 79. Gloves, heavy coats, and ski hats are conspicuously absent from the pictures; we can actually figure out who everybody is!
Impeccable, confidential sources report that some people even experienced leg cramps, surely the first reported incidence of such a phenomenon on a TrailBlazer venture! It all goes to prove that when the going gets tough, the tough get going, because everybody made it on their own steam and lived to tell the tale!
Linda reports: “We did the hike in 5 hours including lunch. It was a fast paced hike and hot and we sure got our exercise. Billigene is a great hiker.” We all have to say amen to that. Billigene only reports that it was “a long day” and that she enjoyed sitting on a log to eat lunch!
Yours truly had to manufacture this report because, in addition to leg cramps, our hikers were apparently also suffering from writer’s cramp since members who actually participated were at a loss for words!
Come join us for the rest of our hikes slated for January. You may be relieved to know that they are considerably less strenuous!
2008-12-13 Lake Fort Smith Photo Link: click here
Weather report: cold, cloudy, windy per Becky. It certainly looks that way!
Twenty-five TrailBlazers hit the trail including our friend Jack from England who hiked with us last year when he was visiting. The trail started at the Visitors Center which was hard to leave since it was toasty warm. We followed the lake for a while before up and downing through the woods. When we curved away from the lake, we followed a creek (possibly Frog Bayou) for a while and there were several scenic overlooks. There were three stone chimneys along the way and a scenic hollow with rock ledges that probably has a very lovely waterfall after rain.
After about 2.5 miles we came to the point of return and the group split with about half going back on the trail and the rest taking the road that Hanna assured us led back to the Visitors Center. It was a steady trudge uphill for about 15 minutes on the road before it leveled off. We passed one very scenic mountain that had a sheer rock wall all around the top. The road crew reached the Visitors Center first where the warmth was very welcome. Most of us ate lunch on the porch overlooking the lake before heading home. It was a very pleasant hike in our beautiful new state park.
Editor's note from a bone-battered, joint-jarred Yours Truly: It appears that once again our crack weather forecasters are left with egg on their faces since the weather cast indicated balmy temperatures that are totally at variance with the heavily layered look seen in the photos. It appears that Hanna fell down on the job by failing to put up her traditional Christmas decorations on the trail! Perhaps she only has a one track mind, since she was busy wielding her camera. All is forgiven because Hanna, Katie, and Rusty sent me photos and Becky sent text. Merry Christmas, everyone!
2008-12-06 Womble Trail Photo Link: click here
Seventeen hikers gathered on a clear and crisp morning to venture on the Womble Trail. Various mosses lined the trail that wound around the solely uphill climb. We held out for lunch until we reached the bluff overlooking the Ouachita River and the view was well worth the wait.
Five mountain bikers from Texas rested a moment at the overlook, so Bob had a candid moment with them. They planned on biking the entire 37 mile trail this weekend. The Trailblazers enjoyed the six or so new bridges created for the bikers, a great addition to the trail. The highlight of Carroll's day was conning Billigene into carrying his backpack for a brief time...no reason, just to see her do it. It was a lovely day for an 8.5 mile hike.
2008-11-30 Hike at Cecil Photo Link: click here
Kenya reports that it was a nice, chilly but not too cold hike. We parked by the gas well and hiked across the road into the woods along and across a pretty little creek. The trail was relatively smooth walking for the most part. We saw an old cemetery with readable headstones dating back to the late 1800's. We made a loop and came back to the road where we had parked and made another loop along a much bigger creek that we need to see in the Spring when the dogwoods are in bloom. Great place for a Sunday afternoon hike and there are lots more trails to explore. Thanks to Dana and Paul for a nice afternoon hike. Thank you to Hanna for the pictures.
2008-11-22 Devils Den Workday Photo Link: click here
Twenty-one, count’em, WorkerBlazers reported for duty at Devil’s Den to rake leaves and clean out fire pits on a brisk autumn morning under orders from Ranger Harry. Perhaps our good turnout was prompted by encouragement from Tim Ernst and Becky at our Monday night meeting!
In an unprecedented, but welcome, gender-bending departure from tradition, this time the boys, aka Cinderfellas, cleaned the fire pits instead of the Cinderellas. Those bags get pretty heavy and have to be dragged to the road! It was high time the guys got to say: “This is the pits.” They also worked on leaves after they finished.
The girls raked and bagged a never-ending supply of leaves at the Visitors Center and down in the pavilion area. Our octogenarian, Billigene, really pulled her weight, what there is of it, and made a major concession. She normally walks 3 miles every day, but only if the temp is over 50, which assuredly it was not when we arrived! In any case, we warmed up pretty quickly and people shed their layers.
Ranger Harry encouraged us to check out the Devil’s Den Trail to see a new professionally constructed stone staircase that cost them big bucks. Of course, we peons have built him some stone steps ourselves with whatever was to hand, and perhaps they don’t compare, but we do work cheap! We ran into a young man with a little Scottie dog in his backpack. He had found the dog lost and alone on the trail, but y’all will be happy to know that there was a tearful, heartwarming reunion in the parking lot. See what y’all missed? It turned out to be a beautiful, fun day.
2008-11-17 Tim Ernst Program Photo Link: click here
Once again Tim Ernst treated 155 TrailBlazers and community members to a pre-Thanksgiving slide program of his latest picture book, Arkansas Landscapes. He started the program with readings from the Cloudland Journal, another new book. Many of us are familiar with his on-line Journal found on the Cloudland website. Tim and his wife Pam are editing 11 years’ worth into book form. Since so much happened in the first year, this first book is dedicated to that one year. Eventually, there will be at least two more books.
Tim told us how he bought his land near Hawksbill Crag sight unseen. The first couple of times he saw it, it was bathed in clouds, hence the name Cloudland. His home, a cabin on the property, was constructed by some Amishmen up in the Northwest, and then disassembled and reconstructed again at Cloudland. He started the on-line journal, and then faithful readers encouraged him to continue it. Seeing himself as a combination of John Boy Walton with literary aspirations and Doogie Howser who kept a journal, Tim spends lots of time sitting on his deck, hiking the trails, and taking photos so he will have lots of fodder for the journal.
The slide program featured all sorts of scenic landscapes from all over the state, such as waterfalls, a bridge in Little Rock, a lake in Harrison, fields of flowers, barns, mountains in the moonlight, majestic river bluffs, snowy woods, and even a family of skunks. The audience greatly enjoyed the program and had the opportunity to buy books, calendars and prints at a great discount, just in time for Christmas. With refreshments and door prizes to boot, it was a neat evening.
2008-11-08 Mt Nebo Photo Link: click here
Judith, our guest reporter, gives the following account:
The drive up 155 to Mt. Nebo's summit was spectacular with hairpin turns and expansive views.
Twenty-seven Trailblazers met at Mt. Nebo's Visitor Center where we patiently stood in line for the one restroom. (PS from Yours Tuly. They must not have sneaked upstairs to use the employee restroom!)
We hiked down rustic rock steps carpeted with fallen leaves to reach the Bench Trail. Gene, aka Nebo Dude, led us on the 4 1/2 miles around the mountain providing interesting tidbits about its history. The weather was very cool and windy, but we were warmed by the bright sun and brisk pace.
We stopped for lunch at Fern Lake, really a pond, then continued 'round the mountain. After an uphill trek to the summit, we enjoyed the breathtaking views from Sunset Point before returning to the Visitors Center.
2008-11-01 Sams Throne and Cave Cr Canyon Photo Link: click here
Twenty TrailBlazers led by Buffalo Bob headed up 123 on a balmy day resplendent with color, which was much improved since last week. In a dramatic departure from time-honored TrailBlazer tradition, we hiked up to see Sam in November instead of January, and this gave us the opportunity to see Sam’s Throne in its colorful Halloween costume. Legend has it that Sam liked to preach from the top of the throne, but one has to wonder who was in the congregation since the throne overlooks an unspoiled valley with few inhabitants!
After hiking along the bluff and enjoying the view, we finally reached the steep crevice that leads up to the area where we make the final ascent to throne with the help of a rope. Bob and Wilson as well as volunteer assistants did a great job of shepherding everyone safely up and down, and they accomplished this in record time. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch on the throne and then hiked all around the top. Normally we have panoramic views from all angles because of bare trees, but this time we were greeted by trees cloaked in all the colors of the autumn palate. Of course, we still were able to enjoy the view from the rocky ledges around the edge.
