Photo by John Hess, Brawley Creek Photography
The chiseling call of the Kingfisher
skims the glassy creek below.
She sweeps across her shimmering pantry,
darting in the joy of her design.
I pause and bow,
as a thousand shining rocks applaud my passing,
thankful for my design; for ears and eyes
to witness the work of the Kingfisher.
“Enjoyed the great outdoors at Lake Fort Smith yesterday using our copy of Jim Warnock’s book, The Ozarks! We’re already planning future hikes with it too! 10/10 would recommend purchasing it! All we needed was our own Hiker-dog!” – Trey, Delaney and Darian
Wish these kids could have seen the smile on my face when I receive their message and photo. My biggest kick comes from seeing my book on the trail. Knowing it’s relevant to these energetic young people is a bonus. Below are comments for The Ozarks posted on Amazon.com. I’m thankful that hikers are liking my two-year labor of love!
Seeing The Ozarks at Pack Rat in Fayetteville was a thrill!
Former student, Dax, found The Ozarks in Hot Springs
The best trail book I’ve ever read. That’s comparing others written for Northern CA to Maine, and everything in-between. This guide not only offers suggestions for day hikes, but how get there, what to expect on the trail, side-trails to hit or skip, how far to civilization to stock up on supplies, and noteworthy places to stop and gawk when on the road from here to there.
This is a very helpful book for anyone interested in hiking in the Ozarks. Whether you are a beginner or an avid hiker there is an Ozark trail here for you. We are especially interested in the Mulberry and Buffalo rivers and were happy to see that several of the trails are in those areas. Looking forward to seeing how many of these we can mark off our list in the upcoming year…
I enjoy hiking and found Jim Warnock’s guidebook an excellent source for planning and making decisions about trails in the Ozarks. I have hiked some of the trails he described, but the additional information is greatly appreciated. I plan to continue making great use of the book for future adventures. Mr. Warnock displays great insights into enjoyable hiking adventures and it is certainly very evident he speaks from vast experiences in the great outdoors. I certainly appreciate his work on this publication and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone interested in the beauty of the outdoors.
Invaluable resource for nature lovers who would like to experience the great beauty of the Arkansas and Missouri Ozarks. Hikers will find the detailed information particularly helpful.
I am a hiker and I gave this as a gift to another hiker. She has used the book and loves it. Excellent read. Planning already.
Visit my author page on Amazon to see reviews and my book signing schedule.
Sky pilot flowers
The road taken was 210 miles of the John Muir Trail last July. Each step gave fresh glimpses of beauty.
While struggling up a mountain ridge, a burst of aroma passed over me from sky pilot flowers on a granite face next to the trail.
This sweet breeze renewed my strength and quickened my step. The memory of those surprising sky pilots were pressed deep into my memory so that they still overtake me at unexpected times as unexpected gifts.
Small falls upstream from Marinoni Falls on the OHT
I’m looking forward to sharing a thru-hike of the Ozark Highlands Trail in photos and stories on Saturday, February 25, at 3:45. The program will be in the pavilion at Devil’s Den State Park. I’ll also share some photos from Five Star Trails: The Ozarks. If you’re in the area, come out and make a day…or weekend of it. Great camping and trails at Devil’s Den!
Jack Creek at the east end of my adopted section.
Today we hiked about eight miles out and back to check my adopted section of the Ozark Highlands Trail. It runs four miles following the creek drainage from Dockery Gap Trailhead west to the campsite on Jack Creek.
I was surprised to see a brand new trailhead kiosk. At some time in the past, I emailed a request for a kiosk here since the Dockery Gap Trailhead served as the main entrance point during construction of the Lake Fort Smith State Park. I hope it lasts and is left alone.
While we’re on the subject of signage, the new mile markers look good, showing miles from both directions. I like the OHT logo, too!
Temperatures were in the low 60s, unusual for this time of year. We (Hiker-dog and I) saw a total of 8 hikers during the day. I met a couple of backpackers from Oklahoma finishing up as we started out. They gave me a good report on trail conditions. Another backpacker crossed the road heading east as I arrived and three more hikers were coming out of the Jack Creek drainage as I was going down.
Close to the Jack Creek campsite, we met a couple from Michigan, hiking from Lake Fort Smith State Park to Big Piney. I enjoyed visiting with them, and they seemed to enjoy Hiker-dog’s enthusiastic attention. I was impressed that they traveled from Michigan specifically to do the OHT. They looked prepared and were hiking strong, so I have no doubt that they’ll have a good trip.
