Arkansas Backcountry

I haven't forgotten about you!

Jay — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:17:24 GMT

Hey all,

I haven't abandoned the site or anything (I know I have some PM's waiting for me, and it looks like our BFC counter stopped working for some reason!)

I took a sudden trip and am still out of town. Not an emergency, just a family thing. You know how those "family" things are.

Anyway, I'll get all caught up in the next few days.

See ya when I get back!

Butterfield or Shores Lake/White Mountain

colt1911carry — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 22:46:21 GMT

Ok guys, it is time to start planning some group trips!

I am planning on doing either the Butterfield (14.7 miles) or the Shores Lake/White Mountain (13.4 miles) trails on the first or second weekend in October. The plan for the trip will be for me to head out early on Friday afternoon to drive to the trail (5 hour drive for me) and arrive at the trail early Friday evening. I will set up camp that evening and start on the trail early Saturday morning, camp somewhere half way or more down the ...

First Arkansas Backcountry Group Hike!

colt1911carry — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 22:53:46 GMT

Colt is in the planning stages for an AB group hike either the first or second week of October at either the Butterfield or Shores Lake/White Mountain trails. For all of the information, and to reserve your spot, go to the Butterfield or Shores Lake/White Mountain post in the Trip Planning section of the forums.

Ozark Highlands Trail Maps Updated

colt1911carry — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 03:52:32 GMT

Ozark Highlands Trail Maps Updated

The 17 map set of the Ozark Highlands Trail has been updated and Google Earth images for the entire trail have been added (go to http://www.ouachitamaps.com/OHT.html). I found some more sections that I had tracked over the last few years and we covered the 40 mile section between Ozone and Fairview in March 2008.

In addition, I came across Eric Strong�s GPS tracks from his 2004 through-hike and with his permission, used it to correct some of my map and ...

Lake Weddington Trail

commandokanak — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 17:30:18 GMT

Has anyone here hiked/camped the Lake Weddington trail? I've been out there to the lake a time or two and used to frequent the makeshift shooting range (years ago) but have never hike the trail.

What are the trail conditions, water sources and campsites like? I'm wanting to get out on some short overnighters that are close to me and Weddington is about 20-30 minutes from me. Butterfield loop is on my short list as well (let you know when I get it planned Preacha).

Thanks,

Jason

Brian Frankle of ULA-Equipment.com hiking the The Idaho State Centennial Trial

colt1911carry — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:09:55 GMT

Brian Frankle of ULA-Equipment.com hiking the The Idaho State Centennial Trial

http://www.ula-equipment.com/ICT/index.htm

Brian Frankle is currently hiking the Idaho State Centennial Trial. This is a 1000 mile trail, and he is anticipating finishing it in 50 days. Since he closes his shop down when he is on through-hikes, no orders from http://www.ula-equipment.com will ship until December of 2008. From his website, "Any order received between July 24th and November 30th, 2008 ...

New online Hiking Gear Store

birddog — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 03:41:57 GMT

New Online Hiking Gear Store for Day Hikers

HikingintheSmokys.com launches new store targeted towards day hikers

by Jeff Doran

August 15th, 2008

Louisville, Ky. (August 18, 2008) � HikingintheSmokys.com, the most comprehensive source for hiking trail information for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, announces the launch of a new online hiking gear store today.

The new store is dedicated to day hikers and offers quality gear and apparel from some of the best outdoor brands, including; ...

8 Climbers Feared Dead After Avalanche on France's Mont Blanc

colt1911carry — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 03:18:29 GMT

8 Climbers Feared Dead After Avalanche on France's Mont Blanc

Sunday, August 24, 2008

CHAMONIX, France � Eight climbers were missing and presumed dead Sunday after an avalanche swamped a commonly used hiking trail near Mont Blanc, western Europe's highest peak.

The avalanche, triggered when a chunk of ice as wide as two football fields broke off a mountain face, appeared to be the deadliest this year in the French, Swiss or Italian Alps, and the worst in the French Alps in more than ...

Campground Host!

ouachita hiker — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:32:58 GMT

Well I have a new hat and title here at the Horshoe Bend Campgound. Janet and I are now the campgound hosts!

We won't have many duties involved but we will have a choice location to live and have our spot and utitiles for

free! The other host just took up and left a little over a week ago to points unknown. Any way we are in the process of getting ready to move the camper to a new spot. Probably will be Friday afternoon or Sat. If any of you guys want to come this way, this is a great ...

Eagle Rock Loop

trailrelic — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:44:10 GMT

Is there a better place on this board to post hikes? I'm going to hike the bottom half of the ERL on 9/27&28.

