Sometimes you just need some trail, even though August 1 is not the best time in the world to be on the Ozark Trail. I've ben dying to get my Enos out for a real camping adventure. I got a late start on Saturday night, managed just a mile starting at Onondaga Cave on the banks of the Meramec River. With darkness closing in set up my hang in a nice stand of pine. Fortunate to have a tree stump for a table, nice spot. Just enough time to get the hammock, mandatory bug net and optional this night tarp, then boil some water for black beans and rice. (Only eat this if you are alone! Pretty sure there are holes in my tarp now...) I expected the trail to be overgrown but it was in great shape. When I hit the trail the next morning, walked just a hundred yards to the gate on Huzzah Conservation area. There's a sign there that says "no camping." Whoops. But no sign or gate the way I came, so didn't feel too bad and I left no trace. This section of the OT is really well crafted, no major climbs and there are interesting features along the way. My "test drive" ended at the Courtois River (pronounced Codaway for some reason) where I shed some layers and went for a swim. Going to recommend you don't hike 5 miles with wet underwear! The hang was great though in my haste I left the pack pillow out and found I really needed that. I also concur to all the experts who say sleeping bags, pads and hammocks do not mix. Chased mine all over until I finally just used the bag as a cover, that worked just fine and didn't need it anyway. Learned a few things and can't wait for the next trip, maybe the bugs will be gone by then.
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