Kyle and Mary from Michigan
Crossing one of the drainages I was reminded of the power of nature. A set of large boulders I’ve passed many times had been rearranged by flooded creeks sometime since my last visit.
This lone patch of Daffodils hinted at earlier residents a short distance from the trail. I’d never noticed domesticated flowers on my section of the OHT before.
The always-reliable, “Rusty Spring” was flowing as usual. Hiker-dog passed it by, so I followed her example and fought the urge to take a sip.
Jack Creek at the west end of my adopted section.
As I filtered water from Jack Creek, Hiker-dog took a dip and then went upstream to introduce herself to the couple from Michigan. I came along later and met them.
Ecstasy!
On this warm day, Hiker-dog went for water often. She takes great delight in lowering herself into a pool of water, shaking off and then dipping again.
The shake.
A cool dog…
After her cooling swim, Hiker is ready to run. I didn’t jump into the creek, but the water was refreshing to drink. I looked forward to walking the four miles back to the trailhead, enjoying a freshly cleared trail from our trip out. Far from being a chore, maintaining my little piece of the OHT is a joy!
If you’re in the area, come to the Arkansas Trails Symposium at Devil’s Den State Park on February 25. I’ll share my Ozark Highlands Trail thru-hike in photos and stories at 3:45 p.m. and have Five Star Trails: The Ozarks on hand for signing afterward.
Thankful for my little trail buddy! Here’s a little note with photos published by Menasha Ridge Press about Hiker-dog.
A Valentine’s Note for Hiker-dog
I enjoyed viewing this 21-minute video by my friend, Scott Branyon. It’s a record of his hike from Lake Fort Smith State Park to Woolum. I was proud to be on Scott’s first backpacking trip on the Ozark Highlands Trail (OHT). Recently, I witnessed his completion of the 165-miles.
Completing this trail creates a sense of ownership, so the OHT is now Scott’s trail. Congratulations to my friend on his accomplishment. Hiker-dog enjoyed accompanying Scott on a couple of his trips and hopes to complete her OHT soon.
I’m thinking of the John Muir Trail this morning, walking some of the steps again in my memory.
My first walk through the High Sierras was a gift I’ll treasure. The memories of that walk are like continued gifts from the mountains.
Sweet smelling skypilots found between 10,000 and 14,000 feet
I worked in John Allen Adams’ bookstore while a student at Henderson State University. John was a remarkable man. He was quadriplegic from a high school football injury, but he built his own business and was a central figure of learning in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Dr. Charles Hughes has written his story in a wonderful book, A Fortune Teller’s Blessing.
I have a copy of John’s book of poems, I Walk Toward the Sound of My Days, first published in 1979. Dr. Hughes was instrumental in making this book available again. In rereading his poems, I’m struck by their continued relevance and timeless quality. Below is one poem that captures what motivates me to occasionally escape the frantic trappings of society and “give equal time to joy.”
Ten O’Clock News
by John Allen Adams
Must I keep tuned to the world’s ill?
Who condemned me to watch
the ten o’clock news for sixty years?
I know, I know – the world’s close-knit,
and a heart must be more than four fingers wide
to pump what the world needs;
but still, should I feel truant for a holiday?
What if I push the button and clamor
no longer rings through these vaults;
and then in the silence
still, small voices come healing the spirit –
cicadas, and crickets, and mockingbirds?
The mockingbird singing in a summer night –
this draft of joy would cheer even a Saul!
Tomorrow and tomorrow I shall be prompt,
tuned to the latest news;
but tonight I give equal time to joy.
John Allen Adams died in 1984, but his words live on and continue to bless my life. His grave marker inscription summarizes his life well with the words, “A BOOKSELLER AND POET.”
John Allen Adams gave me a cassette tape of some of his poetry. Breathing was a struggle for him so he made this tape to use when he spoke to school groups.
WordPress Photo Challenge: Ambience
Smith Creek in the Buffalo National River region
I was immediately smitten on my first visit to Smith Creek Conservation Area. The ambience was soothing and inviting. Deep greens comforted my soul and I felt thankfulness while standing in the middle of this creek.
Looking downstream on Smith Creek
Follow this link for more about Smith Creek.
Five Star Trails: The Ozarks includes map, trail description, and driving directions for Smith Creek Trail.
Ozarkmountainhiker 