I'd be glad to have some company if anyone wanted to go.

Let's go backpacking!

Mark

Edible & Medicinal Plant Series at Ozark Traker Society

colt1911carry — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:54:05 GMT

Edible & Medicinal Plant Series at Ozark Traker Society

Ozark Traker Society is taking reservations for their fall Edible & Medicinal Plant Series that will take place on October 10-12. The full registration is $175. An initial deposit of $100 will reserve your spot.

For those of you who are not familiar with this class, it takes place four times a year and gets you involved in the plants that are edible and can be used for medicinal pourposes in the Arkansas area. It happens ...

Kentucky Backpacker Missing in Montana's Glacier National Park

colt1911carry — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 22:29:17 GMT

Kentucky Backpacker Missing in Montana's Glacier National Park

Saturday, August 23, 2008

WEST GLACIER, Mont. � Searchers on Friday found no sign of a 27-year-old Kentucky man who was four days overdue from a lengthy backcountry hike in Glacier National Park.

(Images courtesy of Facebook and Xanga, found by Google search by Colt)

Park officials say Yi-Jien Hwa was last seen at the St. Mary Visitor Center on Aug. 11, the first day of a hike that he planned to end Monday at Kintla ...

Staying Warm In A Hammock

Preacha Man — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:29:05 GMT

After we kinda hijaked a thread, I thought it best to talk about hammocks here on a new thread.

Hammocks really are a wonderful way to sleep on the trail, and once you learn how to use them they are really easy to use. Like all things though there is a learning curve. In another thread it was mentioned how to stay warm in a hammock. There is a website by Just Jeff, on hammock camping here. He really helped me before I found HF.

I will try to have an underquilt ready before our next get ...

Tarp and Hammock Clinic

ulhiker — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 05:37:15 GMT

Wanted to throw out a couple of dates for a tarp and hammock clinic and see what everyone thinks. The first Saturday that I have available is August 16. The next Saturday available is August 30. Either one of these will work for me. Just let me know. We could do it later, but I was afraid that if we wait too long, then we start getting into backpacking weather and it may be harder to pull people out of the woods for a clinic.

As far as location goes, since we have people from all directions ...

Forum newbie

commandokanak — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 19:01:29 GMT

Hey all....

Wanted to say and introduce myself. I just found the forum and lurked for a few days but decided to go ahead and register. It's been about 12 years since I've done much hiking and backpacking when I live in Aspen, CO. School, family and career had taken me out of the game for a while.

My reintroduction to backpacking was a short weekend trip to hike up Blanca Peak (a 14er) close to Alamosa, CO about two weeks ago. That hike really tested my limits. Physically the most ...

Caney Creek Wilderness Area Trip Report

willky1 — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 22:32:39 GMT

This weekend, as some of you know, me and some buddies went on a trip to the Caney Creek Wilderness Area (CCWA) and did the Caney Creek Trail looped with the Buckeye Trail. To sum it up, I'd call it an adventure...big time!

We parked our car at the Buckeye Trailhead, and walked down the road to the Caney Creek Trail head. One thing that we quickly realized was that there were a ton of butterflies on the trail, and they were all huddled around turds . Anyway, the trail was great! ...

Arkansas Backcountry T-shirt Graphic

Jay — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 01:13:35 GMT

Thought you guys might like a preview:

I'm still working on a type and a source for our shirts. I'll update you soon.

SOLO Wilderness First Aid Certification Course

colt1911carry — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:25:31 GMT

In Selmer, TN (about 1.5 hours from Memphis) there is a place that teaches the SOLO Wilderness First Aid Certification Course. The place is at http://www.foxkitsinc.com/. They do not have a class scheduled for this, but I contacted them and they said if we could get 6 or more people to go, they could schedule one at our convenience. It is a Saturday / Sunday class. The normal fee is $170 for the course including tent camping site and primative bathhouse. Up to eight people can upgrade to a bunkhouse ...

Bear attack in the Smokies

Figg — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:48:22 GMT

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK - A boy visiting the park suffered superficial injuries after a 55-pound bear attacked him near the trail head for the Rainbow Falls trail, park officials said Monday evening.

<table cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=4 align=right border=0><tr><td>

</TD></TR></TABLE>"Apparently it looks like a 55-pound yearling male bear attacked a boy," park spokesperson Bob Miller said.

The boy suffered cuts ...

Group hikes?

ouachita hiker — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:03:11 GMT

Well folks we have had a get together, and the tarp hammock clinic of which I was unable to attend and I hate that

I missed both of these events. I was thinking with more folks coming on the forum asking about specific areas to hike

why don't we start up some group hikes? If you know an area well you could offer to lead the hike. I haven't ever

done anything like this but have always wanted to go on a group hike. I have a good knowledge of the Caney and Buckeye trails, which would make ...