Next, some of the group went down the road a short distance to Cave Creek Canyon. After enjoying the view from the high bluff, several hikers trekked down to the canyon floor and then met the challenge of coming back up by climbing a steep narrow crevice with the help of a rope and Wilson’s strong hands. Everybody had a great time on a picture-perfect day.
2008-10-25 Kings Bluff and Pedestal Rocks Photo Link: click here
Thirty-three TrailBlazers headed up to the Pelsor area on a beautiful, crisp morning, enjoying the slowly emerging color along the way. Unbelievably, we were the first at the trailhead and had our choice of the limited parking spaces. Sometimes we luck out.
First we headed for Kings Bluff Falls and were met with a tiny trickle of water, which was disappointing but not unexpected. The view is really neat and was sporting some fall color. Two sections of the guardrail near the falls are gone, so this could be a dangerous area for little rugrats. The more adventurous headed down the steep trail that leads to the base of the falls. Although there has been little rainfall, the leaves were damp and the trail was extremely slick in spots.
Next we headed for the trail to Pedestal Rocks and ate at the first rocky pedestal en route. Continuing on to the main Pedestal area, we scrambled down to explore the caves. This is when newbies first realize that the rocky bluff they have been trekking has huge open caves underneath. Everybody seems to enjoy exploring and rock hounding . These past few weeks we have done lots of playing, climbing crevices at DD, riding turtles at PJ, and spelunking at LV. If unfaithful readers can’t figure out the abbreviations, they will need to click on “more” below to find out! One of these days we are going to get whipped into shape by a more serious venture. Are we ready?
Little Thomas, outfitted in hiking boots, made his first trail debut in a backpack. Hmmmm, do they make those for adults?
2008-10-18 Hawksbill Crag and Lost Valley Photo Link: click here
On a beautiful day with great temps for hiking twenty-five TrailBlazers headed up Highway 23 in search of fall color. The color show is still in its earliest stages and it probably won’t peak until the end of the month. Managing to do the right hike on the most colorful date depends a lot on temperature, rainfall, how well we polish our crystal ball, and old-fashioned luck.
With co-leaders Judith and Ed serving as engine and caboose we first trekked up to Hawksbill Crag aka “Still standing after all these years.” This poor hawk, probably not a union member, has had his head stomped by untold generations of Arkansans in hiking boots and he doesn’t even get picture royalties! The narrow gravel road near the trailhead was congested with cars as this is one of the most popular trails in the Natural State. Keeping with tradition we ate our lunch on the crag and posed for our group portrait.
Next we went on to Lost Valley and had no trouble “finding” it as it is one of the few trails that is clearly marked by big signs! It is also a popular destination and parking was tight. On the trail we had a chance meeting with a lady who had planned to hike with us for the first time, but she had gone to the wrong CV parking lot for the rendezvous. She decided to retrace some of her steps on the trail to get to know us. The area is dry so there was no water in the creek, and there was only a trickle of water at the Natural Bridge, Eden Falls and Eden Cave. In any case, there is a lot to see on this trail and it is great for rock hounds and explorers. Some people checked out the open cave and others went up to Eden Cave to get down and dirty with their flashlights. This is one of those trails where you can do as much or as little exploring as you care to do. Another great day!
2008-10-11 Seven Hollows Photo Link: click here
Thirty-five TrailBlazers, with Wilson in the lead, appropriately hiked Seven Hollows at Petit Jean to start our seventh year. We can still see vestiges of the fire from several years back. The trees are starting to fill in the empty spaces, but they are not nearly as tall as the dead trees that are still standing. Fall is far from its peak, but we did see colorful leaves here and there as well as several varieties of orange mushrooms. As we walked along those megalithic rock canyons, the more ambitious checked out the caves on the bluffs.
First we headed up to the natural bridge and then continued on to Turtle Rocks. Alas, this side trail has fallen into disrepair, so we had to contend with tree fall, brambles, and a somewhat elusive path. Billigene decided that she would give this side trip a pass the next time around! Our arch-enemy, greenbrier, reached out to trip or snag us with a fair degree of success. Many of us were decorated with those thorny green seeds that like to stick so tenaciously to our clothing. Fortunately, Turtle Rocks is always a crowd-pleaser where our inner child encourages us to scramble around on those turtles like a bunch of kids. It’s good to see this stationary wildlife since we tend to scare off the real thing!
We continued on the up and down trail, occasionally finding rocky sections that were problematic for the vertically-challenged or the short-legged. When we reached the grotto, the falls were lightly flowing and provided the view while we ate lunch. Fortunately it was shady there and somewhat cooler. Although it was a beautiful day, it was a tad hot and muggy, leaving some of us dragging our damp tail feathers toward the end of the hike! Of course, this didn’t prevent us from having a great time.
2008-10-04 Seventh Annual Kickoff Photo Link: click here
Seventy-something TrailBlazers, old and new, headed up to Devil’s Den State Park for our kickoff picnic where we were treated to perfect weather. With this Cecil B. DeMille cast we were too large for the traditional “group picture,” so we settled for photos of the three hiking groups. Eloise led one group on a leisurely hike on the Devil’s Den Loop, Linda guided another contingent up to Yellow Rock, and Judith and Ed, our fitness posture children, took a smaller group up to explore the crevices, a hike best avoided by the weak-kneed or lily-livered! Actually it is pretty neat, but it involves scrambling down steep rock walls and then finding a way to get back out, often picking up a little mud along the way. Never fear, they all made it!
Of course, the highlight is always the wiener roast, although these short hikes are never long enough to justify what we chow down. Becky and Bonanza Bob were at the grill. It seems like Buffalo Bob has done this chore on several occasions, so perhaps he has passed the torch to another Bob! We had our usual assortment of side dishes as well an entire table devoted to sugar, flour, and chocolate. That means we probably should hike Seven Hollows next week!
This was Amber’s birthday, so she was subjected to the dubious honor of hearing us serenade her. Little Thomas, along with his proud parents, put in his second appearance at a TrailBlazer outing, and he and Erin found themselves in a mutual admiration society. Now almost 8 months old, he has grown considerably since his debut at our May picnic.
2008-09-15 General Meeting Photo Link: click here
More than 60 people attended our September Meeting to hear a presentation about prescribed burns by Frank Palmer of the Forest Service. Of course the poor man, who wasn't wearing his hard hat, probably anticipated a tough crowd because sometimes these burns make for disgruntled hikers! There have been a couple of occasions when the TrailBlazers have been disappointed to experience the acrid smell of charred ash and the sorry sight of scorched earth. However, it seems like there are some good reasons to manage the forest.
Frank explained that fire results in fuel reduction that prevents future bad fires. It improves wild life habitat for animals like deer because sometimes the herbaceous vegetation grows too tall for them to reach. As a result of a burn, some seeds like acorns or pine seed can successfully germinate because they need to be able to reach down to the mineral soil. Fire also is needed to reduce invasive or non-native plants that can literally take over.
Fortunately Arkansas does not experience the raging kind of fires that occur in California because our climate is different. Because of rainfall, humidity, and termites, lots of our underbrush decomposes naturally and does not accumulate as much as it does in drier areas. The burns in the Ouachitas and Ozark-St. Francis forests are restricted to only about 6% of the total acreage each year. Most of the burns are in March and April because this is the dormant season when most large trees can handle fire and heat without being destroyed.
Frank opened up the meeting for questions, and he fielded several for us. We appreciate him coming to give us the other side of the story.
2008-07-19 Breckenridge Trip Photo Link: click here
Colorado bound, 27 TrailBlazers made the annual hiking trip, some stopping en route to see Bent’s Old Fort, the Royal Gorge, and Pike’s Peak. Housed in 2 delightful ski lodges nestled on a scenic mountainside above Breckenridge, we were perfectly situated to drink in the scenery, shop in town, bike, or access the hiking trails. Some of us initially experienced a little altitude sickness, but we were soon ready to hike.
Most spent the first day shopping or driving up to Boreas Pass while acclimating to the thinner air, but a few took on McCullough Gulch. Later we felt prepared to hike from Loveland Pass to the top of the Continental Divide and to trek up the Shrine Trail from Vail Pass to see some spectacular scenery and rock formations. A few ambitious diehards tackled Quandary, a “fourteener,” and several trekked up to Black Powder Pass on the last day, surviving it to rave about the views and wildflowers. Becky was rewarded with her columbines.
