The day started out chilly and foggy. the trip down from St.Louis was 100 miles of dense fog.
The sun was out early because our BWSTL leader the "god of weather" Rick Haley, below, had commanded another superb day for hiking. Temps were suppose to rise into the 60's by lunch time.
Pickle Creek was clear and cold, it runs through a majority of the Park
The shadows stayed long in the morning from the low sun, but the sky was clear to start the hike
Hawn has some great geological formations both on the hill sides and in the creeks
Stopped for a break and a snack on the trail
The light played through the trees and brush all day
Lunch break at the highest point on the trail- a well deserved rest
Missouri in all her colored glory
and views forever
Getting a peak through the trees to the color beyond
The shadows were already long the opposite direction when we finished.
Hawn State Park:
Whispering Pines North Loop 6 miles: 3 hrs 50 min.- high temp 60 degrees.
Wildlife:
Walking stick, heard Tree Frog, many boy scouts.
Food:
Gas station at Hwy 55 and Hwy 32 makes great breakfast sandwiches
Epilogue:
I carried a full overnight pack 13 pounds total in anticipation of going back to a campsite with at least a few people that wanted to camp out, but there were no takers. The park was very crowded so I decided to head home and I strung the hammock up in the backyard with Vicky in the tent next to me. It was a nice night out.