Pastor dies doing what he loved

birddog — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:38:40 GMT

A Colorado pastor who died while trying to put a Bible on top of a Swiss mountain will be �truly, truly missed,� said family and friends.

Vince Bousselaire, a pastor at Faith Bible Chapel in Arvada, and an unidentified 57-year-old woman fell to their deaths on the eastern flank of the Matterhorn in Switzerland last week. Bruno Jelk, who led the rescue mission to find the two after they were reported missing on Thursday evening, said the pair got caught up in bad weather.

�It snowed and ...

German gets jailed for hiking naked

birddog — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:32:21 GMT

Ten German nudists may have to give up their hobby of naked mountain climbing after one of the men was arrested for indecent exposure.

The Germans, who come from the eastern region of Saxony, spend their time conquering summits with nothing but a rucksack on their bare back.

But the authorities are not impressed at seeing bare bums and tackle on display on their beautiful mountain paths. For several months they issued nude climber Siegfried Grawert (51) countless fines for indecent exposure ...

More News news...

Jay — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 02:11:00 GMT

Hey AB faithful!

More big news: Having Birddog posting news has been such a success, that when Colt expressed interest in doing some news as well, I was mega-excited! Colt has news experience in the past, so I'm sure he'll do a great job. The AB News Team is growing!

Welcome to the News Team Colt.

Now, Birddog, Colt: GET TO WORK!

Heavy Metal Rocker Fences Out Marin Hikers

colt1911carry — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:27:15 GMT

TERRA LINDA, Calif. -- A famed heavy metal rocker's plans for a new home and recording studio in the Marin hills has triggered an angry dispute with hikers and cyclists over a popular hiking trail that is now off limits.

James Hetfield, co-founder of the legendary heavy metal band Metallica, has erected a barbed-wire fence on his property near San Rafael, cutting off a fire trail that has been open to public use for decades.

Among those who have often used the trail is Connie Berto, who ...

Ouachita Mountain Hikers

birddog — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:14:58 GMT

I have hiked with this club a few times and they are good people.

I had too many �irons in the fire� and let my membership laps after one season.

The Ouachita Mountain Hikers are an informal group with various levels of ability. WE HIKE TWICE A WEEK!

Saturday hikes - easier hikes (4-6 miles) in good places like:

Link:

http://www.omhikers.net/

WATERFALLS Guide

birddog — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:08:46 GMT

Arkansas Waterfalls

<BLOCKQUOTE>

Northwestern Arkansas, like Western North Carolina, has dozens of very impressive waterfalls. Unfortunately, unlike those in Western North Carolina, most of the great waterfalls in Arkansas are only viewable by hiking some distance on challenging trails - or, in some cases, from canoes or kayaks on the water. Arkansas is the site of one of the most beautiful stretches of primitive areas in the country: the Buffalo National River. For the more experienced, ...

Hiking better than sex? Say it ain't so!

colt1911carry — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 03:20:25 GMT

CNN has just discovered what we backpackers have known for years: The natural high one gets from hiking or climbing can produce a flood of endorphins that matches or even surpasses those experienced during sex.

Of course, according to the article, some people experience the same rush from shoe shopping, sky diving, or public speaking. But I'd argue that those activities don't possess the same built-in readiness for sexy, sexy metaphors.

"Hiking and climbing mountains is better ...

Trail Update

ouachita hiker — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 02:42:28 GMT

It was reported to me by Kris at FOot that the OT from the OK state line to the Queen

Whilimina State Park has been weedeated. It is my undersanding that the Forrest

Service did the work. Any way might be a nice hike since the weeds have been

knocked back.

Backpacking on the OT - recommendations for good 1 night trips?

dismalhiker — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 19:29:02 GMT

Although I would prefer to spend 3+ weeks thru-hiking the Ouachita Trail, many of us just have time for two day (1 night) trips.

Anyone have recommendations for one night backpacking trips on the OT? I guess they ought to be divided up into a) round trip and b) one-way with two cars.

Blue Ouachita Mountain (one way), for example: Start at mile 138.8 (HWY 298 Ouachita River bridge) and hike to either 157 (FR 122 crossing) or to 160.4 (Hwy 7). This would be a one way hike, requiring ...

Photography Clinic.. The basics

seekingfun209 — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 05:06:17 GMT

I am simply trying to get a better idea of who is interested in a photo clinic, and what you want to do. Please let me know ASAP. If enough people are interested I may be coaxed into it hahaha.

