Hike above Kimball Creek to Kimball Bluff at the Buffalo National River
6/11/21
Gone are the days when a man, or a woman...could step into the forest and be greeted by woodland creatures. A child could also do this, though not advisable unaccompanied. These were the very creatures that would lie in wait for the opportunity to pounce and devour a man or a woman or a child...hell...even small dogs and other assorted pets one would bring with them into the shrubbery. Thanks to my domination of these wild animals through years or wrestling for supremacy...the woods are now safe. I entered these woods on Friday morning at 5:20 with 75°. I was made to wait due to a passing shower that made sure the leaves and grasses were fully moistened as to impregnate all my garments with hwetness. Please note that breakfast was first procured at Waffle House in Conway. The male server there performed at the highest level a server could reach...not.
With partly cloudy skies now and 95% humidity, my first bluff was approached and mounted. It was not impressive. Below was Kimball Creek. I thought that I might drop into its depths and explore the small creek, but this was not to be. A way down the bluff line was not obvious until I came a across the Buffalo River Trail. This trail did allow passage. I chose not to utilize it...for now I was too close to the river to make it worth my while. The path was followed and at a location where the trail swung around a point, two deadly dogs on leashes guarded a campsite. There barking was not impressive. I quickly subdued the pair with superior wrestling moves that left them incapacitated for several minutes. When the owner (or the father) of the dogs stepped forward in protest, he was summarily dispatched with little effort. His companion...having hwitnessed this, cowered in the tent, fearful of incurring an outcome resembling that of the other's. I moved onward with impunity. These hikers were camped right on the trail. That ain't right, man. This also prohibited me from utilizing a viewpoint into the valley there. I had hopes of viewing this view. No remorse was felt.
Down the trail I did go. I was forced to go down the slope to find a bluff top that would afford the panorama I did seek. Find it, I did. A miniscule point jutted out from the tangle of cedars at the edge with just enough room to hold my gear and a portion of my body. Here began the waiting...the waiting for the fog to lift...and it did...eventually. Revealed below was the the flowing water of the Buffalo. It was clear and appeared to be very refreshing. A gravel bar on the far side was unoccupied by campers. Three to four...maybe five buzzards loitered about a carcass. This was typical. As the mist cleared, it revealed the full beauty of the valley and stream. For a time...my mind wandered at its leisure while birds and other assorted melodious flying things did what they do. After nearly slipping numerous times and falling to my death...I moved back up. It was there...at the top...that my course took me back to my quite manly Subaru style vehicle. Right where I left it...waiting patiently for my return...was it. At 11:05 the skies were pretty much sunny with 82°. The hike was around 2.7 miles. I then drove in a homeward direction.
