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Hurricane Creek Wilderness Area
Overnight backpack into the Hurricane Creek Wilderness Area
6/29/22
  It was Tuesday around 1:00 p.m. There was a plan to hike in the morning on Hurricane Creek. After checking the weather it was noticed that cool temps would ensue today and tomorrow. My mind leaped into action with a change of plans resulting. I threw my crap together and moved swiftly towards the transport vehicle parked just outside. By 4:30 my feet propelled me forward into the forest. It was 80° with sunny sky conditions, also the humidity was felt to be moderate. Within a period of time, arrival was made at a campsite I have used, on occasion, for many years. Gear was rearranged and all was ready with time to spare before sun departure. A fire was made bushcraft style...with a lighter. The evening was of finest loveliness. By sunset the temp was already 69° with no breeze.
  My bed bed was occupied by 9:30. Sleep was scarce. There was no moon and the woods were dead quiet. Assorted frog calls continued throughout the night. After finally drifting off around 12:45, a loud crash was heard that had me awake once more. I yelled at the potential culprit, but heard no footfall in response. A tree or large branch must have fallen to the ground from rot. Owls and coyotes and some other sounds that were unrecognizable to me were also heard. A fox seemed to be circling my camp. I think I heard it capture, kill and eat some lesser woodland creature. Most of my sleep was accomplished between 3:00 and 5:00 since I sleep very lightly. When I rose at 5:00 the temp was noted to be 52°. I had replaced the tent fly that was left off at bedtime. A sheet and air matt were plenty to keep me warm, along with a light fleece and light pants. Camp was struck.
  The perimeter was checked for items and then it was down to the creek. The water flowed but it flowed slowly. Much of this area contains bedrock and smallish rocks. Upstream boulders are more common. The stream was traced to the south and by 7:30 and 54°, my origin was in view. Denny's in Russellville provided a fairly decent breakfast. My total hike was around 2.5 miles.

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