Colt, who?

colt1911carry — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:37:00 GMT

After a much longer hiatus than I anticipated, I am back! Work has been a bear, with 80 - 100 hour weeks lately moving our entire building and data center to a new location. Things are finally starting to get back to normal, though!

I hope I didn't miss much. I have been going through the posts I have missed, and I see that things have been very active while I was gone! That is awesome! I am glad to see that.

Hope everyone is finding themselves well.

Books about Backpacking

ulhiker — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 05:01:18 GMT

I am currently reading Bill Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods" about his AT trip back in 1996. I know, its been around for a while, but found it at Hastings over the weekend. It is hallarious in places. I'm about half way through it, but it's a great read. I'm interested in how Robert Redford is going to treat this book in his upcoming movie. The folks at Whiteblaze.com have mixed feelings about it. Mainly about the increased number of people that will undoubtedly try and hike the AT after ...

Knives...How Important Is Yours?

Jay — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 05:35:14 GMT

This time of year, I spend a lot of time thinking about my gear. I've recently begun thinking about some of my necessities, and I'm thinking about making a change to my most crucial piece of gear: My knife.

Now, I think most of us would agree that if we could only take one piece of gear into the woods, it would be a good knife. A little bit of knowledge and a good knife is enough to keep anyone alive if they want to live. The list of things you can do with a knife in the wilderness is endless, ...

Photo Gallery in The Works

Jay — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:52:43 GMT

Hey gang,

I'm currently working on a photo gallery for the site. This will enable us to upload pictures directly to the site (as well as some other cool stuff, like a rating system and slideshow-type display on the homepage ) so we don't have to upload photos to Photobucket or some other photo hosting site and then do the whole HTML thing... It will be cool.

The problem: We have to pay for storage. We have very little storage available to us currently, and in order to keep ads off ...

Tarp & Hammock Clinic a BIG SUCCESS!

Jay — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 05:38:32 GMT

(AB) Toad Suck Park, Conway, AR - First of all, a giant THANK YOU to ULHIKER and PREACHA MAN for sharing their equipment and their time with us; we all know that neither of those things come cheap, and we appreciate all you fellas did.

We had a great group of folks there including: Lew, ULhiker, Preacha Man, Jay, Figg, and SeekingFun, as well as Linda, Jennifer, and Scott (I think) from the Memphis crew. (If I'm mistaken about any of that, someone please let me know and I'll apologize ...

Places to Hike (For Linda)

Jay — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 22:25:56 GMT

I told Linda--whom I met at the Tarp Clinic--that I would look around and try to find some places to hike and camp near Memphis. I'm not familiar with the area, so I just looked around the net and posted some links for you Linda...I can't say whether or not any of the places are good or not, so if anyone has any feedback regarding these places (or additional places for her) please post here.

Anyway, here are a few places I found on GORP to get you started:

Near Memphis

Sispey Wilderness

Big ...

3 Gregory Packs and Sleeping Bag For Sale.

ulhiker — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 01:42:56 GMT

1 - '06 Gregory Deva 60 (Ladies Medium - 3900 cu. in. capacity - will fit 18-19.5" torso) - Like New - Used on one overnight. $150.00

1 - '06 Gregory Palisades (Men's Large - 5550 cu.in. capacity - will fit 20-21.5" torso) - Very good condition. $175.00

1 - '05 Gregory G Pack (Men's Large - 2950 cu.in. capacity - will fit 19.5-21.5" torso) - Very good condition. $75.00.

1 - SlumberJack 0 deg. Latitude Synthetic Mummy bag (Reg. Length - Rt. Zip) - Like New - $50.00

More ...

BFC 2008 Weight Change

Jay — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 19:46:33 GMT

REMEMBER TO POST YOUR WEIGHT CHANGE TO DATE WHEN YOU REPORT IN TODAY!

Thanks,

Jay

Buckeye Mountain and Caney Creek trails - current status

dismalhiker — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 15:26:34 GMT

I have a few questions about the Buckeye - Caney Creek loop. Last hiked it in 1978. I'll have to dig out the old pictures; at this point they're historical photos!

Back then, I recall Buckeye Mountain trail as having a lot of open views... really spectacular. There was a steep descent to Katy falls and, back then, you could camp near the trail junction.

Questions: Are these trails in relatively good shape now? Also, are there designated camping areas now? Any other advice/tips ...

Introduction and thanks to Jay

dismalhiker — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 03:15:36 GMT

Hi everyone,

I don't know if introductions of 'new members' are appropriate here, but I'll post this anyway. I just joined AB, which looks interesting and definitely worthwhile. Its great that Jay started this and is putting energy (with all the rest of you) into keeping it going.