Depending on interest and fitness, various others checked out Sapphire Point, the Tenderfoot Trail, Lily Pad, Peaks Trail, and the Burro Trail. A highlight for 15 of us was a trip to Leadville followed by a wet and wild raft ride down the Arkansas River through several exciting Class 3 rapids.
As usual, we ate well and had a great time thanks to Becky’s hard work. LK, we missed you!
2008-05-18 End of the Season Photo Link: click here
About 50 TrailBlazers made tracks for Devil’s Den for our end of the season picnic. It was a warm and sunny day, so we didn’t get as ambitious as usual, just settling for a leisurely stroll on the Devil’s Den Trail. Of course, the young and ambitious bearded the devil in his den and came back out unscathed, just a little dirty. The ice box with its natural air conditioning was a welcome treat that lured several explorers who came out decorated with muddy hands as a souvenir. The waterfalls were running, so we lucked out.
Of course, even a short hike makes everybody hungry, so we headed back to the pavilion to wolf down hot dogs, salads, beans, chips and dips, and all sorts of rib-sticking desserts that were not justified by the shortness of the hike! Oh, well, it never stopped us before, and we certainly didn’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings. Rest assured, we did not!
A highlight of the occasion was the surprise visit and TrailBlazer debut of Baby Thomas along with his proud parents and grandparents. Yours Truly is a sucker for babies and so is Erin, so you can check him out in the photos. It was the end of another great season and we look forward to seeing everybody at our kickoff picnic in the fall. Y’all come!
2008-05-08 Butterfield Trail Photo Link: click here
Nine TrailBlazers left Van Buren for the Butterfield Trail under very overcast skies with the weather forecast for afternoon storms. As we drove up I-540, the clouds were hanging very low over the mountains. When we arrived at the trailhead, it was very chilly and most of us kept on our jackets. The trail was wet and muddy in many places and before long we arrived at an area that had recently been subjected to a controlled burn by the Forest Service (Tim Ernst's arch enemies). We continued on to the Quail Valley area, a very scenic unique spot, where the creek was running good and the waterfall was very pretty. From there it was a short distance to a place that backpackers must use often for camping. A rock table had been constructed by someone in the past and there was a nice fire ring with a small stream nearby. We continued on to Blackburn creek where we found a scenic spot to enjoy our lunch. Just as we were finishing, big raindrops started coming down. Several dug their ponchos out and put them on. It lasted maybe 10 minutes and by then we were trudging up a steep incline so the ponchos came off quickly since they were starting to feel like a sauna. The trail back was mostly uphill so we made several rest stops along the way. On the way to the trailhead we noticed a new general store on Hwy 74 so after the hike we stopped by to check it out and get some refreshments. It was a very pleasant day to be on the trail and we made it back home before the storms arrived.
2008-05-03 Winding Stairs Photo Link: click here
Fourteen TrailBlazers headed down to the Ouachitas on a cool morning to hike Winding Stairs, designated a crown jewel by Tim Ernst. En route we checked out Crooked Creek Falls along the road and also stopped to explore the Little Missouri Falls area. By this time we had a sunny day with a great temperature for trekking.
From Albert Pike Campground we started out with a steady uphill climb, prompting Bonanza Bob to say that we should always start our hikes with a flat stretch to get warmed up! Next we meandered up and down the trail enjoying the wildflowers and umbrella magnolias. Everything was green and leafy unlike some previous hikes made in the fall. Hike leader Buffalo Bob whipped out his pruners to save us from greenbrier and foliage in the trail. Alas, the fallen tree that used to spare us from the first wet crossing is no longer there, so off came the boots!
About a mile later we made the back-to-back second and third wet crossings where the water was deeper than usual, leaving us with soggy pant legs. Fortunately the day was warm and the water felt good. Following time-honored TrailBlazer tradition, we ate lunch at the turquoise-colored swimming hole with the little falls at each end and the beautiful bluffs with the peace sign formation made of tall rock columns. Because of the greenery, there was also the face of a green-eyed monster up in the bluff – check out the pictures! We had a great day!
2008-04-26 Brushy Creek Photo Link: click here
Finally,with the magic of email and cyberspace, the details of the latest TrailBlazer adventure have winged their way to Yours Truly in Omaha thanks to a report from Becky and photos from Katie.
Brushy Creek was the destination of 28 TrailBlazers including 4 new hikers, one a young girl from Estonia who plays volley ball for UAFS. We were concerned that Brushy Creek might be too deep, but we were able to cross without putting on wading shoes. There were about 5 crossings in the first 1.3 miles. The teenage boys were along and were very helpful. They waded into the water to place rocks at strategic points on one creek. Boys being boys,the water was no doubt irresistible. They stood in the creek and held our hands as we walked across a log over yet another creek. Randy piggy-backed Billigene across two of the streams. We all know how Billigene feels about wet crossings, so Randy surely put a jewel in his crown, even if it is only simulated!
There were lots of wildflowers in the creek area including wild iris, fleebane, violets, firepink, phlox and one that we thought might be an orchid. We also saw something we don't know growing on a small sapling. It was a white fuzzy ball with little red dots on it. There was still scattered dogwood blooming and wild azaleas were starting to come out.
After leaving the creek area, it was a long steady climb up the mountain with a stop for lunch along the trail. With the leaves on the trees, there was never much of a view. We entered a scenic area as we headed down the mountain with hollows and drainages as we switched back and forth. It was an absolutely lovely day with perfect temp and blue skies, but not such a great day for pollen sufferers as they returned home with green shoes and green cars!
2008-04-19 Buffalo Lodge Weekend Photo Link: click here
Twenty-nine TrailBlazers, both new and old, answered the call to the 6th annual spring fling at Buffalo Lodge, encountering an overturned truck en route. The Friday evening wiener roast was the chilliest on record, but it was tempered by Carroll’s fruit cobbler hot out of the Dutch oven, all kinds of goodies and libations contributed by members, and a sing-a-long around a roaring campfire under a silvery full moon.
On Saturday 21 trekkers hiked the Cecil Cove Loop making a side trip into Thunder Canyon to see some magnificent falls. There was some slip-sliding around, with muddy pants to prove it, but the hike got rave reviews. Another group of 8 explored all the nooks and crannies on Round Top Mountain in search of wildflowers. After our burger bash we played games, had another campfire songfest, or hit the hot tub.
On Sunday after our traditional Mountain Man Breakfast, one group shuffled off to the Buffalo to canoe or kayak, and the rest headed for Lost Valley where Eden Falls were the best in recent memory. Some of us finished off with a trek down to the Glory Hole. As usual, we ate more than we should, a time-honored tradition, and had a great time! PS: Check out the pulldown Photo Album menu on the top of the picture page to find more pics under Part Two.
2008-04-13 Fern Gully Photo Link: click here
On a cool, windy, overcast afternoon 17 TrailBlazers headed up 215 to explore the gully. This is not so much a hike as it is a scramble and bushwhack over rough terrain to check out some natural wonders. The creek was flowing well, so there were lots of waterfalls. This rocky canyon is filled with megaliths, crevices, rocks and holes, so it does not merit a knee-friendly rating, but it is fun and provides plenty of photo ops. Some elusive dogwood was in bloom in the gully, but there was more along the road.
We kept crisscrossing the creek in an attempt to find easier footing for our explorations. Even though the crossings were trickier than on previous occasions due to the volume of water, we managed to do this without mishap. Of course, there was an ample supply of helping hands to help the technically-challenged! Most of us did not trek the entire length of the gully, but a few eager beavers did. The distance is not particularly long, but it is slow going due to the rugged conditions.
There was big excitement on the road out. A large rock decided to take up residence in Eloise’s back tire. Fortunately, Buffalo Bob and David were our heroes and quickly got to work. Our Eloise is no slouch herself when it comes to wielding a tire iron, but it is nice to be pampered once in a while!
2008-04-05 Pams Grotto Kings Bluff Photo Link: click here
Having had our planned trek to Twin Falls literally washed out, two dozen TrailBlazers in 2 groups enacted Plan B in search of water wonders. One group first hiked up to Pam’s Grotto where the falls were gloriously tumbling down to the pool below. There were also some beautiful falls and rapids in Haw Creek just across the road where we had parked.
