Hike of deadly rock action above the Little Missouri River
12/12/20
Ah yes. The cold days leading up to Christmas are my favorite for hiking. Dodging the bullets of local hunter types ads to the full flavor of the cold action. Today, breakfast occurred at the Waffle House in Gamble Town, Arkansas. That would be better known as Hot Springs. The location for starting my adventure is located in southwest Arkansas deep within the depths of the Ouachita National Forest. At 5:15 with 41° and skies composed of the purest clarity...I entered the forest. Up the scree covered slope with an angle approaching 45° I did go. The darkness threatened to prevent my advancement, but I would not be deterred...not by black death...not by steepness...nay, not even by the the rocks of insecurity that moved beneath by boots. By 5:50 the first peak was mounted. There, I awaited the sunrise...which should have occurred at 7:08...and it did. The low fog in each valley was quite a sight for beholding. Mine eyes did savor the orange light as it flowed over the horizon and onto the pillows of superior fluffiness. The wind was near calm. All was as it should be.
After a time I moved westward along the undulating ridgeline. The spine was rocky and rugged and did endeavor to take me to either side of its choosing and send me to my demise...but it was not to be. At a point, I veered left and down the hillside. Before long, the valley base was before me and the sparkling waters of Briar Creek called me forth. A suitable luncheon location was sought...one with ample sun to caress my loins was required, was found and secured from potential usurpers to my solitude. The sandwich of my making was pie hole inserted during my respite by the flowing waters. Solace and succor was achieved with simultaneity. When done, my way was made back to the place of the parking. There I began my return home. It was then 11:15 with 50°. The distance 3.4 miles was covered.
