2024 Ozark Highlands Trail Backpacking

Sep

2024

Day 4 - Final

Just like that, my 37-mile section hike of the Wonderland Trail is complete. It went by so quickly! The hike was packed with amazing views and unique terrain. We really lucked out with the weather too for this late in the season. I would love to come back and finish the entire trail next year. Permits are hard to get, unfortunately, but I’ll apply and hopefully convince all my friends to do the same. Now I guess it’s time to hang up the pack for this season. I’m so thankful to feel strong and healthy after my ACL surgery. Cheers to backpacking in 2025!

Sep

2024

Day 3

Fall is here!

7.1 mi

35,569

Sep

2024

Day 2

Big push today getting through 16 miles of very steep terrain. We ended at Summerland, which turned out to be a delightful campsite with plenty of space for all three tents. I’m so thankful the clouds didn’t obstruct our views of Mt Rainier in all her glory. Although I now wish we were doing the entire trail, duty calls and I must return to work Monday.

17.8 mi

80,820

Sep

2024

Day 1

The Wonderland Trail circumnavigates Mount Rainier. My friends and I have permits to do a 33 mile section over three days, two nights. Today we started at Longmire and did 12 miles to Maple Creek campsite. I took a detour to Paradise, where I sat in a leather sofa and listened to an amazing jazz piano player. It’s been 11 months since my ACL surgery. Day in day out, I seldom think about my knee because it’s so stable. That’s not quite the case in the mountains. I noticed pain, especially on the long descents. I’m stretching, staying hydrated with electrolytes, doing all the things my chiropractor and personal trainer recommend. Worst case, I’ll push through 15 miles of pain tomorrow, get tons of rest, then hobble the final 6 miles out.