Mores Creek, looking upstream – After lunch, which I heated up on my new titanium wood stove, I lazed around enjoying the sunshine, peace, and quiet.
Hercules Glades Wilderness
Deep Pool on Mores Branch – And deep it was. I had to leave my camera, clothes, and other gear behind because I was up to my waist within a couple of steps. I wanted to get to the end of the pool to see how easy the next section of the creek would be to hike. One-minute read
Mores Branch – Hercules Glades Wilderness – From the map, I could see it was under a mile of bushwhacking to get to Mores Branch. The hollow is steep but there was a point where a ravine ran into the hollow that looked like it would offer a good way down. +2
Waiting for my meeting to start – This is what happens when you decide to take (a well-earned) impromptu comp day off without thoroughly checking your calendar. +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.
Sundown at Hercules Glades, looking southeast – Hiking in today, I realized that I could attend my meeting the next morning if I could get a good cell signal. So off I set in search of a decent signal. Two-minute read, +2
Gary and the Pole Hollow Cairn – Time for the obligatory selfie at the cairn. I prefer this black and white version. +1
View to the southeast from the Pilot Trail, and the hike out. One-minute read
Fire ring and campsite – I showed Ginger a little scenic overlook on a hidden trail. It looks like someone has been making themselves at home on the short trail leading to the overlook.
Ginger disappearing around a corner on the Pilot (Tower) Trail
Small spring and creek near ‘Ant Hill’ – The spring we found can be seen right at the bottom of the frame. The water was pouring out of a small one to one-and-a-half-inch hole in the bank. +3
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.
Ginger’s new tent – we splurged a lot of cash on an ultralight (24oz) Dyneema tent. Now Ginger or the kids can come out with me. +1
Flowering Prickly Pear Cactus. +1
Gary & Ginger at the Pole Hollow Cairn – I know how to treat Ginger to a good time, I made sure she had plenty of exercise, time to relax, and her own room with a forest view. One-minute read, +1
Gary on the hike back – All I really need to say about the hike out is that it rained. A lot. +2
All that remains – is a dry patch.
Three Springs – These three springs are all within thirty feet of each other. It’s fascinating to me to be able to watch water appear out of the ground. This is what I’m looking for, secure water sources in this part of the wilderness. +2
‘Spring Hollow’ – I spent some time exploring the hollow.