Lately, hiking
the OT is becoming a once-a-month enjoyable ordeal. We had to grab the
opportunities offered by Mother Nature to get in any many hikes as
possible. February weather was kind to us. It can be a gamble on
the weather this time of year. My OT hiking window is from October to
March. I absolutely love the fall season and winter season for hiking the OT.
The colors are breathtaking in the fall and the scariest thing I have
encountered in the fall is hairy rope on trees. Winter hikes can be dreary
due to lack of color, but there are some interesting things to find in the
forest. I have many photos of fungus, lichen and beautiful frost
flowers. I enjoy shorter hikes during the spring when all the flowers
begin to bloom, but don't like dealing with the bugs, ticks and snacks.
This hiking weekend started with a blue sky and green trees. We were
thankful the Iron Fork Creek was only raging under the concrete walkup.
Whew! It would have been a long drive back there to find that out.
We were all smiles to get back on the OT. Weather is such a big factor on certain sections of the OT. The heavy rains caused some issues the week before we arrived, but luckily the water levels go down quickly. Iron Fork Creek was passable and we stood there for a while and took in all the beautiful scenery. This was so inviting.
We started at Iron Fork Creek and ended our first day at Highway 298. FoOT (Friends of the Ouachita Trail) has been doing a great job putting up new signage on the trail. Day 2 we hiked from Hwy 7 to FS 124. Day 3 we hiked from FS 124 to FS 805. Day 4 we hiked from FS 805 to FS 152 & Access to Lake Sylvia.
After our first day of hiking, we enjoyed a nice dinner at Blue Springs Grill in Jessieville and headed to the Airbnb in Hot Springs Village. It was not as nice as the one on our last hike, but still comfortable. We watched Spaghetti Western, which I just learned were directed by Italians. Oh the comforts of Slackpacking - so nice!
This quartz crystal is the largest I've seen on the OT and was as big as a dinner plate
We were enjoyed the blanket of pine needles. This forest carpet is easy on the feet.
It is hard to capture the true beauty that is captured by my peepers. A little enhancing with the iPhone helps, but still isn't enough.
Small but relaxing waterfall.
Oak Mountain offers a glimpse of how truly beautiful Arkansas can be.
The forest can produce beautiful artwork without even trying.
They crossed Crystal Prong like pros. Mission accomplished - only wet feet.
Crystal Prong
Laughing Tree
WHAT! You ran out of chocolate covered Expresso beans!
I saw these on Pinterest - so of course I had to make some.
The forest is telling me it LOVES me!
Greeted at the shelter by a friendly fella, Bo
I only spotted a Possum Pie, but didn't get a taste.
Lake Sylvia cabins are so comfortable. The lake was dry the last time I visited, but is now full. There is a beautiful view from the front porches of the cabins.
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