Hiking Ab Creek In The Spring
Looking Down Into Ab Creek
Hiking Along The Creek
I have not been able to get out to get new material for my webpage. I am still in my recovery period after undergoing cervical fusion. In addition my right eye has been giving me problems for quite some time. I had surgery on it just prior to the 4th of July. My vision is clearing and I hope to be able to see through the camera lens soon. Until then I thought I would look back through my old archives and see if I can find some hikes or photo tours to show you. My plan is to gradually retire the Reviews page and take what hikes we did of of those pages and turn them into separate hikes.
(Note This hike was originally published as Issue #163 of the Barefoot Traveler dated March 16, 2005) I had made arrangements with my friend Bill to meet in Jasper for breakfast and then maybe find somewhere to go hiking that was out of the wind. I enjoyed the sunrise and my coffee then showered and headed down to the Ozark Café in Jasper. Over breakfast we decided our best chance for staying out of the wind would be down in a valley along a creek bed. Bill reminded me of a place I had taken him some years ago called Ab Creek, which was a dry creek bed in a deeply eroded track, and we decided to revisit that place. We figured there would be some, but not a lot of water running and we could make our way along the edges. We both had our cameras along and hoped to take a lot of pictures. Once we found the parking spot we headed off in search of the creek.
(Note This hike was originally published as Issue #163 of the Barefoot Traveler dated March 16, 2005) I had made arrangements with my friend Bill to meet in Jasper for breakfast and then maybe find somewhere to go hiking that was out of the wind. I enjoyed the sunrise and my coffee then showered and headed down to the Ozark Café in Jasper. Over breakfast we decided our best chance for staying out of the wind would be down in a valley along a creek bed. Bill reminded me of a place I had taken him some years ago called Ab Creek, which was a dry creek bed in a deeply eroded track, and we decided to revisit that place. We figured there would be some, but not a lot of water running and we could make our way along the edges. We both had our cameras along and hoped to take a lot of pictures. Once we found the parking spot we headed off in search of the creek.
After a short walk we found Ab Creek, which empties into the Buffalo River. The spot to climb down into the creek was easy to find. The water flowed in what looked like a large skateboard park. Relatively smooth rock walls sloped down from both sides and the creek meandered between them. We had guessed right, and there was water flowing but it was low and there was room to work our way up the creek and stay out of the wind. As we walked we had to gradually climb up small rock ledges and make our way around small run-offs. We continued until we came upon an area that was simply flowing with water.
Exploring The Area |
We abandoned the idea of keeping our feet dry and scampered through the pools of water until we reached dry land again. Ahead of us was a series of gentle waterfalls slipping over the ever eroding rock creek bed. We made our way up to the top of the waterfalls and decided it would be a good spot to take a break and have some lunch before deciding what to do next. Sitting on the top, we could see back towards where we had come from. Even though we were on top we were still well below where the wind was blowing and it was quite pleasant to be in the sun with just a gentle wind
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Lunch With A View |
We spent some time exploring the area around the waterfall and then a short way up but we could see that the creek was getting narrower and we could no longer walk along the edge, so we decided to walk along the top, and follow the creek back to the truck. Once we found the truck, I dropped Bill off in Jasper and headed home.
A Last Look Back Before Heading Home
I love the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas. There is so much to do and to see. Whether it's the mighty Buffalo River or just a small creek wandering through the landscape, the beauty hits you square in the face. And it's free. I really enjoy being able to just take off and walk where I want. It's a rare thing nowadays. I sure hope you get a chance to visit our area and experience the natural scenery for yourself.