Next we headed to King’s Bluff Falls where the water was flowing well for the first time in many moons. It was very slippery on the top of the bluff. Word has it that Bonanza Bob slipped precariously close to the edge near the falls, and others also had some missteps. Several people bushwhacked their way down the steep trail to view and photograph the falls in their full-length majesty.
Afterwards some of us drove to Falling Water Falls, which is right on a road. Still yearning for more water, next we took the water-damaged road to Twin Falls to see the spectacular Six Fingers Falls. Finally we reached the incredible roadblock caused by the enormous landslide. After turning back some people hiked ¾ of a mile up to Keefe Falls to round out the day. It was a long day, but nobody wanted to miss this rare opportunity to see big water. What a "wonderfall" experience!
2008-03-29 Glory Hole and Home Valley Bluff Photo Link: click here
Two and twenty TrailBlazers headed for the Glory Hole on a cool, very humid, overcast day that left our crack weather forecasters with egg on their faces! There was a lot of fog, sometimes very heavy, and in places gray clouds appeared to descend to the ground or ascend to the sky from the tops of trees, giving a familiar road a whole new look. The trail to the Glory Hole was wet and muddy, raising our hopes for a great water show, but in this we were disappointed. However, this hike never fails to please, and we had some hikers who were seeing for the first time how the stream funnels down through a round hole carved in a solid rock bluff to form a curtain of swirling water that can be viewed from underneath. Due to the mud and wet leaves, we had to watch our footing as we hiked to the bottom to explore. As we headed back uphill it started to rain, making it the kind of picture-taking day favored by Tim Ernst. Decked out in all manner of raingear, such as Hanna and her umbrella, we made quite a picture ourselves.
Next we headed on down the road to Home Valley Bluff, a new hike for most of us. Hiking downward for less than a mile, we arrived at an enormous bluff with an incredible view that was mostly obscured by heavy cloud cover. We hiked along the bluff line, where it was quite wet and marshy in places, to drink in the view. There were waterfalls in a couple of different places and a set of 3 large, flat rock tables, freestanding rock formations. After eating lunch and doing some more exploring, one contingent headed for home and the Ozark Barbeque for takeout. The other group captained by Bob and Wilson stayed behind with their heavy duty ropes to try to bushwhack their way to the valley floor, spurred on by their plan to finish the day by wolfing down burgers at CJ’s in Russellville.
2008-03-15 Indian Creek Photo Link: click here
Buffalo Bob gives us the scoop: The weather forecast for Saturday's Indian Creek Adventure Hike was for overcast and 40's and the rains in the early morning hours left the ground saturated and slippery. On our drive into Boxley Valley we had to stop to allow the elk to clear the highway. Over forty were grazing along the road.
19 TrailBlazers started out at the top of Indian Creek where the water was flowing nicely with waterfalls being plentiful. The trail was very wet, muddy, slippery and steep. In the creek area it was a challenge to find the best way downstream without slipping into the water. Even though the greens of Spring have not burst out, the moss and some ground plants were in full color.
The Eye of the Needle wasn't much of a challenge for this gang of hikers. Using over 100 ft of rope to climb to the top, another 100' added wasn't enough to reach to the bottom. No problem. Use your "low center of gravity" and scooch down the best you can and mission accomplished. The water was flowing through the top of the Eye and made a very pretty waterfall. The big adventure was Boxed In Canyon Falls where the soaked ground made for slippery footing (butting in some cases). The climb down the eighteen foot wall was successful and no hiker was left behind. The final leg to Kyles Landing included many crossings and falls.
The hike was a challenge for most and an adventure for all with only a few bumps and bruises. Ed was overheard to say: "I haven't been this dirty since I was seven and I'm loving every bit of it". It was also reported that the only one who somehow came out of it without a muddy backside was Buffalo Bob.
2008-03-09 Sugar Creek Photo Link: click here
After a patch of cold, snowy weather, balmy temperatures beckoned 42 TrailBlazers down to Booneville to hike along Sugar Creek with Doug. Wanting to avoid the time-consuming wet crossing that we have done in the past at the outset, we chose to start the hike at a different point. Most of the heavy snow has melted in Booneville itself, but it was still in evidence on the trail and the hillsides, making for a beautiful sight as we trekked up the slippery trail. Of course, parts of the trail were muddy or had wet leaves. As the snowy sections became packed down by many boots, the trail became slicker for the hikers bringing up the rear. There were places where we really had to watch our footing when all we really wanted to do was drink in the view! At the top we took some time to catch our breath, visit, and look around.
Along the way we got in touch with our inner child by making snowballs, ambushing each other, and playing catch. We found out that Shanti is actually a closet Conehead and several people, like Buffalo Bob, have a wicked aim. Little did we know that Mother Nature is a bit of a prankster herself, and did she ever have a surprise in store for us. Our hike was not supposed to have any wet crossings, but we certainly came close. The water was really rushing, so a crossing that should have been a mere rock hopper turned out to be a bit of a challenge. Some people chose to cross by straddling a large log, inch by inch, high above the creek. Others crawled across on it. Most of us crossed on a slippery log farther down the creek. Without the able assistance of Doug and Wilson, most of the hikers would have ended up in the drink.
We saw some new faces today, and everybody enjoyed getting up and out to experience Arkansas dressed in her snowy finery.
2008-03-01 Mt Magazine Photo Link: click here
On a beautiful day for hiking, 21 TrailBlazers drove down from the Mt. Magazine Visitors Center to Green Bench Road so we could hoof it back up the mountain. Starting out with 21 hikers, we lost 2 at the outset, but picked up 2 latecomers afterwards, so we still averaged out at twenty-one! For the first 2 miles or so we climbed steadily, an elevation gain of about 1,000 feet – huff, puff, gasp, wheeze. Since the oxygen masks failed to drop when we lost cabin pressure on the climb, an asthmatic Randy and a recovering Yours Truly resigned ourselves to a noisy breathing contest on the way up! When we reached the newly paved road at the top of the park, we were in for a treat at Cameron Bluff. There were a couple of spectacular overlooks where we took a breather and had many photo ops. Some of the views looked like Arkansas’s answer to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Continuing on to the campground, we ate lunch while enjoying such welcome but unaccustomed luxuries as picnic tables and flush toilets. While hamming it up for the camera, Schatze showed us how she has taught Sue to give her multiple treats. Continuing upward we hiked up to Signal Hill, the highest point in the state. On the spot there is a metal marker on an area paved with native stone to depict the Natural State. In a flash Becky managed to sprint across the entire state from northwest to southeast following the Arkansas River. You go, girl!
Taking the North Rim Trail, we trekked back to the Visitors Center. Defying logic, since we had already been to the highest point in the state, most of this seemed to be an uphill climb! In any case, this hike was a good workout and everyone seemed to enjoy it. We saw some signs that spring is just around the corner, so that was a welcome sight that bodes well for future hikes.
2008-02-24 Lee Creek Photo Link: click here
This turned out to be a “two-for” week with a good turnout of TrailBlazers for hike leader Speedy who only graces us with rare appearances these days. If anything will get him out of hibernation, it is this trail that is dear to his heart.
Guest reporter Sherri gives us her impressions: “40 hikers .... count 'em .... there were 40 of us .... guess that's what cabin fever will do to us, huh? Anyway, Shorty was our leader (that's his turf for sure) and this time we added the "Crack in the Rock" and there was a killer scramble up a loose rock bluff ... geez, but we were proud of ourselves once we got on top (lol), but it was worth it, a truly beautiful area to explore.
Now it seems we had an extra special reason to celebrate being in the woods today ...it turns out it was Becky's birthday, so I tried to catch a couple of shots of her. The last one was a surprise serenade by some of us (we pounced when she exited the ladies room).”
As y’all can tell, Yours Truly is still sick with some kind of bug, but she appreciates receiving pics from Hanna, Sherri and Katie. She is prepared to accept at face value Sherri’s assertion that Becky was “surprised” by the serenade (rather than suffering from an unprovoked assault on her eardrums)! Happy Birthday, Becky – what a great way to celebrate. You are not getting older, you are getting better and a trail is a good place to prove it!
