MO Hang 5 - OT Thru Hike - May 3, 4, 5 2013

**rngn** · 03-19-2013, 18:15

Originally Posted by Disco

MO Hang 5
OT Thru Hike (Taum Sauk Section)
May 3, 4, 5 2013

This is a 3-day hike that will cover approximately 33 miles. We'll start our hike from the Hwy A trailhead at the base of Bell Mt on Friday morning, and end at the Russell Mt trail head on Sunday afternoon/evening. I think we can time it right so that we'll be at the Johnson Shutins trailhead at lunch time on Saturday for anyone that wants to join us at that point.

I think the best way to get cars at both the start and end points is to all meet at the Russell Mt. trailhead, then we pile into as few vehicles as we can to get to our start point, the Hwy A trailhead. It is a 45min drive between the 2 points, so we dont want anyone to have to do both directions Friday morning. Maybe we can all pitch in a couple bucks for those that drive us to the Hwy A trailhead.

Some details we still need to work out:

1. Once we find out how many hikers we'll have, we can figure out how many cars we need to take to the Hwy A trailhead. We can figure this out Friday morning at the trailhead.

2. We need to find out if overnight parking is allowed at Johnson Shutins trailhead for anyone that wants to meet up with us on Saturday.

Post up if you are definitely going. It should be an adventure!

Im thinking of going but wont be there till friday night and will catch up on saturday hopefully somebody can give me a ride back to hwy A

**Skygzr** · 03-19-2013, 20:43

Originally Posted by rngn

Im thinking of going but wont be there till friday night and will catch up on saturday hopefully somebody can give me a ride back to hwy A

are you going to hike in the 8-9 miles from at night or do you want to meet me and campalot at the johnson shut in trailhead saturday morning

**rngn** · 03-19-2013, 21:38

Originally Posted by Skygzr

are you going to hike in the 8-9 miles from at night or do you want to meet me and campalot at the johnson shut in trailhead saturday morning

I really wanted to do the hole thing ,I thought I would do some night hiking friday night and then get up early saturday and catch up to the group if you would like to join me that would be great. woody

**digitizer101** · 03-29-2013, 13:38

Well we are about a month away and I have been rebuilding my system for this hike. I am hoping to drop down to 30 lbs instead of 50 lbs since this is a long backpacking hike.

I have decided to leave the monster UQ at home as the temps should be much higher then our last trip. Instead I will be bringing a JCP DIY UQ and a self-inflating pad. That is if I don't finish my next quilt before the hike.

I am also working on a bugnet that I spoke with campalot about last week. I think a bugnet would be my next highest priority for May.

I would also like to get away from the Harbor Freight tarp that I have been using for almost a year now(starting to see daylight through it). I am looking at a DIY tarp just haven't settled on one yet, however If time does not permit I will just pick up another Harbor Freight tarp and live with it.

Here is a video of where I am on the bugnet as well as some other stuff. (awesome snow storm over last weekend)

**Disco** · 03-29-2013, 14:42

I'm hoping for highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s (or warmer). That would be ideal for my lightweight setup.

**hairbear** · 03-29-2013, 18:59

Originally Posted by digitizer101

Well we are about a month away and I have been rebuilding my system for this hike. I am hoping to drop down to 30 lbs instead of 50 lbs since this is a long backpacking hike.

I have decided to leave the monster UQ at home as the temps should be much higher then our last trip. Instead I will be bringing a JCP DIY UQ and a self-inflating pad. That is if I don't finish my next quilt before the hike.

I am also working on a bugnet that I spoke with campalot about last week. I think a bugnet would be my next highest priority for May.

I would also like to get away from the Harbor Freight tarp that I have been using for almost a year now(starting to see daylight through it). I am looking at a DIY tarp just haven't settled on one yet, however If time does not permit I will just pick up another Harbor Freight tarp and live with it.

Here is a video of where I am on the bugnet as well as some other stuff. (awesome snow storm over last weekend)

Nice job,Cant wait to see your stuff .
Ive been busy too ,we will compare notes at the hike.

**Gideon** · 03-31-2013, 10:51

Well unfortunately Pryro won't be able to come on this one; I'm going to miss him terribly but he can't miss any more school. It's only one hike but I looked forward to them even more when we were doing them together.

So i'll be solo on this one; as for the weather, I'm with Disco, I'm hoping for 50's at night. If we get that then I can use my ultralight system.

if anyone can brief us on what to expect for water along the trip, that would be helpful.

Looking forward to seeing everyone again and Digitizer, I'll be amazed if you get under 30lbs!

Happy Easter everyone!
Gideon

**Disco** · 03-31-2013, 11:24

Sorry to hear that Pyro can't make it. We'll be sure to get a few hangs in while school is out.

As far as water goes, it appears that we will have ample water sources along the trail, according to the maps. I'll be filtering with 2 20oz gatorade bottles for storage.

**Gideon** · 03-31-2013, 17:04

Yeah, he's not to happy about missing this one; he really likes our hangs and has a lot of respect for you guys.

Sounds good about the water; I've spent a lot of time, and too much money, putting together my ultralight system and there's a good chance I'll be able to use it on this run. If water is plentiful then I can really travel light. Can't wait!

Gideon