It has become the tradition, albeit a short one, to hike to the highest campsite in Missouri and test our TGO Challenge gear ( and ourselves) as it is only 19 days to the start of the challenge. The weekend forecast was for stormy weather with a 90% chance of thunderstorms on Saturday and about the same on Sunday. Not to be deterred we were going no matter what, because as we know Scotland can have unpredictable weather. However it will have perfect weather as I have a bet with Andy Howell (http://www.andyhowell.info/trek-blog/) for the end of the challenge if I bring good weather with me again to Scotland.
When we arrived the weather was fine, in the 60's and perfect for walking. Vicky having gained 2" in height because of her exercise routine (posture) needed a new pack, so she has a Golite Jam 50 in medium this year.
I can't resist taking pictures of all the little wild flowers along the trail.
We never get used to all the rocks on this section of the Ozark Trail. This is by far the rockiest section of the entire 265 mile length.
The turn off from the Ozark Trail to the start of the trail up to Bell Mountain
The day was muggy without any wind at all, but we made short work of the 7 miles to the top.
The Geologic Survey marker for Bell Mountain. In all the years I have been coming up here I have never found it until today. Put in place in 1938
The view never disappointing when you arrive at the top of Bell Mountain. This year we arrived 30 minutes faster than last year. I fear I will be chasing Vicky across Scotland this year.
There were a few cars in the parking lot when we left, but we passed them as they were coming down this morning. We had the entire mountain to ourselves (It might have been the weather forecast). We found our favorite spot and I was able to pitch the MLD Duomid perfectly in the tight space provided.
The clouds rolled through off and on all day, but no rain. We sat and watched the world go by and just relaxed and chatted about adventures to come.
As evening started to fall the Turkey Vultures started to rid the thermals and glide directly over us as they soared around effortlessly. The picture does not due then justice for how large they are!
It started to rain about 3 am and rained until 6:30 am. It was a gentle rain without much wind. It is exactly what we wanted to test everything out before Scotland
The front caused an inversion and the clouds layer was holding close to the ground when we woke.
Vicky ready to go down in her rain gear.
The light was flat from all the overcast skies, and it always gives the woods a completely different look and feel
Off the trail by 9:30 am, we stopped for a morning breakfast at a small "mom and pop" restaurant in Caledonia, MO. The Crow's Nest
But later that night we needed burgers!
The scale said I lost 6 pounds this weekend, but I am sure I will have made it back up now!
