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Leatherwood Wilderness Area
Overnight backpack down Leatherwood Creek in the Leatherwood Wilderness Area
5/24/19
  Once again, the Leatherwood Wilderness Area needs me. Who will look after it if I do not visit it on occasion. After all...it is mine...mine I tell you. Friday morning had me on location at Huddle House in Clinton. There, was had...some goodly breakfast. Afterwards...north to the area, I did go. At 9:00 a.m. with 78°, the forest was entered from the north. A ridge was followed until it ended at a bluff line of decent quality. The skies were mostly clear with a cooling breeze from the southwest. After finding a way down the bluff, it was onward to Leatherwood Creek. Here I moved to the west towards the Buffalo River. By 12:30 a rocky area was found that was suitable for lunch. After some deliberation, this location was chosen for camp duty. There was an abundance of water for drinking and submerging in on this day that would rise to a temp near 90°.
  All was prepared and time was spent doing casual things and lounging about. The temp did max out at 88° but a fairly constant wind kept the situation tolerable. The setting was ever so lovely. Around 6:30 dinner was prepared and eaten, and was quite tasty. Around sunset a fire was created to help stave off mosquitoes that would surely be arriving shortly. By 10:00 it was into the hammock. The temp was around 72° at this point and comfortable. The sound of the flowing water was pleasant but it did block all other sounds of the night that I typically enjoy. At 4:20 I rose and packed all gear. The climb up the mountain was difficult but manageable. By 7:00 a.m. and 78° I had arrived at the vehicle which was parked just where I left it. From here it was back to Clinton where breakfast was had at Ruth's Cafe. By 10:30 I was home again. The total mileage hiked was 7.2 imperial units. A decent amount of ticks were encountered on this outing with a few making secure contact. They all died a painful death.

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