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Category: Hike Reports
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Twenty-two Trailblazers, including 4 first timers, headed up to Newton County on the annual pilgrimage to Buffalo Lodge.  The drive up was beautiful with lovely clouds, spring greenery, dogwood, redbuds, and hills covered with all shades of green. The weather wasn’t as good as we would have liked, but it certainly wasn’t as bad as it could have been!  We were able to have our Friday night hot dog roast outside around the campfire.  Weather did preclude having a 2016 River Rat Team paddle the Buffalo, but we still were able to hike with some mist and overcast skies on Saturday and improved weather on Sunday.

 

Saturday morning some of us planned to hike Round Top Mountain, but the hike is best done under blue and sunny skies. Shifting gears, we went to Alum Cove where we hiked in the mist and enjoyed dogwood, magnolias about to bloom, rocky bluffs, and open caves to explore. Still waiting for skies to clear, we decided to try hiking another trail that proved elusive.  By this time hunger had set in, but we providentially found a whole bunch of newly-sawed logs that were great seats since the damp ground was not appealing!  On a full stomach we were able to find a new trail for us, Owens Mountain Bluffs, which proved to be a keeper.  It is not a long trail, but it initially starts with a short, but steep descent, and then turns out to be a scramble over rocks and boulders in a  canyon with towering walls where there is lots to explore.  There are open caves, Indian petro glyphs that are fading in the sandstone, and spring trees in flower.  A sign gives information about government laws protecting the archeological resources and ancient ruins in this area.  Yours Truly’s life and limbs were spared with Amy’s assistance!  

Another group of eager beavers did a difficult hike to Hemmed in Hollow and Granny Henderson’s Cabin on Saturday.  Some of us have been there before, but we went the easier way by accessing it from the Buffalo River while canoeing – Yours Truly is guilty as charged!

 Back at the lodge, Sue made us some great chips and dips to eat before Saturday dinner and Yours Truly did not have to call the campfire kids twice to herd them into the kitchen to polish it off.  Later we had great barbecued chicken and baked beans prepared by Becky and a tasty salad made by Kenya.  Of course there was an endless supply of desserts and tasty items piled up on the Calorie Counter between the kitchen and the library.

 Saturday evening people sat around the campfire, did puzzles, played games like Farkle (don’t ask, don’t tell), and watched TV.  Sunday morning we had our tasty traditional Big or Mountain Man Breakfast, a combo of eggs, taters, chicken, sausage, cheese, etc., as well as fresh fruit salad.  Lots of people lent helping hands to clean things up and carry things.  We are very proud of our men who stepped up to the plate to help - it warms a woman's heart!  Afterwards some people either left for home or hiked Round Top Mountain.

Sue reports: After some hiking on Round Top Trail, Gloria offered to guide a group of us on the Long Pool Waterfall Trail, located among the Long Pool Campground in Dover, Arkansas. Since it was “on the way home”, six of us ventured out for this hike.The waterfall is only about 1/4 mile from the trailhead, but Gloria warned us that part of it would be rough and rugged. She wasn’t kidding, but it was certainly worth making the trek.  The first part of the trail starts off mild, with a beautiful overlook of Long Pool through the trees.

 As we continued closer to the waterfall, it took forging our way across/through the rocks. Gloria cautioned us to go “slow and steady”, which we did along as we made the incline up. Once there, most of us made our way back behind the waterfall. The coolness of the water was a welcome relief! On the way back down, we had quite the surprise. Unfortunately for Sharon, she was the first to spot a copperhead along one of the rocks. Fortunately, it wasn't on the trail itself, but it was still too close for us! After the “alarm” was sounded, we made our way through the rocks as quickly (and safely) as possible!  The trailhead is not marked or named, so we agreed on Long Pool Waterfall Trail, although Sharon suggested we might consider naming it “Long Pool Waterfall Snake Trail.”

 

 

 PS   Worthless Lodge trivia:  Info from some dubious sources of the male persuasion indicates that the men’s snoritory above the garage was not as noisy as usual, but a few occupants did indicate that their mattress springs were squeaky.  Although we sometimes have encountered plumbing problems at the lodge, Yours Truly did not personally need to yank the chain or jiggle the handle of two of the toilets in the lodge this year.  More than you ever wanted to know!

  Great weekend!

   Click on any pic to start the slideshow.

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