384
Dry Spadra CreekAction in the valley of Dry Spadra Creek with a hike lacking moistness
8/1/20
Deep within the Ozark National Forest lies a valley of darkness. So steep are its walls that little light is allowed to penetrate the recesses of the extensive tendril network that feeds it. The creatures found within can be found only there. They will take you down...hard. So perilous is this chasm that few have entered...the Valley of Dryness. I made it my business to explore here. Saturday morning at 4:45 a.m. with 65° and a modestly cloudy overhead, my journey of hell began. But not before eating at Waffle House, where friendly and colorful Suzie the server provided me with the basic foods required to fuel my endeavor. Right! I entered the forest and proceeded to a suitable bluff for observational purposes. No fog was available...I had hoped for some. The clouds cleared and revealed a day of unparalleled divinity. Please note that access to said promontory was a difficult affair. The mild temperature was welcomed on this first day of August. Humidity was still high, but hey. Soon...I departed this location in search of more locations.
Creenubbin Falls was happened upon during this movement. Guarding this wet rock face was a solitary brown snake. One might even say its color was akin to that of copper ore. Its fangs glistened in the sparse light that filtered onto his rock. Yes...this particular beast was a male. I tossed it aside and went on with my nature studies. He watched intently and was impressed with my bushcraft skills. The view down the verdant hollow was of purest loveliness. I did caress its beauty with my eyes, for a time. Then the climb out to the other side was began, and the top achieved within a two minute interval. A suitable luncheon spot was found and the standard fare of a sangwhich was placed in my mouth. With a view down the valley and adequate shade, this bed of pine needle and moss was much enjoyed. I then moved upward and was out by out at 1:00 p.m. with 80° and mostly sun.
