Ozarks fall/winter ECT

“IF you ever come up with some dates..Id like to join you.”

“IF you ever come up with some dates..id like to join you, too!”

“I've also heard the Quachitas are very nice. Don't know if they're as high or rugged as the Ozarks.

The consensus on the timing seems to be January. I guess that gives us enough time to narrow down the trails.”

“Put me down for a maybe. I haven't hiked in almost a year " been to busy with the move and all". And I have never hiked in the winter. What is the weather like there this time of year?”

“Januaary is the best time to hike in Arkansas. All the hunting seasons are over except for bow season. The days are usually in the forty to fifty range and the nights twenty to thrity range. JUST RIGHT. Two years my wife and I did the Kyles to Pruitt in Feburary and it didn't get below forty that night. Of course it is Arkansas so it could be mid twentys with rain and sleet you never know here.”

“Mozark, check the ozark highland trail association web page. Read the current news letter and it will tell you about the oht hike.”

“Last October a group from OAN hiked a section of the Old River Trail. We started at Steele Creek, set up basecamp at Horseshoe Bend then dayhike to Hemmed in Hollow and Big Bluff. Finished the trip by hiking out to Kyle's Landing. I have also done the Buffalo River Trail from above Ponca to the scout camp below Kyle's Landing.
There are enough trail options here to fit just about everyone ability level.”

“So far the following peeps have expressed an interest. Anyone else?

Leatherneck - After December
Walkingdude - If it's a 3-day or longer backpacking trip
Big Foot (maybeee)
Jerber - After Xmas
TXwoodswoman - Definite
Stalker - Hiked part of Ozark Highland Trail last year
Mozark - Recommended several possible trails
Wolfsister - Hiked Old River Trail before
Rad - Wants a date (don't tell Jen)
Trlhikr - Interested
ChuckD - Has hiked Old River and Buffalo River trails

Miss anyone?

Now, the next step is to weight the various trail suggestions and/or accept new ones, and decide where the hell we're going. The time seems pretty set in January.”

“When you guys settle on a date, I'll know if I can go. If I'm not working..I'll be there!”

“I'm still up for it, if work does not get in the way.”

“I'm sure I'll go, and my wife probably will. I can't go on the first weekend of the month though.

If the woods aren't torn up too much from last years ice storm, there is a 30 mile loop hike at camp Albert Pike in the Ouachita Mtns ( west of Glenwood, Arkansas) you have to cross several streams, some of them pretty big.

I'm not sure how easy it would for people to join in on the second day though.

I don't know anything about the Ozark trail, bacpac probably does though, i think he hikes that mostly.”

“I'm an Arkansas guy. How do you get in on this group? I may be interested. There are some great spots on both the Buffalo and Ozark highlands trails.”

“All you need to get in is say I WANNA GO. Having backpacking experience helps also.

Can you suggest some good sections of the Ozark Highlands or Buffalo River trails that would be good for a 3-day b'packing trip?”

“BPbaby..what weekends are you free in January? I couldn't figure it out from the schedule you sent me..sorry!”

“Steve hiker, from Ponca to Pruitt in the Upper Buffalo Area would be a good three day trip. Not many streams to cross, in January that's a good thing.

Late comers could join in at Kyles Landing on the second day.”

“I agree with trlhikr. That is a good trip.”

“Where yo from WJgiles??? I'm from the Hot Springs area.”

“Jonesboro”

“Flat over there..”

“big time..”

“Steve hiker is from Lousiana, he's been cooking up this trip for a week or so. Looks like it will go, there is alot of interest.”

“I am actually going to your area next week for a food show.”

“Is that like a Restaurant thing???”

“Yeah, I own a pizza franchise.”

“Thats cool. Maybe if this hike takes off we'll see each other on the trail...... Happy tails”

“sounds good. hope it works out.”

“Why wait until January? It looks like there are enough Arkansas backpackers for a trip this fall. What do you locals think about that?

Moz”

“I could probably do that. When and where?”

“I'd love to hike up there before the end of the year. November looks good.”

“That would not be the ECT, just a hike for those of us who don't want to wait until the January trip.”

“Sounds good to me Steve. When it cools down. I am trying to get back in shape. I'm almost there.”

“How many miles do you guys like to hike in a day? I am pretty flexible.”

“I'm not a marathon hiker, I like to enjoy myself and notice what's around me. Maybe 8 miles a day, maybe less, maybe more. Depends how I feel.”

“That sounds fine to me. I can do either, but prefer to take the time to enjoy myself.”

“Does anyone get the chance to hike during the week? I can usually get away and it is a great time to hike.”

“My two cents worth:

Area: Buffalo River Trail

Miles/Per/Day: 8 or so, I like to take it easy and have fun and some fireside time.

Dates: Jan 12,13,14 or 25,26,27 weekends

Earlier fall hike: Would like to if dates work out. (I'm only about a 5-6 hour drive)

Mrs Stalker said she was in also, if the dates mesh.

I work seven days on and then have seven off, so if the dates mesh I'm off with pack in tow, with or without Mrs Stakler. If she says so.
Ok, there is what I think.”

“What sections of the Buffalo River Trail are you thinking of?”

“The 25, 26 & 27th look good for me.”

“Works for me.”

“I say nail it down to Jan. 25-27th!

For you guys that want to hike in Nov. the first weekend is the Mt. Rogers Trip but other than that my schedule is pretty clear. Drop me a line at Mconner@varco.com and we can discuss further.

Mozark”

“Steve hiker, 25th thru 27th works for us. Gurt up your loins and make the call.”

“Steve Hiker,
The 25th - 27th looks good for me right now.”

“Anyone else wanna comment on the dates? I'm gonna be at the Linville Gorge trip Jan. 19-21 but free the rest of the month.”

“I am free for the 25th - 27th also.”

“Now i know this trip will sell out!!!!

I'm not sure there is enough parking on any of the trail heads for the people who would want to meet bacpac.”

“He didn't say he was coming to the hike, just that he was free that weekend!! LOL”

“Exactly. A psyche in the making.”

“I am unavailable for Jan 18 - 22.”

“Steve, et all..just to point out that that weekend is Super Bowl Sunday as well..

I'd rather be in the woods than in front of the TV but, just thought I'd mention it for all you members of the HMWH's club.

Isn't that against your rules to be anywhere but in front of the boob tube?

Dates look fine, I'll be there!”

“This is an updated list of people who are interested and the dates they're available. Did I miss anyone?

Leatherneck MS Jan. 25-27 ok
Trlhikr AR Jan. 25-27 ok
Mozark AR Jan. 25-27 ok
Wjgiles AR Jan. 25-27 ok
Bacpac AR Jan. 25-27 ok
TXWoodswoman TX Jan. 25-27 ok
Bpbaby KY Jan. 25-27 ok
Stalker KS Jan. 25-27 ok
Steve Hiker LA Jan. 25-27 ok
Jerbear OH Avail after Xmas; keep informed
Walkindude TN interested
ChuckD TX interested
Radagast GA need dates
Evergreen NC need dates
Grunt maybe
Bigfoot AR maybe
Wolfsister (OH) Has hiked before, interested?”