I See Dead Armadillos!

In an effort to get away from it all and enjoy a little outdoor activity, I decided it was in my best interest to go for a hike yesterday. I wanted to do something a little different, as I had already hiked portions of the Devils Backbone Wilderness trail system, which is about 20 miles from my house. I scanned and searched the internet but could only find descriptions of trails in the area, no maps or directions to trailheads. After failed attempts at finding something new I geared up for another trek into Devils Backbone.

There were two trails that I had previously taken - the first was the McGarr Ridge trail which resulted in my legs becoming a new ecosystem for area ticks...lesson learned, never wear shorts in the woods in summertime. The second trail was the Mary Hollow which I did not get to complete due to a late afternoon start last the fall...lesson learned, never start a hike when the sunset is due to go below tree level before 4:30 pm. Given the previous excursions I made sure I was prepped and ready for this outing - extra layer of pants, an undershirt with long sleeve shirt with hoodie and flannel, thick socks and water resistant hiking shoes. I filled my Camelbak day pack with almonds and craisins, as well as a full 100 oz bladder of water. A hat and gloves, along with grandpa's old watch completed the outfit - I was ready to take on the freakin' Yukon.

I decided when I parked my car at 1:10 pm that I would go ahead and complete the Mary Hollow trail and make my way to the Devils Backbone trail. I figured on an hour and a half to get to the end of that trail - about a 4 mile hike - and I would turn around and head back to the car. This first part of the trail takes you down into an old creek bed that has cut a valley between limestone hills that may crest about 50-60 feet above the bed. This trail follows the remnants of that stream, but I could tell that it may still be active during rain and snow melts, as mud, leaves and grass showed the signs of a rushing flood just days early. It was so still, with the exception of a large wind gust. In keeping my eyes on the trail (to avoid ankle spraining missteps and horse crap) I could not see the effects of the wind on the trees. Stopping to look up revealed quite a bit of activity at the tree tops, as the oaks, hickory, and pine trees of the area swayed leafless in the wind. Quite a sight. On this trail I encountered the only sign of life other than ants and butterflies - an armadillo was rooting through leaves and twigs looking for a snack. They are pretty funny looking to see while alive - their waddle compensating for the tank armor that covers their body. They are surprisingly quick for their awkward build. Sadly, I would see two of his dead brethren during the course of my day, dumped upside down revealing their vulnerable underbelly. A tasty meal perhaps for a coyote or hungry Ozark woodsman.

I reached the end of the Devils Backbone trail after having enjoyed the elevated sites from the limestone ridge that granted views on either side. It was quite chilly there as the wind was not hindered by the tree cover of the hollow below. At this point it was around 2:55 pm and I needed to decide if I wanted to head back the way I came or trust my map reading skills and follow the Collins Ridge trail back to the McGarr Ridge trail I had previously hiked. Not wanting to bore myself I started heading northwest towards the Crooked trail which I would have to bypass, after which a short jaunt would take me down to the North Fork River where I would meet up with the McGarr trail. The sun was in a good spot and I estimated I had at least 2 hours of good light to make it out of the woods. My goal was to be at my car by 4:30 pm to be able to make it to Mass at 5:00 pm.

As the topographical map indicated, I would have an abrupt downhill on my way to the river, and I would need to keep left at the next fork in the trail. I did precisely that, only to find that I was aiming south instead of continuing northwest. I had found my way onto an unmarked trail that took me out of the wilderness boundary and I was on private land alongside the North Fork. I backtracked and found myself back on the trail going in what I thought was the right direction. I turned right onto what I thought was the McGarr Ridge, only it wasn't taking me up as the map indicated. I was still in a hollow and I guessed I was on the Crooked trail instead. So again I backtracked to find a familiar path laying ahead. Following this path I entered a campground right next to the North Fork - familiar to me because this was my turn around point my last trip down the McGarr Ridge. I ate a few almonds and craisins as I watched the shallow river cut through it's path alongside the limestone rock wall it carved over thousands of years. I made my way back through the camp and out onto what I thought was my way out - nope, lead me straight into the woods and past dead armadillo number 1. I backed out once again and decided it was best to follow the same path I came in on, but make sure I stayed to the left. This proved promising as I continued to climb further up the ridge and I could see the hollow below which harbored the Crooked trail.

Feeling a bit more confident in my corrected path I contemplated what I had just gone through. Thoughts of being stranded out in the wilderness did not really make me nervous as I felt I had somewhat prepared for the unusual - I had water, food, and extra layers. I also trusted my sense of direction after finding my path - I just followed the rise and fall of the trail elevation with the map and the direction of the sun relative to the time of day. Moving northeast I had to have the sun on my back in the southwest. I felt compelled to draw a comparison to my day with life. Life involves preparation, the right tools, direction, making certain decisions, and faith. I was prepared for anything...I had my map to follow...I decided my path and destination...but when adversity made me uncertain of my decision and path, I relied on faith to keep me level headed and strong to overcome the obstacles in my way...people will make mistakes but by holding on to faith through prayer and action you can make it out of the woods to try again another day. Not groundbreaking or profound, but still relevant to me at least on this day.

It was quite a day. After an hour of hiking from the river (and passing dead armadillo number 2) and a total of 9 miles on the trails I did finally make it back to my car at 4:35, in time to make it to Mass at 5:00.