Thinking it might be interesting to try presenting all of the photos in a different format, I decided to try dumping them all into a little video with some accompaniment.
This trip south began with a non-stop drive through to Pruitt Landing on the Buffalo River, then on to Jasper, Buffalo River Canyon Overlook, ending the afternoon with a hike at Sugar Loaf Mountain. We adventured down to Little Rock for a moment, but mostly relaxed around Greers Ferry Lake.
The return journey found us hiking through Rush Historic District, and riding the Peel Ferry, pausing momentarily for a snapshot of Beaver Creek Bridge at Kissee Mills Park.
A seemingly endless parade of snow and ice in Kansas City
Observing a few good days at the beginning of the month in Kansas City, the remainder of the month was unreasonably frigid, as usual. When the sun did shine, the world was blinding white.
One of the few clear days in KC - February 2019
In no time at all for temperatures to drop to their normal average of below 0°C. Freezing rain glazed the city, followed immediately by snow, briefly paralyzing the town.
Growing ice in KC — February 2019
It continued to sneak up on the population overnight at random intervals throughout the entire month. Snow that appeared at the first of the month, now hidden below fresh snow, along with with even colder temperatures, ensured everything remained solidly frozen in place.
Yet more night snow in KC — February 2019
More snow is scheduled too. It is nothing unusual. This is likely the most terrible time of the year in this part of the country, but it will be over soon. Spring is due any day now. Expeditions to new places,others more familiar, along with associated observations from the road continue when things thaw.
Looking west on East 14th Street towards Main Street in Kansas City - January 2019
A few photos and thoughts on the progress of winter in Kansas City
It started off mild enough. Temperatures lingered between 5–10°C and the wind, almost completely absent. Remaining outdoors for a short time in these conditions requires little effort, but indoors is preferable for long periods.
Looking up at the dome of the historic Empire Theater in Kansas City
As temperatures drop, pulling snow and ice down from the skies, leaving to go anywhere can seem too much a chore. Outdoors becomes too formidable. Harassing and howling winds are too oppressive. Simply watching the snow fall from the comfort of home is the preferred choice for many.
A snowy field in northern Kansas City - January 2019
Large fluffy snowflakes fell thick and wet this time, sticking to everything. It piled up 20 cm in the area, and as much 30 cm in parts nearby. More followed, and temperatures locked below 0 °C ensured the blanket of white would remain for a few weeks. Falling to -20 °C for a few days ensured folks remained indoor at all costs.
Ice Mushroom - February 2019
Blue skies unfolded on the final day of the month, and an increase in temperature melted the world. Odd shapes appeared here and there, and the blanket of white gave way to muddy strains of green and brown. It will not last long though. February is notorious for being unruly, and more negativity from the polar regions is forecast. Expeditions to new places,others more familiar, along with associated observations from the road will persist when things thaw more.
An early fall wandering through north central Arkansas
A late morning departure still provided plenty of time for wandering about the back roads, exploring a few new locations and some fantastic views.
Discovering the Harrison Visitor Center was finally open, a quick stop there enabled some minor planning for points south. It took them two years to finish that project, producing a beautiful new structure and facilities.
A change of scenery was definitely in order for this trip, and winding south on AR-7, I soon found my way to the Buffalo River. The access point I planned to visit would need to wait for a moment though, having discovered an ancestral burial ground at the same entrance.
Pruitt Access on the Buffalo River
Pruitt Access to the Buffalo River does not appear much different than any of the few others visited thus far. A high bluff immediately opposite a gravel bar on a bend in the river seems to be the norm. This particular spot did have a nice trail to the top of the bluff though.
Sulphur Mountain, Arkansas
The afternoon began to vanish and the threat of rain loomed. The only route back to US-65 from Jasper, without further delay, traveled back north and east to Western Grove. The minor backtrack was worth every minute, with beautiful wide-open views of the northern edge of the Boston Mountains.
A Mossy Bluff Cascade, Arkansas
A lot of chill time consumed the following day, just visiting and just relaxing after the journey. Late in the afternoon, I spent some time enjoying the solitude of the forest at Mossy Bluff National Nature Trail.
Collins Creek Cascade, Arkansas
After covering that trail, I dropped by Collins Creek to enjoy more quiet time, coupled with the white noise of water rushing downstream. It is easy to lose track of time there and before I was aware, the surrounding forest darkened around me.
