The Mid-west, or in my case Missouri, has been blanketed with a late but welcome by me bit of snow. Alas last weekend when it really hit I was on call and could not play and the week has been too busy for me to really get out to the woods. Well today was the day and it was prime hiking weather. Most of the times I get out I make it a workout so a hike meant a 30+ pound pack, trekking poles, mountain boots, gaiters and some good dried fruit to munch on. The snow has been thick and wet this last go round so the first part of the hike was a bit of work. This meant cedars were bent over the trail and it was over around or under. I did all three in time and was glad to have my leggings and gaiters on as I crawled on all fours under the trees. The rest of the trail, about 2.5 hours, was nice harder pack and already hiked trail. Ive run and hiked this trail for 18 years and never tire of its pristine trees and streams. Below are a couple of photos to share of the day. Temps were 29-31F with a decent west wind. I heat up rather fast so a quick dry short sleeve shirt, performance long sleeve shirt and polartec vest did the trick. The kilt is a Stillwater Standard Weathered MacKenzie I bought just for this purpose. Boots ae 18 year old Vasque mountaineering boots that have seen a few summits in their time and still fit like a glove. Some OR Crock Gaiters kept the snow out of my boots. The pack was smartly packed with a tent, fleece sleeping bag liner, rescue blanket, a couple dry shirts and wind jacket, food and water, Ive done this a few decades and dont go out without a bit of security. Well it was a grand hike, enjoy the photos.

From Coyote Bluff looking west.




Of course I have to show the kilt ...





Yes I love this stuff, makes me quite happy hearing the scrunch of snow under my boots.



Looking up the trail ahead



It doesnt get any better than this, really.




One of our many creeks flowing through the park.




May we never ever be without our wilderness and great out doors.