Outdoor Adventures in the Ozarks

       It’s been over five months since my last hiking adventure (see: 230 Buffalo Point ) , it goes without saying; this summer has been a long one, I’m really excited about some cooler temperatures and the upcoming hiking season.  Only 50° this morning when I hit the road, and it isn’t predicted to get much over 60.  Perfect for a short segment of the Old River Trail, that’s the plan, I hope it won’t be too overgrown. Mill Creek      Last spring as the temps started climbing the tick and chigger populations really ‘exploded’, some trails and especially off trail in fields was thick with the blood thirsty pests.  After some research over the summer I’ve treated a set of hiking clothes with ‘permethrin’.  Today will be my ‘test run’ just the permethrin treated pants, shirt and socks.  No DEET on my skin today, last spring it seemed like DEET had no effect on ticks, it didn’t even slow them down. tight parking @ end of Coursey...

     On my two most recent hikes, I’ve encountered lots of ticks, it’s my own fault really.  I know better than to get off the trail this time of year, actually they’re around all year but spring seems to be the worst.  I’m told (by our veterinarian) that ticks are a year round pest, but during the winter they mostly stay down in the ground under the dead leaves.  On those two recent hikes ( 228 Indian Creek , and 229 Little Eleven ) I would probably have been fine, if some of the ‘trails’ hadn’t basically been a bushwhack. beautiful Buffalo River      So today I’ve decided to hike the ‘other’ trails at Buffalo Point, we have hiked to Indian Rockhouse twice over the years ( 78 and 170 ) .  I never have had a strong desire to check out the rest of Buffalo Point’s trails (namely: Campground Trail, Vista Trail and Forest Trail), honestly I just didn’t expect much.  Two reasons bring me here today: first the place is so popular, the...