Sunset over Greers Ferry Lake, Arkansas
It was not quite as dark as it seemed down by the creek though, so I made one last stop to close out the day, sitting on the bluff, watching the sunset over Greers Ferry Lake.
Clear Creek crossing Beckett Mountain Road
Wandering back roads again the following day, there was a little more back-tracking involved again. Beckett Mountain Road suddenly and abruptly ended in Clear Creek. A hundred yards away, the intended intersection mocked me. While most of the stream blocking the path was not very deep, the portion nearest angled and dropped what appeared to be about 15 cm. It was not worth the risk. A 16 km way around the only option.
Huckleberry Trailhead at Woolly Hollow State Park
Adding insult to injury, arriving at Woolly Hollow State Park, I discovered half of the trail I intended to travel closed until December. Covering the part of trail available, the remainder will have to wait for another occasion.
A bit of fishing consumed the next evening, after a workout, running the Tonawanda Base Trail at Sugarloaf Mountain. The 2.25 km path is not especially difficult, but does stretch the legs with a lot of rolling up and down. It was good to relax on the dock after and reel in a few.
Dillard’s Ferry Access, Buffalo National River
Up early the next morning, I quickly tired of US-65, took a right at Marshall on AR-27 then cut north along AR-14 to have a look at Dillard’s Ferry Access on the Buffalo River.
Further up the road, I encountered a relatively new Water Trail, just outside of Yellville. It seemed as though it might be a good trip to try some time, though the water there appeared to have a questionable coloration to it, and was filled with debris at this particular point.
Marion County Courthouse, Yellville, Arkansas
I paused momentarily at the Marion County Courthouse, having noticed it passing through another time. The well-cared for, Romanesque, two-story stone and concrete structure was built in 1944 and is typical of a lot of the north central Arkansas courthouses.
Missouri & North Arkansas Railroad Plate girder bridge over CR 1092 (Old US 62) and George’s Creek
Bidding farewell to Yellville, and starting down US-412, I decided it might be interesting to have look at the mid-section of bull Shoals Lake. The map indicated AR-125 loops back to AR-14, but just as I was about to turn that way, the trestle caught my eye. This 1904 structure supported the Missouri & Northern Arkansas Railroad and later, the Missouri Pacific Railroad.
Mark Oliver Crooked Creek Access
Just on the other side of the trestle, another relatively new access point on Crooked Creek. The area is much nicer than that near town, with much less debris and clear running water. A nice wood ramp walkway leads down to a concrete pier, enabling those disabled to do a little fishing, or easy access to your favorite flotation apparatus.
Looking northeasterly from AR-125 with Bull Shoals Lake in the distance
The day was falling away fast though. I did not linger long at either of these spots, continuing on my way towards Bull Shoals Lake, which soon appeared glimmering in the distance.
South Peel Ferry Station
What I didn’t know was that I was about to run out of road again. I had not thought much about the notation on the map about Peel Ferry, assuming it was just another access point with a bridge crossing the lake. A few signs began to appear indicating otherwise.
The ferry was open and calculating the wait time from the sign and talking with a few others waiting, I discovered it would arrive in the next 20 minutes. The ride across was only half as long, and was a fantastic way to see the lake on this perfect autumn day.
Looking east into Mark Twain National Forest from MO-125
It was late in the day though and I still had another 350 km to travel, and so only made a couple of quick other quick stops. The last being the perfect opportunity to capture the expanse of Mark Twain National Forest.
While only a short weekend in the southern part of the Ozark Plateau, the road stretched out on the journey down. Heading further east than usual from Springfield, the intended destination soon appeared.
The Hodgson Water Mill offered an opportunity to get out and explore. Built in 1897, the 3 1/2-story grist mill straddles a spring near Bryant Creek. Creeping all over it, the surrounding grounds, and nearby bridge proved a good respite from the summer sun.
Well rested the following morning, Sandy Beach provided a bit of cardboard amusement. It is kind of amazing how well cardboard floats, and the designs were interesting, themed around Star Wars.
Rain loomed most of Sunday, but never happened. The trip up the second highest point in Arkansas followed the same route as before up the East Summit Trail. Crossing several boulder fields from the decaying ridge, the 1.2 km ascent is a good workout. Indeed, the popularity of it for that purpose tends make it a little crowded too.
