OTSHAB Beginning Backpackers Hike June 2-4, 2023

You might recall (here), that this years Spring Beginners Trip needed to be cancelled at the last minute due to some predicted severe weather. All the participants had worked so hard over the previous 6 months to get ready for the trip that is seemed a shame to not try and reschedule. Well Andi figured out all the logistics and did reschedule all the groups. Our group F, was the last on June 3-4. Five EB's were going to take the remaining six of the BB's to the Current River section, between Klepzig Mill and Rocky Falls, arguable the prettiest section on the entire Ozark Trail. 

As we usually due, the EB's decided to camp on the Friday night, before the actual start, and invite any of the BB's that want to come, to join us as well. It was decided that we would camp at one of the privative campsites just past Rocky Falls. As usual as well, could not wait to go, so I planned to be down their by early afternoon Friday to claim the only real campsite that is just across from the Falls parking area. 

The closest town to this area is Eminence, MO. A town devoted to river floating activities but also home to the Dairy Shack. A bit of an institution, but well deserved, as they make a great burger and even better shakes! 

On the way down I spoke to Brian, who was the designated captain of this trip and he had proceeded me to the Dairy Shack by about an hour and was already going over to Rocky Falls to claim the campsite for us. This let me spend a leisurely time getting my burger and relaxing. 

Bacon Cheeseburger with Tots and a Black Raspberry Shake

When I arrived about 2:30 pm, at the Falls, it was very hot, and close to 90 degrees.

Rocky Falls

 I set up my hammock.

Beside myself, the EB's for this trip are (left to right): Brian (Trip Captain), Jenny (Co-Captain) along with Pat.

Adya joined us in the morning. 

Later in the afternoon, dark clouds showed up.  A storm front came through the area, it did not drop any rain on us (a few sprinkles) but it cooled the air off and lowered the temperature into the 60's, which made the remainder of the day very nice! 

It meant I had to set up my tarp

I had gotten a treat for dinner. Why bring backpacking food when you are already getting lunch at the Dairy Shack. I got a pork tenderloin sandwich and some mozzarella sticks, with marinara sauce, along with an excellent cider I had brought from Friendship Brewing, which is the local brewery near my house. 

Brian really fascinated us with his experience with his freeze dryer for food preparation. It is more expensive hardware than just dehydrating, but the results are far better, both in terms of preserving food, but also the taste and texture when the food is re-hydrated. It is virtually unchanged. 

What was even better was what it does to candy! 

Below- these are skittles that expand in the freeze dryer and their taste is intensified many times. They were spectacular. 

Below is only one quarter of a Jolly Rancher and it puffs up like cotton candy only a bit crunchier. 

I had about 6 of the skittles and 4 of the jolly ranchers and I had a sugar rush that lasted most of the night! 

By 7:30 pm all of the BB's that were coming had joined us and had set up their tents in the camping spot 

By 6 am the sun was up and peeking through the trees

Hot coffee and a pop-tart. Breakfast of hiking champions. 

After getting packed up, it was back, just a stone's throw, to the parking lot to receive all the remaining BB's

Check lists complete. The group all ready to go.

Heading off, exactly at 10 am. 

In less than a half mile you reach the junction of the Rocky Falls trail and main Ozark Trail. We will be going North toward Klepzig Mill (about 4 miles) 

While the weather did cool off last night, the forecast for today was back up in the 90's. One of the things that makes us EB's is that we know that June is no time to be backpacking in Missouri. 😂This being a special case, it had to be done. Also by now the trail is getting overgrown, along with ticks and chiggers living in the tall grass. We were fortunate that Brian is the volunteer maintainer for this section and had just last week come in with a weed-eater and groomed the encroaching growth back to a safer distance... Thanks Brian! 

Most of the BB's would like to keep their feet dry, but on this trail, you have to cross Rocky Falls creek twice, once at the parking lot that can be "rock hopped" without getting your feet wet, but the second time is not possible, as it is too wide to stay dry.

