Camping Gear, Zero Plans, and Missouri Highways

It's that time of year again, camping season.  We took off for the long holiday weekend, Labor Day, without any reservations and decided to see where the back roads of Missouri would take us.  Normally we wouldn't camp before now, it's way to warm, but the temperatures were going to be in our favor.  The morning started off rainy but a few hours East and the sunshine decided to grace the sky.

As we made our way on Hwy 50, we decided to take a small detour to Hermann to grab a bite to eat at the local park there.  Nothing better than a sandwich, chips and and an ice cold Banquet to satisfy a person.  We needed to stretch our legs anyway and let Lola run around.  Southbound on Hwy 19, we figured we had better decide where we wanted to set up camp for the evening. A quick google search in the Mark Twain National Forest led us to Red Bluff Campground.  We had no idea if any spots would be available but took the chance.  We drove up the park and actually found the perfect location.  It was a smaller campsite but had some amazing views and a crystal clear creek running right across from where we landed.  The BF made a quick run to talk to the camp host and I started setting up camp.

It was time to cool off, which meant a quick change into our bathing suits before heading to Huzzah Creek.  The water was running and the temperature was perfect.  The rocky bottom creek ranged in depths anywhere from 6 inches to maybe a foot, so  it was great for wading and letting Lola cool off.  As we made our way further down the creek, I was trailing behind; flip-flops are a bit of a challenge when wading. Never did I think I would look down into the perfect clear water to see a snake, popping it's head out of the rocks staring at me...you can imagine my reaction. Screaming, jumping, trying to run to shore, and avoiding the snake, all while trying to keep my shoes on without falling down.  Picture that, you are welcome.  It took me a minute to catch my breath before I realized there was one way back to camp, crossing the creek.  I made the other two lead the way, and I followed closely behind.

After getting the fire started, we prepared dinner which consisted of Teriyaki Rice with grilled tomatoes, onions, and avocado.  A night of card games was the perfect way to end the evening before hitting the tent and starting to read Hatchet, a wilderness survival novel by Gary Paulsen.  I definitely recommend it.

The next morning we made a breakfast scramble of eggs, potatoes, and bacon; a few cups of hot tea, and a few hours of enjoying the crisp air before packing up and heading on our way to the next destination, which at this point, was still unknown.  We would take off through Mark Twain National Forest and just drive; which lead us to some unexpected destinations before finding our home for the rest of the weekend.

Happy Camping!

Shona

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Ozark National Forest + The Creepy Cat

Sunday morning, we packed up the car and headed North out of Ouachita on Hwy 27 towards our next camping destination in the Ozark National Forest.  The drive was loaded with curves and hills but the views were again, gorgeous.  Not having set plans on where to camp, we decided to just figure it out when we got there.  We made a quick stop to pick up some gas station snacks and a bottle of water...which is where I found out that on Sunday's, Arkansas is a dry state. Wait, what? The clerk must have thought at first that bottle of water was a beer because that's when he told me, no beer on Sunday's.  That is when I realized we polished off what we had yesterday...

We made our way across Lake Dardanelle and made a quick stop in Clarksville to pick up a few groceries.  Of course on the way I was googling the state laws, sure enough, dry state.  We decided to ask a local, who informed us that just one county over, they have the permit to sell on Sunday.  Altus, here we come.  Made sense too as we drove through the popular German-Swiss town which houses many of the wineries of Arkansas, ...it's our lucky day!  After given a few recommendations on where to camp, we left town on Hwy 64 making the next North on Pig Trail Scenic Byway.  We passed a few camping areas but were lead back to a small, secluded area.  We drove the circle and decided to set up at campsite #10, Redding Recreational Area would be our home for the next two days. 

With only one other couple camping and few daytime fisherman, this place was definitely going to be quiet.  We introduced ourselves to the couple a few spots over, a very nice elderly man and woman, sitting near the fire each reading a book while cooking their dinner in a cast iron pot.  Retired and living the camper life.  The BF had to run up to Turner Bend for bit more firewood as we were having trouble finding enough, so I finished setting up camp, took a few camp photos, and decided to go ahead and start the fire. He was hestitent to leave me there alone but I had Lola and a firearm and a hatchet and a knife, I'll be fine I said.  I've seen Walking Dead. 

