A Fall Hike To Whitaker Point
I had the good fortune to be off this entire past week, when the weather was a perfect 82 and sunny each day! I contacted Adventure Bill Amburn and Alf Carter (affectionately known as The Rock Man) to see if they wanted to try a very early hike to Whitaker Point. They both said yes, and so we met at the Boxley Church and headed up Cave Mountain Road to the access parking area for this fine hike.
We started hiking very early, and there was not another soul around. It was an uneventful hike to the point, but once we got there, we were quite suprised. The entire hollow was filled with morning mist. I had not seen this much mist (known as the dragon's breath) in a valley before, mostly because we normally did not hike so early. It was very magical. |
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We spent several hours on this point, waiting to see how long it would take for the mist to completely disappear, so we could get some good pictures. Adventure Bill went to explore another rock formation, while Alf and I sat and exchanged stories.
Alf mentioned that he thought there was a trail that led down to the valley floor below, and he took off to see if he could find it. Adventure Bill and I ate some snacks and explored the different rock formations while we awaited Alf's return. After a while, we could hear noises below us, so we called out to see if Alf was down there, but there was no answer.
While we waited, a flock of doves decided to take a rest with us on the point. I was somewhat suprised that they would come so close to us. We became very quiet and just watched. It was kind of cute, since they were doing the preening routine, and gently touching each other with what looked like tender kisses. It was pretty cool.
Alf returned and reported that indeed there was a trail down there. We asked if he heard us yelling, and he said no. He asked if we heard him hollering, we said no. We decided to leave that trail for another day and began to pack our gear. As we were getting ready to head back, the sun finally made a serious attempt at breaking through the mist. We could tell it was going to be another fine day in the Ozarks.
If you like to experience the outdoors, I encourage you to visit the Buffalo National River. During the fall months you will find plenty of places to hike, birdwatch, fish. rock climb or just sit on the banks and listen to the river whisper in your ear.
Alf mentioned that he thought there was a trail that led down to the valley floor below, and he took off to see if he could find it. Adventure Bill and I ate some snacks and explored the different rock formations while we awaited Alf's return. After a while, we could hear noises below us, so we called out to see if Alf was down there, but there was no answer.
While we waited, a flock of doves decided to take a rest with us on the point. I was somewhat suprised that they would come so close to us. We became very quiet and just watched. It was kind of cute, since they were doing the preening routine, and gently touching each other with what looked like tender kisses. It was pretty cool.
Alf returned and reported that indeed there was a trail down there. We asked if he heard us yelling, and he said no. He asked if we heard him hollering, we said no. We decided to leave that trail for another day and began to pack our gear. As we were getting ready to head back, the sun finally made a serious attempt at breaking through the mist. We could tell it was going to be another fine day in the Ozarks.
If you like to experience the outdoors, I encourage you to visit the Buffalo National River. During the fall months you will find plenty of places to hike, birdwatch, fish. rock climb or just sit on the banks and listen to the river whisper in your ear.