2008-02-22 Ben Geren by Moonlight Photo Link: click here
After some of our hardy hikers canceled Black Fork last week due to monsoons, a major concession on their part, the TrailBlazers were not about to put off doing moonlight madness at Ben Geren. An ailing Yours Truly missed out on the caper, but they say a picture is worth a thousand words, so here goes. Considering the style show, or lack thereof, featuring the many-layered look, it would appear that it was either a tad chilly or our members were trying to keep a low, if not svelte, profile!
Silvery Moonlight was supposed to be the piece de resistance. However, its bulb must have burnt out or it was suffering a bout of shyness that rendered it powerless to put in an appearance, because it looks pretty dark. Down here in the boonies it was cold, damp and totally overcast, so that is a safe guess.
Fortunately I do have my sources, so Katie reports that there were 17 starters and 9 finishers. No, eight were not lost never to be heard from again, they just were not fond of trekking in chocolate pudding aka mud and decided that discretion is the better part of valor. Katie, a finisher, assures me that they had lots of fun, so there must be a difference of opinion on the subject of squishy trails. Katie provided the pictures and I appreciate how difficult it is to shoot in the dark. My experience is that it is pretty much a case of point, shoot, and hope for the best since you really can’t see what you are trying to frame up. Thanks, Katie!
2008-02-09 Mt Nebo Rim Trail Photo Link: click here
After a scenic drive to the top of Mt. Nebo, 24 TrailBlazers started their hike from Gene’s charming mountaintop cabin overlooking the valley on the South Rim. The house sports a fantastic screened porch with a spectacular view. What a place to enjoy your morning coffee! Gene, aka Nebo Dude, was an affable and knowledgeable pack leader who even gave us time off for good behavior to take five or enjoy the view. The weather was perfect and a real treat was in store for us. After hiking for a while, we heard the inviting sound of running water. The waterfalls were turned on, something that has been missing on previous occasions! We trekked down to the bottom of the falls to better appreciate the various layers of cascades.
We continued around the west side of the mountain and on up to the North Rim to enjoy the view, all the while trying to keep Nuclear One out of our pictures! Then we headed south and climbed up to the Visitors Center to eat our lunch on the porch or out in the sun. Continuing south on the trail, we went through that rocky area where there are lots of steep stone steps and finally arrived at the campground. At this point Gene allowed us to make the executive decision whether to take a short cut back to his cabin or continue on the trail that now has a detour because of falling rocks. Randy opted for the former, and sheep that we are, we all followed him on the shortest distance between two points. In any case, it made for an enjoyable and relaxing day.
Yours Truly, aka Calamity Jane, provided the greatest photo op of the day and hopefully nobody captured it. She was posing the group on a concrete house foundation next to the cabin when she tripped over a pipe, falling fast and hard, managing to smash her left elbow and raise two large goose eggs on her right knee.
2008-02-02 Tall Peak Photo Link: click here
Undaunted by a long drive and a trail rated as “strenuous” (with good reason!), 9 stalwart TrailBlazers headed down to the Ouachitas on a picture perfect day to tackle Tall Peak. This trail would be a worthy project for a crew of eager beaver volunteers on National Trails Day!
Once again this was a Three Bob hike with our latest Bob being dubbed Buckeye Bob since he has now seen Buckeye from Tall Peak. After meandering around in the campground, we eventually found the trailhead that tends to be a tad inconspicuous by its elusiveness. Contrary to established TrailBlazer tradition the gents outnumbered the ladies 5 to 4. This proved to be invaluable when it came to making 4 creek crossings involving some creative slippery rockhopping. The 5th crossing could be avoided by making a short side trip to the road, and most of us wimped out! On the return trip we skipped the creek crossings altogether and opted for the road – been there, done that.
The trail was steep and rocky and therefore does not qualify for either a lung or knee-friendly rating. Nevertheless, two card-carrying Medicare participants rose to the challenge – well, just barely – and lived to tell the tale. We were treated to some purple mountain views, neat rocks, wonderful rock formations, and lots of holly as we huffed and puffed our way to the summit where we ate lunch atop the tower with its 360-degree view. It was a great hike, but Bonanza Bob and Yours Truly had to regain our wobbly land legs when we stopped in Mena on the way home! After this, the Rim Trail at Mt. Nebo should seem like a rest cure. Actually this trail also has some rocky ups and downs, but everything is relative. Y'all come!
2008-01-26 Marinoni Trail Photo Link: click here
Thirty TrailBlazers headed up 23 on a gray, cool day that never quite reached the temps predicted by our crack forecasters, although it was still good weather for hiking. The start time had been delayed by two hours and this was a great idea. Along the way we saw lots of ice on the bluffs along the road as well as some beautiful frozen waterfalls. Previously we had hiked the Marinoni Trail in the spring when there was lush flowering vegetation. Winter gives a whole new look to the area. The fallen foliage reveals lots more boulders and bluffs than we remembered. There was crystallized ice virtually everywhere – on the boulders, the bluffs, tree trunks, fallen logs, and the creek. It was a Tim Ernst sort of day for picture taking.
The waterfalls had water but they were literally frozen in time. After the second set of falls, we encountered some large, overturned trees on the trail. Some people forged ahead, and some stayed put to eat lunch. This was a bit of a challenge because the ground was damp and the rocks were icy. Nevertheless, we managed to wolf down our food because an army moves on its stomach, especially this one! As we headed back, the sun finally decided to direct some rays in our direction, and it felt great! The only fly in the ointment was that a few of us had really cold hands in spite of our gloves. Of course, our hands got cold when we had to remove our gloves to eat, but skipping lunch was not an option!
2008-01-20 Lake Fort Smith Photo Link: click here
On a cold, sunny afternoon fourscore and more TrailBlazers headed up old 71 for a command performance, invitation only, white tie optional, sneak peak at the brand new Lake Fort Smith State Park due to open in April. Becky had invited park interpreter Jay Schneider to give us a talk at a general meeting in Fort Smith, but he did us one better by inviting us up to his turf for an up close and personal look-see, an offer we couldn’t refuse! The park has literally been moved over to accommodate the larger lake. We met in the beautiful new Visitor Center overlooking the lake where we had the opportunity to look around at the hands-on exhibits. In the future visitors will be encouraged to pack and unpack the covered wagon, try on period clothing in the mock up cabin, and touch some of the small animals in their habitats.
Jay told us about the new facilities like the day use area, the camping facility, the group lodge, the pools, the planned cabins, and the trails. There was a neat 15-minute slide presentation that highlighted the history and beauty of the Frog Bayou area. In addition, there were a series of pictures showing the progress on the construction of the new lake and dam that started 6 years ago. The park tried to preserve whatever they could from destruction. There was no way to move some old stone cabins, so they preserved many of the rocks for use elsewhere in the park. They even polished up the original WPA plaque and proudly display it in the center. Jay is enthusiastically raring to get started doing his job of explaining the flora, fauna, history and geology of the park to visitors. He invited us to do a drive through to look around. Like Jay we are itching to see the place in hiking boots! It certainly is great to see our tax dollars spent on something we will use and enjoy!
2008-01-12 Sams Throne 2008 Photo Link: click here
Under cool, gray skies 27 TrailBlazers led by Wilson went in search of a glimpse of Sam preaching from his throne. Sam was a no-show, but this didn’t keep us from enjoying the views along the bluff trail or the challenge of scrambling up the rocky crevice to make the final climb to the top using toeholds and the indispensable rope. Wilson did a great job of getting everybody safely up and down, and he was ably assisted by Don, Danny and Carroll. They gave us technical advice, encouragement, a hand, push or a pull as needed, and told us which foot to use and where to put it. Of course, there are always some disgustingly fit people who go charging up without help of any kind.
It was not windy on top where we ate lunch and did some exploring. Since it was still early, about half of the group decided to drive down the highway to Cave Creek Bluffs to check it out. After a brief drive on a rocky, rutted road, we hiked out to the top of the bluffs. We had to be watchful because we encountered at least a half dozen baited traps. Several eager beavers hiked down to the bottom and then decided to return by climbing up a steep narrow crevice that seriously rivaled the one at Sam’s Throne. As we trekked back to the cars, it started to drizzle and then rained for the drive home. Great hikes and perfect timing!