One of the advantages of the Spring/Summer growth is that there is an abundance of wildflowers out along the trail. 

Up the trail we all go

As I mentioned this section of trail is very beautiful. It is also full of reliable water, which is a reason we use it this time of year. The first such spot is Buzzard Mountain Shut-ins. We will be back near here later this afternoon to camp, but for now it is just a good spot to stop, take a few pictures and fill water if you need it. 

Part of the beginner trip is to stop every 30 minutes for a water break. Making sure to stay hydrated is important in this heat, even when the distances are not far.

One of the cultivated fields that dot the trail.

After about 4 miles we arrive at Klepzig Mill. 

From the Parks Service description- 

Along Rocky Creek is a small turbine mill built by Walter Klepzig in 1928 --hence its name, Klepzig Mill. Walter, son of a Prussian German immigrant, was a progressive thinker. He was the first in the neighborhood to introduce both barbed and woven fence wire and a refined breed of milk cow. He sawed logs into boards for his house and out-buildings, and routinely saved "good boards" for use in building coffins for his neighbors. He frequently ground corn free for neighbors "on starvation," i.e. those who could ill afford to leave him the customary toll of grain.

It is a beautiful area. I imagine it has stayed beautiful longer as it is hard to reach. The remaining road is very primitive and hard for anything other than high clearance vehicles, so you have to walk here. It is also surrounded by some private property that is still cultivated.

It is a great place for lunch and to cool off. Everyone did both as it was noon. 

We remained here for a bit more than an hour, then when everyone had eaten and relaxed and explored the Mill, we put on our packs and headed back to the Buzzard Mountain shut-in area. 

The area is home to one of the three groups of wild horses that roam this part of Missouri. They use the fields to graze and then take shelter in the woods. They are elusive. We didn't see them on the way in, but they were there on our way back. 

It is a real treat to see them and even though it was only a few of the herd, when they ran off together, the sound of their hooves was impressive and it felt like it shock the ground. 

as much magnification as my iPhone has. 

We made it back to the Buzzard Mountain camping area. Once there and set up we had lots of time for conversation and question & answer time. Brian did our bear hanging demonstration.

Eventually everyone wondered back to the Shut-ins to spend some time soaking in the water. A great way to spend a hot afternoon

photo by Adya

Back after a swim, it was nice to just hang and relax. The weather today was very hot, but again the evening cooled down quickly after the sunset.

Even our insect friends needed some help with a drink today.

Dinner time and more conversation about "what if" while on your first trips. Lots of questions about backpacking solo. 

Brian also taught a ton on the subject of Falconry.

Sunday morning and the camp breaking down. Good conversation about trash with particular attention to micro trash and making sure your campsite is left better than you found it. 

Ready to go 

Boulder field, on the side of the trail, on the way back 

more "wildlife" this morning. A few box turtles on the trail

I really like these aged signs along the trail 

Quiet creeks all along this section. Most of the water will be dry by end of July, but it is really great now. 

The fields were beautiful in the morning light.

Back across Rocky Creek. Yesterday they were undecided about getting their feet wet. Already today, they just charged across the creek with no cares at all! 

A job well done. The group back at Rocky Falls. 

Four of the BB's from the group, didn't want it to end and took the opportunity to go back and climb Stegall Mountain to the summit glade.

photo by Chris W

A beautiful (and large) Missouri collard lizard on the glade.

photo by Mandy H

Day 1 Stats 

Day 2 Stats

Thank you to all the BB's (Teresa, Chris, Rachel, Paige, Mandy, Eliza) for spending so much of your time and money to assemble gear, take the zoom classes and be prepared for the trip, it was a great pleasure to come along and be with you this weekend. You all did fantastic! I hope you enjoyed it and will get out as much as you can in the future. Thanks to my fellow EB's, you are great and hysterical and make it a fantastic time. Thanks to Andi for organizing and doing all the heavy lifting of the OTSHAB group.