Hike on a bluff line above Lower Stepp Creek
6/20/22
Stepp Creek is one of the East Fork of the Little Buffalo's largest tributaries. Thomas Creek is the other one. The Little Buffalo is formed just below these mergers. Breakfast was at Waff Ho in Russellville. A long dirt road was followed into the interior of the deep shrubbery. It was there that my journey began. The skies were clear and the temp was 67° at 5:00 a.m. This was an endeavor that nearly ended in deadliness...not for me, but for many woodland creatures that dared to throw down on me as I strolled through "their" forest. It did not take long for them to realize that the forest was mine. I spared them all so they could tell their friends about who's territory this was. With all that behind me, the woods were explored with impunity.
The bluff line of focus was mounted and traced to the north. Deep below flowed the powerful Stepp Creek. Many boulders were encountered and walked around, as it is difficult to walk through them. A suitable but grassy bluff top was located. This became my sunrise promontory. Unfortunately, the sun came up behind me. Most of the remainder of the line was explored to the north. When satisfied with my progress, my path turned back up the hill to the point of embarkation. Exit was at 9:15 with 71°. This short hike covered 2.4 miles.
