Hike above White Rock Creek with recent burnt action in the Ozark National Forest
4/9/21
The Ozark National Forest is, in general, a wondrous asset for those that seek the solitude that nature can provide. The westernmost area near White Rock Mountain and thereabouts has never really called to me over the years. My experience with the land there has always left me with a feeling that something is lacking. After a shitty breakfast at Waffle House in Clarksville, I entered a location that solidified this feeling. My near death did not help with this. At 5:20 with 60°, my short journey began. It was immediately noticed that this forest was the subject of a recent controlled burn, probably within the last year. Some logging was also evident. This is a combination that sucks donkeys. I was determined to explore there anyway.
The underbrush was so dense due to the thinned out canopy that I had to abandon my quest for the edge of the mountain. While heading back, I observed an area that appeared to contain, bluff action. After investigation, this was indeed a spot with a view of the valley. I mounted the bluff and prepared for sunrise. Time passed and then I attempted to traverse the bluff line, but not much headway was made. I feared that this once fine example of Ozark beauty was no more...that. Oh...and I almost perished! 2.6 miles were covered and I was finished at 8:45 with 68° and a mostly clear atmosphere. The remainder of the day was spent driving and observing the fine attributes of a beautiful spring day.
