On a hot day twenty-one TrailBlazers drove up a dogwood-lined Highway 123 in search of FR 1003 for our trailhead on the Ozark Highlands Trail. The fly in the ointment was that there is no sign for the road, our directions were a tad “approximate,” some more approximate than others, and the elusive trailhead was shy about revealing itself to strangers. To add insult to injury there was no cell reception! Two carloads finally found the trail head and took off hiking with their drivers heading back to Haw Creek. 

With no long-legged energizer bunnies in the lead, a bunch of wildflower enthusiasts ambled along and were treated to wildflowers galore. There were several dry creek crossings and a few rock-hoppers until we reached Big Water requiring bare feet as we had no water shoes. Who would have “thunk” it with the drought? About this time the rest of the troops had finally found the trailhead and hot-footed down the trail, seeing a bunch of feral hogs en route. They caught up with us at the wet crossing. The flat rocks were slippery and the rest of them were pointy and sharp. This was not welcome news to Billigene, but our birthday girl gallantly rose to the challenge! 

After reaching the other side we lunched by the creek and then continued trekking up and down a rocky trail on a very hot day until we reached Haw Creek Campground. There was water flowing over the low bridge, so our feet got a little damp crossing it except for Billigene. A gentleman of the old school in a pick-up gave our little lady a lift! Haw Creek Falls were beautiful and we finally managed to take our group picture. Some of us spent quality time cooling our hot feet in the water. Magda threw caution to the wind, following Hannah out on top of the rapid water on the top of the falls. Great day!