Plans for a winter backpacking trip began percolating in my brain, followed by the acquisition of supplies needed for said trip. Unfortunately, inventory shortages and holiday travel had me sweating the arrival of a couple of pieces of mission critical gear the week and day before my departure. I found myself fretting over plans B and C, as well as beating myself up over time not budgeted adequately. Truthfully, I had far too much to do in the time I had left. My lackadaisical demeanor was transitioning into panic at a rapid pace, and familial relations in my house were bearing the brunt of my madness. Thankfully, my gracious wife, whose patience with me never tires (a bit of an exaggeration) stepped in to fill sandwich baggies with rations of granola and chips. This was not my plan for the final moments of quality time we would have for the next ten days or so. For you gentlemen still developing your marital prowess: if your wife has permitted you to exercise your primal instincts in the backcountry, do not expect her to tolerate you seam-sealing your tarp after dinner the evening before your departure.
With backpack stocked, the remaining logistical hurdle was a lengthy car ride to the trailhead to leave a car, followed by another lengthy ride to the opposite end of the trail. Our frenzied departure made the mood in the car about as warm as the snow-blanketed hillsides. A gray, overcast day didn't help lift spirits either. The serpentine road and pickups loaded with firewood willed upon us a pace more apropos of the setting. As the miles and minutes ticked by, I was increasingly anxious of my departure. Small talk did little to ease the mood. Tackling this piece of the Ozark Trail had been on my list. I was excited to be executing my plan; unfortunately my gut was in knots. I scanned the trees for blazes or a sign indicating the trailhead. Finally, a double blue blaze appeared on a tree. I finished sealing my pack with hesitation. Once the lid was closed, our paths would part and disappointment would collide with excitement, as a new adventure began.
ARTICLE OUTLINE
- Introduction
- Day One
- Day Two
- Day Three
- Day Four
- Day Five
- Day Six
- Day Seven
- Day Eight
- Day Nine
# WORDS: 4490
# PHOTOS: 19
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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!
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