Remember that couple I mentioned, they made their way down about an hour later and asked us if we had something warm to eat, that they had leftover stew we could have.  We thanked them, but we had just made chili and for tonight's menu, chili-dogs and of course, s'mores.  I often wonder what they may have said about two "younger" people tent camping in the middle of nowhere.  I wonder if they themselves used to be like us, adventuring and continuing to this day. 

After dinner, it was already dark so each wearing our headlamps, we prepared to settle in front of the fire for a night of card games.   Then I saw them, two little green eyes staring back at me...what the hell? I imagined it was an opossum, but as I marched closer I realized  it was just a house cat, thankfully black AND white, and I hissed it away, literally.  But it didn't stay away. All night, that creepy little furr-ball would sneak to different areas of our camp, only backing off when we scared it away.  It was so quiet, you never even heard the leaves wrestling as it came closer.  Our conversations turned to why this cat wouldn't stay away...was it a sign? Did something happen here? Are we safe? Seriously, this was not a place I would stay without protection, just in case...you know, bears or bigger cats...and then the tree which looked as if a snake had made its stake there, see pic below.  Did I mention this place was dark...I mean no lights at all, except the bath house which was a distance away and you had to make your way through the trees.

To no surprise, neither one of us slept well. We had a plan though...firearm, right boot, me with the key fob in case I needed to hit the panic button...I giggle as I write this.  Better safe than sorry.  That night was cold too...we were in a valley so although the temperature was about 40', it felt much colder.  The only sounds heard were coyotes and owls...all night long. The owls would go back and forth, eventually interrupting each other and as I laid there awake listening, I thought to myself, how rude.

The next morning, the BF got the fire going and he cooked breakfast sausage and biscuits and gravy and as the sun came out it was starting to warm up.  We made coffee and hot tea and sat down to put in a few games of dominoes.  We walked around the camp ground and down the the Mulberry River which was crystal clear and the reflections of the pine trees across the river were stunning.  We waved goodbye to our neighbors as they headed on their way before packing up our camp and heading back to Kansas.  It was a great get-a-way and we are already planning our next camping adventure.

 

Mountain Couple Adventures In Arkansas🌲

Shona 

Camping in the Ouachita Mountains

The Ouachita National Forest, located in the Ouachita Mountains, is the oldest National Forest in the Southern US of A. With almost 1.8 million acres with which 65,000 is designated as wilderness areas, this is a must travel-through forest if you ever found your way South. The views are unbelievable and it holds the highest mountain in Arkansas, Mount Magazine.  Ouachita is the French spelling of the Indian Tribe, Washita, meaning "good hunting grounds." Originally named Arkansas National Forest, it was later changed to Ouachita National Forest in 1926.  French explorers favored this area often using names like Fourche La Fave River. There are miles and miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails.  Camping, canoeing, fishing, and hunting, although no lead shots are allowed here, are just a few of the activities this forest has to offer. They offer bald eagle tours and you can even go digging for quartz here in these mountains. 

After leaving Hot Springs, we took off to find our perfect camping spot for that evening.  We didn't have reservations so we drove the winding roads of the mountains until we decided on landing at Ouachita National Forest.  Because of the unusually warm weather, many of the campsites were booked but we found one area with a few open tent spaces.  And the view was amazing.  We unpacked, chopped our own firewood...well, the BF did that, and went for small hike before settling in for the evening.  Pork steak, Pad Thai, and S'mores were on the dinner menu.  There is nothing like cooking over an open fire to satisfy the taste buds.  The sunset was eye pleasing and the fire offered a warm place to settle in for a night of beer drinking, dominoes, and card playing.  I dare any of  you to challenge us! 

The next morning I was up early enjoying the many sounds of nature, sipping on hot tea, and began reading a new book.  For breakfast we had one of our favorites, Breakfast Scramble by Mountain House and cooked breakfast sausage over the fire...there is nothing like it either. Lola may have enjoyed a few pieces too.  A few more rounds of dominoes before packing up and heading on to our next camping adventure.  We had no idea where were going, we just drove and you will definitely want to read about our next night...owls, coyotes, and one really creepy stray cat. 

