Ozark Highlands Trail
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!
Day 3
Fall is here!
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.
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.
J-1 : Départ pour Gap
Journal pré-rando : Ajd, 1er jour de vacances ou plutôt 1ere aprem, je travaillais ce matin mais mon esprit était déjà ailleurs. J'ai principalement partagé des croissants, verre de jus de fruits et discussions que fait avancer mes sujets. Je suis content de retrouver Orane et Paul, cela fait trés longtemps que nous n'avons pas partager une rando tous les trois. Je leur ai préparé 2 recettes de porridge pr le matin et un cake au fruits secs/séchés, l'aspect est délicieu j'espère le gout aussi.
OHT Day 1 Nov 20, 2020
We got started this morning around 6:45-7 from the Lake Fort Smith trailhead. The first 5 miles or so just get you around the lake then you start some light climbing towards the East. The elevation wasn't terrible, but it is pretty rocky. Weather was mostly cloudy with highs probably nearing 70. The humidity is not something I missed. The trail was small ups and down until we got to Mile 17.7, White Rock Mountain. White Rock has incredible vista views with established campsites, cabins, and a small general store. We stopped at the general store to charge our phones and bought ice cream sandwiches. Watched a great sunset with good views to the West and South. My feet are pretty beat up and I'm hoping I can keep them in better shape tomorrow.