In 2018, after eight years of intermittent tent camping, I stopped being a ‘ground dweller’ and moved up to hammock camping. The advantages are increased comfort and the flexibility of camping site choices. The disadvantages are the time it takes setting up and breaking down camp. But it is worth it.
Back to the start – More ‘hammock porn.’ After leaving Mores Branch yesterday, I decided not to bushwhack up to the top of the hill and then find my way down to Sunday night’s campsite. Instead, I climbed up the side of the hollow until I was at around the same contour line. Then I bushwhacked around the side of the hill to my destination. One-minute read, +1
Camped on ‘Ant Hill’ overlooking ‘Twin Falls Hollow’ – Yup, it looks pretty much the same as everywhere else in the Ozarks. And very much like the last time I was here too. Which may have contributed to my decision not to sit in camp all day after my morning meeting.
One-night stay in the Devil’s Backbone Wilderness. And once more I manage to break some gear … Trip write-up: One-minute read, +3
This would have been a great weekend to get away into the woods. The temperatures are in the low eighties, and the rain has cleared out for a while. Instead, I decided to do some chores at home. One-minute read, +1
Journaling – I did a lot of thinking and scribbling. Unfortunately, I came away with a lot more questions than answers. +1
Day Three – Morning coffee
It’s good to be back – Camped in Piney Creek Wilderness. I was last here on a day hike with Katie and Lanie back in April. It’s good to be back and I’m planning on staying for three nights in a repeat of my visit over Independence Day Weekend last year. One-minute read, +2
Sunday Morning at ‘Ant Hill’ – We put most of our gear away after breakfast, leaving the tarp up in case it rained — it did, but only a few sprinkles. We sat around chatting and looking at the trees until noon, when we packed away the last of our gear and headed back to the trailhead. +3
Saturday evening, camped on ‘Ant Hill’ – We called this place ‘Ant Hill’ because of the huge number of carpenter ants. We couldn’t decide if the ants killed the trees or they moved in because the trees died.
Nothing but trees – Camped in Mark Twain National Forest, it was a wonderful morning in a rejuvenating spot.
Hammock Camping. +2
Breakfast comforts – A cup of tea and Mountain House South West Breakfast Skillet, followed by a cup of coffee, and all enjoyed from the comfort of my camp chair. I did a lot of staring into space, admiring the view, as the trees swayed in the dappled sunlight while the breeze blew. I doubt this spot has seen a human visitor in many years.
Eight O’Clock and I’m finally camped for the night
Camped off the Ridge Runner/Ozark Trail (and some minor irritations) – which were mainly brought on by my own stupidity. One-minute read
I have a picnic table and a grill – When I found this empty float campsite with a picnic table I knew I’d found my spot for the night. +1
Camped at Bliss Spring. +2
My campsite by Table Rock Lake – It’s a shame my stay was cut short by my COVID-19 vaccination appointment.
My lakeside camp at night – I love this spot.
The View from my hammock, Piney Creek Wilderness, Day Two – You are not supposed to camp this close to a water source, but this was the only spot I could find. +2
Camped by Piney Creek – I spent a long time searching for a decent campsite yesterday evening, and the light was rapidly fading when I picked this spot as the best I could find. +2
Spot my camp – I hadn’t realized that I had camped in sight of the forest road. +1
Rainy day – and it had been a rainy night, the night before.
A break in the clouds.
Sunshine on a rainy morning – This is another deliberate stereo pair. The break in the rain was brief but long enough for me to get some pictures and do some exploring. +1
Camped above ‘Spring Hollow’ – The discovery of several springs near here decided me on my name for this hollow. It needs a name, as I’ll be back. +1