Oh and the photo of the bathroom with the sign that reads "please do not wash dishes in the sink"...that was only in the women's bathroom (insert eye-rolling emoji)...get with the times Arkansas...I did not do the dishes and if I was into spray painting, that signed would have been turned into a colorful art masterpiece.

 Fourche La Fave River

Happy Camping!
Shona

Have Tent, Will Camp

This year has been a year of numerous camping adventures and I have learned something new from each one of them.  I love what all camping has to offer; nature, relaxation, getting cozy around the fire, the sounds of nightfall, birds chirping, being "almost" attacked by a deer...more on that later, packing minimally, trail hikes, and enjoying time away from the city. Our recent camping weekend was spent at Clinton State Park and we had two nights of campfire cooking, dominoes, card games, and perfect weather.

I have found there are certain items you can not live without while camping...ok, maybe you can live without them, but they make camping more fun!  First off, someone who can build a fire.  I probably could figure it out but the last time I tried that I used gasoline and sent an entire hay field up in flames...lesson learned there.  No but really, I enjoy chopping down and finding firewood out in nature and of course I am the one who is in charge of that perfect stick for roasting marshmallows.

Which leads me to the next item...s'mores.  You can not go camping without graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows.  Seriously, a staple. Get creative with the food you cook too!  This time we went "fancy" and cooked pork steak, roasted zucchini and squash, trout, chicken, brauts, tomatoes and breakfast sausage.  Eventually, when we aren't "car" camping as much, our food items won't be quite as extensive so we also like to throw in a few freeze dried foods that we can just add boiling water too.  Mountain House and Alpine Aire are a couple we have tried, all of which are actually quite tasty.  They are great for hiking!

Make sure and have a good sleeping bag, back pack, hiking boots, and a tent that can be easily put up.  We have sleeping bags by Outdoor Vitals, these are 30 degree bags that can be zipped up together if you want to get cozy.  Danner hiking boots which are super comfortable and stylish too, because shoes are important.  A good pack is a must, mine is an Osprey 65, it's the perfect size and has plenty of room for everything from supplies to clothing and has a lot of pockets!  It also holds my sleeping bag and my Kelty sleeping pad which makes the ground not so rough to sleep on.  The tent we have is by Alps Brand, it's actually a 4-person tent, so we could go smaller when hiking in to camp but it goes up in about 3 minutes! Plus, it's good when you have a dog and leaves plenty of room for the packs too.

The small items matter too!  Have camping cookware, water proof matches, small bottles of oil, dish soap and food seasoning, fire starters, an ax for firewood which I also use to cut vegetables, a knife, head lamp's which keep your hands free and they aren't geeky at all but rather very useful, coffee, hot tea, a collapsible container to hold water, travel games like domino's and cards, portable blue-tooth speaker because we like the sound of music too, a lighter, table-top butane/propane stove and lantern which is good for a quick boil of water and can also be used for light at night, ours is by Jetboil, emergency survival wraps, flashlight, and a portable phone charger because let's be real it's a good idea to keep your phone charged just in case and if you are like me I use mine to capture the memories too...these are just a few important things we always have when we camp!  Oh ya, don't forget extra socks...after hiking you don't want to wear the same ones while sleeping!

Lastly...the story on the deer. We decided to take the trail around the lake back to our campsite Saturday morning. We took Lola off the leash to let her roam around and for the most part she listens...until she saw the deer and took off up the hill and was gone.  James went after her and I decided to keep going on the trail as we decided we would meet up back at camp.  Instead, Lola came back and they quickly caught back up with me.  As we were rounding a corner, a deer was coming towards us...I was in the lead and you know that saying "deer in the headlights" look...ya, that happened. The look on the deer's face, me jumping and covering my face like she was going to attack me...besides it scared the hell out of James and Lola too.  That deer came back for revenge after being chased...at least that's our story!  Then I hear James say, "I thought that was a cougar and we were goners!" ...Me, "Next time you are leading!" I can't make this stuff up!

We aren't professional hikers or campers by any means, but I think we have a pretty good start!  Happy Camping!
Shona