the great backpack trip

Here is what I'm proposing. We've talked about it for almost two years, now we're finally just going to go ahead and do it. Well, at least I'm going to do it and anyone man-enough to join me is welcome. I found the Rockywood Trail at Washington State Park (south of DeSoto, MO). It's a 10 mile backpacking trail through the rugged Ozarks. We'll hike until it gets dark, put up camp, and then hike out the next day. Maybe find a place to swim along The Big River (or head for the campground swimming pool).

10 miles is actually a pretty short backpacking trail. But you gotta start small and work your way up, right? Cutting a 10 mile hike into two days should be doable for most everyone. The main challenge (i.e. the good part) is the fact that only one night also allows us to travel light and cook over an open fire. No big coolers here, if it doesn't fit in a backpack, it's not coming along.

So, I know no everyone will want to do this because of the lack of luxury we're used to, but that's why it's a challenge. I'm just offering this as a chance to hang out as manly men and find out what we're made of. Not doing this anytime soon, so don't worry. I'm shooting for late May.

http://www.mostateparks.com/washington/trails.htm

also check this out.

http://www.backpacking.net/beginner.html

it's a good read with tons of useful links.