Winter’s Tone

Very nice article. I like how you captured the moods of hiking a trail and the emotions of starting out and ending a trip. Good stuff.

Very cool, and thanks for sharing! Yes, emotions are an essential part of trips, whether we want them to or not.

Hehehehe, 'winter'.

Nice writing though!

Nice article and pictures

Interesting to hear about other parts of the country

I almost prefer going out in the winter

Chad, those of you from Minnesota have a different perspective of winter….The Ozark winters are much more schizophrenic than that of the northern states: bursts of single digit temps followed by warmups such as the one I wrote about in the piece. Of course, you'd be crazy(or stupid) to head into the Ozarks in January w/o a reasonable winter kit. Unless, of course you were pretty confident in the short term forecast. This winter has been so mild, I'm pretty sure a 3 season kit would have sufficed for most trips. Beats staying at home!

Great article. I've really been missing the times I've spent on the OT. Currently, without a job, I think it could bring some of the healing I so desperately need.

Yes Chad, "winter", not your flat frozen testicle shriveling bitter cold Minnesota winters, but who the hell wants that anyways? ;-)

Lucas,

I enjoyed your solo winter experience on the Ozark Trail, particularly your honesty in dealing with the anxiety laden lead up getting on the trail. The article's title "Winter's Tone" is a fitting one- the tone established in the opening paragraphs where you describe the departure from your wife and the ensuing excitement as you make some distance down trail captured that moment well.

Well done Lucas. It's unfortunate people here at BPL would rather waste their time bickering in Chaff.

Lucas,
Thanks for sharing another great trip report. Keep them coming!

Your writing style feels similar to a favorite author of mine, H.P. Lovecraft. The way you texture the article is amazing. It is the kind of essay I expect to find in a literary compilation used to teach college students. I had no interest in the Ozark trail until I read this… twice.

Hi Lucas,

I am hoping to hike the 227 mile spine this January. I'm currently training and getting gear together. Aiming for 9-10 days. Base weight 11-13 lbs. I was hoping to get some of your thoughts and feedback regarding water sources in the winter. I'm using the ozark trail trip planner for most information and weather data for the region from other sources.

Are there any special tips you wish you would have known or thought of that could benefit me? I don't know if you'll see this and your PM isn't setup. This is a great article with some helpful information. Would like some more of your thoughts if you have any to give. Not many have hiked the trail in the winter at this pace that I know of, save you.

my email is jasondotjdotschaferatgmail. thanks!