2008-01-05 Hobbs State Park Photo Link: click here
With only one December hike under our belts due to wet weather and our Christmas Recess, the #1 New Year’s Resolution for 32 TrailBlazers was to get back on the trail. En route to Hobbs State Park we passed by scenic War Eagle Mill. Upon our arrival at the trailhead we were greeted by gray, overcast skies, and a stiff breeze as Judith and Ed led us on a couple of loops. After a while the sun favored us with an occasional smile until it fully emerged, giving us blue skies and balmy weather. There were some new hikers with us as well as some oldies but goodies that we haven’t seen in a while. There was no Elvis sighting, but Santa did show up since there was not enough snow yet to get him back to the North Pole.
First we did the Dutton Hollow Loop that features some rugged terrain and steep hollows, but the trail itself is neatly laid out to weave around on fairly level terrain, so it was not very difficult. Since there are many pine trees, there is not a lot of debris on the trail and relatively few rocks, so the trail merits a knee-friendly rating. After completing the first loop we picked up the Bashore Ridge Loop that brought us to our beautiful lunch spot, a rocky shelf overlooking Beaver Lake. There were plenty of flat rocks to sit on as we wolfed down our food that always tastes great when we are dining al fresco. After about a 7.5 mile trek we headed for home.
2007-12-01 Vista Trail Photo Link: click here
After suffering withdrawal due to the rain cancellation of our post-Thanksgiving turkey trot at White Rock, 26 TrailBlazers led by Captain Kenya were more than ready to hit the trails and explore a brand new one at Lake Ouachita. Eventually this relatively new trail will extend for 40 miles, but we contented ourselves with about five. The trail has some gentle ups and downs as it winds through the woods sporting some great views here and there of Lake Ouachita. It is shared by mountain bikers, but we managed to outnumber them!
Somewhat different from the Ozarks, the leaf-covered trail featured various hardwoods, tall pines, many ferns, holly bushes as well as their taller cousins, lush patches of moss, and lots of neat quartz rocks of all sizes. We found out that Hanna is a closet rock hound who coveted many specimens on the trail. If Carroll had been with us, he probably would have used his well-practiced tactics to load down all of our backpacks with souvenirs for her when we weren’t looking!
It was a great hike in perfect weather and it is definitely a keeper to add to our repertoire.
2007-11-19 Tim Ernst Photo Link: click here
Once again Tim Ernst, Arkansas’s well known outdoor photographer, came to Fort Smith to give his pre-Thanksgiving slide show presentation to the TrailBlazers and a packed house at Grace Community Church. Having intimated in his Cloudland Journal that he might not give his Yellowstone program, his readers gave him what for, so he changed his mind! Yellowstone in Winter was a spectacular array of both wildlife and scenic photos. Tim traveled with a mixed group of photographers with different specialties. He ended up taking several wildlife photos, not usually his specialty, and inspired the wildlife photographers to appreciate and shoot the scenery. We saw some magnificent shots of elk, bison, bighorn sheep, and some remarkable sequences of wolves. Of course, there were also many views of winter wonders.
The second part of the program was Arkansas waterfalls, both the famous ones and some that Tim has discovered while hiking all over the state in some remote places. Of course, Tim has the equipment, the patience and the skill to capture things that the rest of us only dream about. He is also willing to brave the elements in any kind of weather or conditions. That’s why we got to see waterfalls showcased by seasonal garb, such as the lush green of spring, the chromatic hues of autumn, and the crystal ice of winter. Afterwards, Tim fielded questions and signed autographs. We ended the evening with drawings for some neat gifts furnished by various businesses and the TrailBlazers.
2007-11-17 Pedestal Rocks Kings Loop Photo Link: click here
A warm, sunny, picture-perfect day found 30 TrailBlazers hiking the Pedestal Rocks and Kings Bluff trails. Ably led by Linda, most of us did just these two trails. After our group picture, Wilson’s carload did the loops in reverse, so we wouldn’t slow them down. They also planned on hiking to Buzzards Roost.
First the large group trekked to Kings Bluff Overlook where we were disappointed in the falls but rewarded by the beautiful view. Dry conditions had reduced the falls to a mere trickle, not worthy of a king. Next we set off to see the pedestals, something that never fails to please. We had our lunch on a large rocky outcropping where we enjoyed a majestic view. There was still some fall color here and there, although many leaves had either fallen or passed their peak.
For the uninitiated the first impression is that the trail simply hugs a high bluff. Individual pedestals, large and small, can be seen from the trail. The real treat, as Gene found out, is that you have to get down and dirty to walk down underneath the bluffs. This is when you realize that you have been walking and sitting on the roof of a series of open caves and that several sections of the rocky trail overhead have no visible means of support! This part of the hike never fails to bring out the kid in all of us and invites us to explore the caves and rock climb. Three adventuresome teenagers in our group dug in their toes and fingers and scampered all over the bluffs with the confidence and exuberance of youth. The rest of us had fun too, but we couldn’t quite compete!
2007-11-10 Photo Link: click here
The weather was perfect for hiking - a little overcast, a little cool - and the trees were putting on a good autumnal show. So 41 people seized the day and showed up for the Seven Hollows hike at Petit Jean State Park. The crowded parking lot at the trailhead showed that TrailBlazers were not the only ones to hear the call of the wild, but we did not find the trail crowded. And while 41 TrailBlazers is a crowd all by itself, as the hike progressed we tended to break into smaller packs that made for very congenial hiking.
The Seven Hollows trail leads down valleys bordered with sandstone bluffs, popping over the ridges from one valley to the next. A great many leaves had already been blown down to line the valley floors, but more that enough salmon dogwood leaves and yellow hickory leaves clung to their limbs to give a good show against the gray bluffs. And with fewer leaves on the trees, the strange erosional patterns of the rock were very visible. These forested areas contrasted with the areas affected by the long-ago fire, where white, barkless trunks stand in a sea of new pine trees. In many places, the dead trees have fallen across the trail to give a hiking obsticle course. In one place, they fell across the trail where it runs between two 20' bluffs, which lead to some scrambling to get by. We sure got our hiking calisthenics in!
The interesting trail contributed towards a good day for everyone. We poked our head in the mini-cave, we took pictures through the rock arch, we climbed above the arch to walk over the rock turtles, we threw rocks in the grotto creek. And as always, the lunch break was a highlight of the hike. Getting over some of the rocks in the trail was a challenge to the knees of a few of us, but we all made it up and over and back to the trailhead, no problem.
No one felt inclined to tackle the Cedar Creek trail afterwards, but we swung by the lodge and overlook to check the color and to catch the score on the Razorback game. No more need be said on that subject. And a few of us stopped at CJ's in Russellville for burger that can't be beat. All in all, a pretty good day.
2007-11-03 Workday at Devils Den Photo Link: click here
A small but mighty team of TrailBlazers, numbering a baker’s dozen, answered the semi-annual call to spruce up Devil’s Den. The drive was beautiful with trees really starting to turn, so next week might be peak color.
This time we did something new - cleaning up the remains of the Civilian Conservation Corps buildings in honor of the upcoming 75th anniversary of the park. Back in the dark depression days of the 30s, the government employed thousands of young men to do public works projects. In the South this took the form of creating many state parks. The men did beautiful stone work, making bridges, rock staircases and cabins, many of which are still in use.
On a small loop trail we cleared away dirt, brush, and trees to uncover the foundation of the CCC kitchen. It seems that women never get out of the kitchen even when we are out in the woods! Bonanza Bob’s chain saw came in handy for cutting out the fallen trees. Some people, with Gene serving as an able engineer, worked to clear and repair the trail near the kitchen, smoothing it out, curbing it with rocks, and spreading gravel. We also cleared out the old root cellar and then moved on to the latrine. Women’s work is never done! Fortunately, it has been many moons, no pun intended, since this facility was used. The cleaning only consisted of cutting down brush and weeds to uncover the ruins, so no rubber gloves, gas masks, and Pinesol were needed.
Everybody pitched in and worked hard, so we got the work done in short order. Afterwards, four of us decided to hike the Lee Creek Trail and enjoyed the scenery and the company. It was a great day and it was more fun than raking our own yards or cleaning out the garage or attic!
2007-10-27 Hawksbill Crag Lost Valley Photo Link: click here
In search of fall color, 53 TrailBlazers traveled up the Pig Trail to Hawksbill Crag. There was a dress rehearsal in costume along the road, particularly the red maples, but the peak color is still a work in progress. Undoubtedly our crack weather forecasters failed to coordinate their day planners with Mother Nature, a lady who has an agenda of her own. It seems we haven’t had enough cool nights to bring out all the color, but it is always a beautiful drive and we still have the anticipation of color to come.