The hiking/backpacking community is definitely a minority, even in the 'natural state'. I have yet to find any real forum to ask questions and discuss hiking and backpacking questions/issues. I hope ...

Full Moon Sat Aug 16th

birddog — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 14:57:25 GMT

Moon Phase Module

This "Current Moon" module provides basic information on the current moon phase. It is intended to be a helpful general reference.

You can put this moon phases module on your website.

If you don't operate a website, you can view the real-time moon module anytime from your computer by bookmarking the Current Moon Phase Page (link opens a new window; after it opens, bookmark the page using your web browser). Or you can add it to your Google home page. ...

INTRO TO PADDLING CLINIC (8/16)

birddog — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 14:00:31 GMT

INTRO TO PADDLING CLINIC (8/16) - REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED!
Hi everyone!

Registration for the Introduction to Paddling Clinic on August 16th at Lake Ouachita State Park is now OPEN!

All the details about what, when, where, how much, etc. as well as how to submit your registration can be found HERE!

http://www.arkansascanoeclub.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=55&Itemid=68//url

10 Best Outdoorsy Places to Retire

birddog — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 02:12:41 GMT

10 Best Outdoorsy Places to Retire

If you like hiking, biking, or walking, these spots are for you

By Kimberly Palmer

Posted July 31, 2008

Retirees who love the outdoors get more than just enjoyment out of hiking, bird-watching, and kayaking. They also get exercise that improves their quality of life.

"As we age, we stop doing things that used to be fun, like partying all night and other carnal pleasures. So we have to find other things that are fun, and competition is so ...

How much food have you carried at one time?

ulhiker — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:09:30 GMT

I'm planning a couple of long-distance hikes for next year (15-day 225-mile John Muir Trail (High Sierras) hike and 11-day 165-mile OHT hike) and was wondering what's the most food you've carried at one time.

The JMT hike will include a couple of re-supplies, but the last re-supply is 125 miles from the end. This will mean carrying approximately 8.5 days worth of food. To make it even more of a challenge, the food has to fit into a bear canister that is 8" diameter and 10" high. ...

Anybody heard anything about this?

willky1 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:42:44 GMT

To me, it it looks like a smaller more compact version of a DSLR. Anybody know anymore details?

Backpacking Club

willky1 — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:45:28 GMT

I've been kicking around this idea of getting a backpacking "club" together that would bring the local hiker/backpackers together in a fun, Christian setting. I would like it to mainly be for people in central arkansas, because a monthly get together/meeting would be part of the club. However, visitors would be welcome when ever. There would be clinics we would put on, projects we would do to help the community, and trips we would take. Because of these things we would do, dues ...

Keeping Up With The Olympics?

Jay — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 02:31:53 GMT

I always enjoy the Olympics. I feel a great sense of pride watching our folks compete with everything they've got.

And I think the games are an incredibly important diplomatic opportunity for all the nations of the world.

The media constantly saturates us with all the Iraq War/Russian Unease/Economic Depression/Third World Countries Still Vying for The Bomb, etc, etc, etc--It's just nice that the citizens of our countries can set aside all of that junk and just play some games. I hope ...

WE HAVE A NEWS CHIEF!

Jay — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 05:53:03 GMT

Big News!

It's official: AB now has an official News Correspondent! Birddog has agreed to give it a try and keep us up-to-date on all the latest happenings in the outdoor world!

I'm really excited, and I hope you guys are too! Be sure to give Birddog a big ol' pat on the back, as the position isn't going to pay much so it's really cool of him to volunteer. Thanks again Birddog!

Keep an eye out, I'm sure he'll be posting something soon!

Jay

New Link to Check Out

Jay — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 05:46:16 GMT

Hey Gang,

We have a new member here at AB (dismalhiker) and he has been gracious enough as to link to us from his site. So, if you haven't already, give him a click and check out his journal. He tells me he'll be revamping it soon, but it's already pretty cool. It's called Ouachita Hiking Journal in the links.

Check him out!

Jay

Homemade Wood Stove

ulhiker — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:36:54 GMT

I don't know how many of you like to build your own gear, but I thought I'd share a stove that I made a couple of months ago. With the abundance of wood in the Natural State, fuel should not be a problem. It really only takes twigs and pencil-size sticks to bring 2 cups of water to a boil in about 6-7 minutes. This is not for every situation, but if you are wanting to try it on a nice mild-weathered weekend, it would lighten your load significantly. I did use this stove on the weekend that we ...