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217 Subway Tunnel

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       It was two weeks ago today the storm everyone on social media called ‘Snowmageddon’ hit about half the country, judging by the amount of snow we got (only 6-7 inches) it didn’t even come close to ‘Armageddon’ proportions.   But the cold lasted up until a couple days ago, today with predicted highs near 70° it’s time to get back outdoors and go hiking.   Also on social media lately there has been a lot of ‘chatter’ about Subway Tunnel, so I’m going to check it out. on the Subway      Not far after leaving the house I realize I didn’t bring my water shoes or a flashlight, that along with patches of snow still pretty much everywhere I begin talking myself out of going into the tunnel.   I even consider ‘plan B’ but in the end I make it down Parker Ridge Road to the trailhead at forest road 92735A.   I’m going hiking regardless, maybe I’ll make it into the tunnel or maybe I won’t. scattered parking off Parker Ridge Rd. ORV trail...

216 Green Fields and Tall Pines

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     Today is predicted to be the pick day this week for outside activities, tomorrow winter returns for at least a week so I had better get outside for some activities while the weather agrees.  Looking for a hike without much elevation change, I zoom-in on some more ‘old roads’ and hay fields.  The area I’m headed to is just northeast of Dickey Junction outside Richland Creek Wilderness in the Ozark National Forest. green fields and tall pines      After parking near the locked gate across Forest Road 93756C, I head north through the gate into a long narrow field (1) of tall dry grass.  This field doesn’t appear to have been cut this year, the road continues north through the field, I turn right (east) on another road.  Maybe ‘road’ is the wrong word, this is more of a ‘farmer’s lane’ between fields.  For all intents and purposes it still looks like a road, these unofficial farmer’s lanes tie together fields all over this are...

215 Willis Branch Loop

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     When I head out this morning I have just a loose plan as to where I’m going today.  The ‘plan’ is to hike along some more of the bluffs above the Little Buffalo River west of Wayton, but since the condition of the forest roads is unknown I’ll leave the final destination open until I get in the area.  I have been in this area of amazing bluffs twice before, see ( 158 Dog Branch Bluffs and 166 Bluffs of Haunt Hollow ) for those adventures. high above the Little Buffalo River      Leaving the pavement I head west on gravel NC 8583 this road is in great shape to start, it gets a little narrow after about a mile.  After curving to the north the road’s still in good condition, I have no problem driving all the way to Rich Cemetery on a hill top, where I park.  There are a bunch of forest roads all around the cemetery with lots of pull-out  parking spots, so take your pick parking isn’t an issue. Rich Cemetery      R...