After reaching the trailhead, we set out at a brisk pace and trotted on up to the crag with its view that never fails to please. We had plenty of time to explore, visit, and eat before taking our traditional group photo atop the most photographed rock outcropping in the Natural State. Here and there we spotted a few colorful trees down in the valley. Beautiful bluffs, interesting rock formations, and soaring hawks are all included in the panoramic view.
Next, after a short drive, we easily “found” Lost Valley, but finding a parking space presented a bit of a challenge. The creek was dry, but there were some beautiful leaves glistening in the water below the low waterless falls. We continued on to Eden Falls that were a mere sprinkle and a shadow of what they can be. Ascending a steep staircase of rocks we continued up the trail to see the magnificent bluffs stretching up to the sky and to reach the cave where some adventurous hikers did a little spelunking.
On the way back we looked for elk In Boxley Valley and saw a herd of at least 15. A rather magnificent male with an enviable rack was bugling and strutting around guarding his harem but, if truth be told, the girls seemed more interested in the lush grass! A perfect finish for our day!
2007-10-20 Mt Magazine Photo Link: click here
Once again blessed with great weather, 34 TrailBlazers and two canines hiked the Bear Trail at Mt. Magazine. As usual, Schatze was more than happy to flash her pearly whites for the camera, always sensing the best camera angles and lighting, while little Low Rider proved to be “long” on camera shyness! When we set out, a stiff breeze threatened to blow away lightweights like Billigene, but after a while the layers came off as we enjoyed a warm day with little humidity.
Taking Will Apple’s Road from the Visitor Center, we crossed the horse camp where we met up with Joy, Vickie, and Low Rider, and then picked up the Bear Trail on the other side of the road. Of course, after we crossed the road there was some momentary dithering about finding the trail, but eagled-eyed Buffalo Bob saved the day. Of course, we weren’t lost! The long-time members were probably just feigning humility for the benefit of the newcomers, so that they wouldn’t feel overwhelmed by a bunch of know-it-alls claiming to be experts on the great outdoors. What we won’t do to make folks feel at home!
Everything was pretty green with little evidence of fall color to come, but the sumac was starting to get colorful and there were some beautiful hazy views. We saw ferns, violets, asters, and some beautiful wildflowers that defied identification by even our plant-savvy members. Finding a beautiful rocky overlook featuring Mt. Nebo in the distance, we decided it would make a great lunch spot. A few people decided to pass on their brown bags al fresco in favor of lunch at the lodge since it was early enough to do that. We had a great time and are crossing our fingers for some great fall foliage at Hawksbill Crag next week.
2007-10-13 Little Missouri Photo Link: click here
A delightful sunny day, with little humidity, beckoned 28 TrailBlazers, both new and old, down to the Ouachitas to hike the Little Missouri Trail from Albert Pike Campground to Little Missouri Falls. We expected the possibility of several wet crossings, but we were pleasantly surprised to have only one at the very beginning of the trail. The water over a low bridge was just high enough to require us to slosh across in water shoes. After that we managed to rock hop the rest of the crossings. Of course, here and there someone managed to wet a boot or a sock or even suffer the indignity of a partial dunking due to a slip, but identities will not be revealed at this juncture because we don’t want to scare off new members! This trail is relatively easy with no really hard uphill sections, so everybody kept up a pretty good pace
We found a lovely rocky area in the middle of a creek and decided that it was not only a great place for a photo op, but also an ideal lunch spot. Along the trail we saw some tiny asters, mushrooms of various types, holly, and beauty berries. Fall color was not yet in evidence as tree leaves are still looking pretty green, although there was no indication that this area had experienced the heavy rain that occurred recently in the Fort Smith area. Toward the end of our hike we were rewarded with several waterfalls down along the river. Everyone agreed it was a perfect day for a hike.
2007-10-07 Sunday Kickoff Picnic Photo Link: click here
Devil’s Den hosted fourscore and more TrailBlazers, our largest crew ever, for our sixth season kickoff picnic. One group hiked the Devil’s Den Trail, very tempted to spend the duration in the Icebox, and another explored the crevices that branch off that same trail. The largest contingent, gluttons for punishment, hoofed up to Yellowrock on a very warm and humid day.
Of course, this army moves best on its stomach, so we all headed back to the pavilion to wolf down hot dogs, salads galore, and some sinful desserts. Randy’s grandson Allen also celebrated his birthday with us. Unfortunately, doing justice to the food did not fare so well for our waistlines, so we all need to head for the Ouachitas next Saturday to work it off. Come join us!
2007-09-17 Meeting Photo Link: click here
On September 17th the TrailBlazers had our first meeting of the sixth season for a sellout crowd of around four score at the River Valley Nature Center. Becky welcomed everyone, new and old, and invited newcomers to join us on a hike. Bob the First, our original Buffalo Bob, gave a slide presentation of some of the TrailBlazers’ finest moments at such scenic sites as Indian Creek, Hawksbill Crag, Twin Falls, Glory Hole, and the Ouachitas. Next Judith and Ed, our poster children for physical fitness, enthusiastically told us how much they have enjoyed the club since joining a couple of years ago. This dynamic duo makes a lot of us realize that we have a lot of catching up to do!
This was a birthday party of sorts because the club was founded five years ago on this very day. This means that we are officially out of hikers’ preschool and ready to tackle kindergarten. In honor of the occasion we celebrated with a neat cake with an outdoor theme. Our birthday gift was that no dues will be collected this year. Poverty is no longer a valid excuse, so we all need to get up, get out, and enjoy Arkansas – our motto. Happy Trails to you!
2007-06-23 Trip to Angel Fire, NM Part 2 Photo Link: click here
On Tuesday several people did the Clear Creek Trail that was billed as a walk along a creek. It turned out to be an uphill trek on a steep, regged trail but it was a neat hike with lots of waterfalls and rushing water.
Wednesday found a large group huffing and puffing their way from about 10,200 ft. up to scenic Williams Lake at 11,000+ ft., where we lunched at some beautiful falls at the far end of the lake. Most of the rest of our group shot the rapids in the Rio Grande on rafts.
Thursday brought more shopping in Red River and Taos for some. Another group did the long drive to Valle Vidal where they were impressed by the scenery. Five of us took the Red River Lift in the AM to hike to an old mining town then did the mountain jeep tour in the PM and managed to get bombarded by hail and rain. During the tour we ran into 2 rental jeeps driven by fellow TrailBlazers.
On Friday five diehards, with Judith saving us face as the sole female, hiked the steep, rough trail up to Touch Me Not and were treated to panoramic views. Several others went shopping in Santa Fe and Taos or visited the historic Taos Pueblo where Indian artisans live in traditional pueblos with no water or electricity.
The scenery was beautiful and very varied from the hot desert area of Taos and Santa Fe to the high-desert/mountainous terrain of Angel Fire where it was cooler, greener and wetter. Everybody had a great time and appreciated all of Becky’s hard work to get this show on the road. Phil, a newcomer to TrailBlazer Travel, enjoyed all the hikes and sightseeing but felt that the best part was meeting everybody – Amen
2007-06-23 Trip to Angel Fire, NM Part 1 Photo Link: click here
The last week in June found 30 TrailBlazers flying, driving or biking to Angel Fire, with 7 leaving a day early to food shop. Contrary to popular belief, June 21st is not the longest day of the year. This year that distinction was reserved for June 23rd when 2 vehicles loaded with 7 women made the marathon food run to Sam’s in Santa Fe and Wal-Mart in Espanola with Commander in Chief Becky ably leading the charge.
As usual there were some last minute changes, including 2 people dropping out due to illness and one blazer substituting for another. The “5K House” actually turned out to have a different name and address than we were told, but the name stuck anyway. A last minute administrative change led to Bison Lodge (a really neat pad) being substituted for Losack House, much to the delight of its occupants.
On Sunday most of us drove the Enchanted Circle, hiked the Columbine Creek Trail and actually spotted some large columbines, checked out the Visitors’ Center in Cimarron Canyon State Park, surveyed the Royal Gorge from the Rinconada Loop Trail and La Junta Point, and finished up viewing and photographing the canyon from Gorge Bridge.
