Finally we caught a break. Last week, heeding the warnings of our drama queen forecasters, we canceled the Fayetteville hike on what turned out to be a nice day. Yesterday we had to cancel Big Bluff for today due to unsafe conditions on the icy ledge high above the Buffalo. Shifting gears, 13 TrailBlazers and 2 canines opted for Plan B, a neat 6-mile trek at Lake Fort Smith with Linda leading the pack. 

It was 25 degrees upon arrival, but the sun was brightly shining on a still-present winter wonderland with trees and bushes decked in winter white. With no wind it didn’t seem terribly cold, and it wasn’t long before we started shedding layers. Due to some snow and slick spots on the trail, Yours Truly (of bad knees fame) could not award it the “knee-friendly” rating today. We pussyfooted over the slick spots, and a couple of people sat down on the old humpus-rumpus, but names will remain confidential until or unless there is a financial incentive to spill the beans!

Eventually we reached the creek where most of the creek bed is exposed rock due to lack of rain. Some chose to return via the road, a steady uphill trek, to avoid the slippery trail, and the rest backtracked on the trail. It was a great hike followed by lunch at Cracker Barrel.