On Monday a large contingent made the long, scenic drive to Bandelier National Monument to learn about the cliff dwellings and pueblos on a ranger-led tour. Several adventurers, aka mad dogs and Englishmen, climbed about 140 ft. up a series of 4 steep ladders in the blazing sun to Alcove House at the top of a cliff. South of Red River a smaller group hiked the Lost Lake Trail that parallels a creek with several waterfallsand reached 11,400 ft.
See Part 2!
2007-04-21 Glory Hole and Magnolia Falls Photo Link: click here
Twenty-five TrailBlazers headed up Highway 21 to check out the falls on a day that promised to be very warm. First we hiked down to the Glory Hole, noting along the way that there had been a prescribed burn and quite a bit of frost damage, retarding spring growth. Nevertheless, we did manage to see some shooting stars, wild iris, violets, and shriveled-up dogwood blossoms. The creek has certainly been higher than it is now, but there was enough water to make little waterfalls and cascades here and there, as well as a beautiful spray coming down through the Glory Hole itself. Everyone always seems to enjoy exploring the area.
Next we went on down the road to see Magnolia Falls. The trail seemed quite dry and dusty, so we were pleasantly surprised to see a respectable amount of water tumbling down. This area made an ideal lunch spot, so we made the most of it. After checking out the nearby Woods Boys Falls, we were keenly disappointed that “the boys” were nowhere to be seen, so some pretty forlorn ladies trudged back to the cars. The men managed to mask their feelings of deprivation, or perhaps Woods Girls would have been more to their liking!
Pictures of Magnolia Falls and the Glory Hole from May 2004 are included for comparison purposes. Oh, it was a good year!
2007-04-14 Buckeye Mt Caney Creek Photo Link: click here
After a night with rain, seven TrailBlazers made the drive to the Ouachitas and Caney Creek southeast of Mena. The skys were cloudy and the temperature was in the upper 40's, perfect hiking weather as we started out on the Caney Creek Trail. After crossing several small creeks and seeing some small waterfalls, we wondered what would lie ahead when we had to cross Caney. As it turned out, we were able to stone-hop across the creek. Some did choose to wade through the cool water on an earlier crossing. We found Katy Falls to be really pretty and flowing nicely. After a short lunch break, the next leg of the hike was up the Buckeye Mountain trail. We found a few vistas where the surrounding mountain tops were visible. The winds were strong at times and it felt like the temperature was dropping as we neared the end of the trail. An easy mile walk down the dirt road and back to the vehicle made this 9.6 mile a great time with some good friends.
2007-03-17 Pinnacle Mountain Photo Link: click here
On a crisp morning, 13 TrailBlazers met at the crack of dawn for the trip to west Little Rock to climb Pinnacle Mountain. Of the 13, 3 knew what they were getting into but came anyway! Pinnacle Mountain is 1,001 feet high and sits on the outskirts of Little Rock offering views of the Arkansas River, Lake Maumelle, distant Ouachita Mountains and the Little Rock skyline. Actually, Pinnacle is the eastern-most mountain in the Ouachita Range, according to our resident geologist, Doug.
We started our 750-feet climb from the East Summit trailhead through the forest. After an unplanned side trip, where we commented that Pinnacle Mountain State Park needed a volunteer crew (like us!) to do trail maintenance, we got back on track and found the rock field that lay between us and the peak. We picked and pulled our way through the rocks and after much huffing and puffing, we all reached the top where we rested and enjoyed the views. We decided that all of our hearts must be healthy since no one was experiencing chest pains. After making our way through the crowd along the spine to view the other side of the mountain, we descended the West Summit trail. This side is equally steep but has been made more accessible by placement of rocks in stair-steps. Most visitors ascend and descend on the west side.
We had lunch in the picnic area and enjoyed having picnic tables and nearby bathrooms and vending machines. We then took the easy route, the Base Trail along the Little Maumelle River, back to our cars. There were areas blanketed with yellow trout lilies, a sprinkling of spring beauties and patches of May flowers.
2007-03-10 Devils Den Workday Photo Link: click here
A frog of a foggy morning turned into a prince of a day for 14 TrailBlazers to help out at our home park. Y’all could say that for the ladies the day was the pits, fire pits, that is! Four teams of two roamed 4 different campgrounds, with long-handled shovels, in pursuit of ashes in the fire rings. After filling up trash bags, we had to haul the bags – grunt, groan – to the road for collection. We pity the guys that will heft these bags up onto trucks since some of the ashes were wet. Of course, this stimulating work gave us an excuse to be goofy, as if we needed one, so Hanna tried on an oversized garbage bag for size in various poses. As luck would have it, whenever Ranger Harry checked up on us, we were goofing off or taking a breather. He'll find out what all we did when his men come back with hernias!
As for the men, no sexism here, they spruced up the trails with hacksaws, pruners, and chain saws. We sure were glad to see these guys because this work can call for people made of sterner stuff, and our boys rose to the challenge. Remember that all TrailBlazers, even those conspicuous by their absence, are more than welcome to join the chain gang! We always smile a lot, act happy, and never wear stripes so the campers don't think we are on work release or community service!
Afterwards we enjoyed lunch alongside the dam where the water was cascading beautifully.
2007-02-07 Black Fork Mountain Photo Link: click here
On a crisp and hazy day twenty TrailBlazers headed down toward Mena in the continuing pursuit of the Ouachita Odyssey with Wilson as pack leader. Although this is not a trail for wimps, it didn’t prove as difficult as Tim Ernst’s trail guide might suggest. However, he is quite right that the trail is not well maintained in certain parts, and Yours Truly does not give it a knee-friendly rating. It does start out with a rather long uphill trek, huff and puff, but there are some sections that level out, with or without rocks. Because the day was so overcast, the views were mostly a bluish haze. After a while the trail started going downhill on rocky, uneven ground. After a chilly lunch break, we continued upwards on this rocky trail to a boulder field called Rock Glacier, our planned destination. Treacherous greenbrier in abundance was literally a thorn in our sides. The afternoon sun predicted by our crack weathercasters was conspicuous by its absence, so the thermometer remained stuck all day.
At this point some of our SuperBlazers decided to push on up the trail while the other half decided to return via a different route. The returnees hiked down the mule trail, passed a tree farm, tangled with some greenbrier (with battle scars to prove it!), crossed the railroad tracks, returned to the cars via the road, and ended up stopping for refreshments at a little store.
SuperBlazer Bob reports: “Nine trekkers opted to go the "extra mile". We only hiked a short distance before reaching Rock Glacier where there was a pretty vista overlooking the valley and highway below. We could see Queen Wilhelmina Lodge on Rich Mountain south of our location. The trail continued another .8 mile to the end where at 2600'+ the trees were only 4' to 5' tall."
2007-01-06 Sams Throne Photo Link: click here
With Tim at the “Helm,” 26 TrailBlazers opened the New Year on a crisp but not bone-chilling morning in pursuit of Sam’s Throne. In no time we were shedding layers to enjoy a beautiful, sunny day. We started out on the scenic rim trail and worked our way down the rocky road before continuing along the trail that is lined with unusual standing rock formations and high bluffs. Legend has it that Sam was a man who liked to preach from the top of the throne.
When we arrived at the base of the throne, we had to work our way up a steep and rocky trail to reach the staging area for our climb up the crevice. Bless his li’l pea-picking heart, our Tim took his guide duties seriously and came suitably equipped with sturdy orange ropes to assist technically challenged, physically decrepit (Yours Truly!), or just plain scared hikers to scale the crevice. Fortunately there were also other do-gooders willing to lend a hand. Of course, we also had our fair share of agile show-offs who scampered up the crevice, spurning all offers of help! Tim worked up a sweat helping us up and down and even hefted Schatze the Canine up the crevice. On the top we ate lunch and enjoyed the beautiful scenery.
After the descent down the crevice, we had to tackle a steep, rocky, slippery slope back down to the return trail. This is where Humpty Dumpty aka Yours Truly took a nasty fall, tipping backwards, whacking her knee and ending up on her face – how low the mighty are fallen. Fortunately all the king’s horses and men weren’t needed, but she will probably have at least one purple knee tomorrow. Bob was concerned about possible broken bones and she was worried about her camera – just a question of priorities! After this stretch, it was pretty easy going until the final uphill trek to the cars.
Photo Link: click here
Photo Link: click here