Ok, it can still be hot this time of year and we've been off the trail for a while, so let's start off easy this fall. The hike will be a really BIG one. We'll meet at the N.L.R. end of the BIG Dam Bridge and we'll stroll along the River Trail to the BIG Rock Quarry, about 5 miles. All on paved trail and facilities and water are all along the route. Be at the Dam Parking lot at 8:30 and we'll move a couple of cars down to the other end, then head out by 9. Those who don't shuttle can warm up by hiking up the dam bridge. Bring friends who don't usually hike, they can see what fun we have as a group on our trips.

The entire Ozark Society will be meeting at Lake Catherine State Park, near Malvern, on Oct. 2nd and 3rd. I will find us about a 5 mile route on some of the park's trails for a hike that SUNDAY morning. If you did not stay overnight and want to join us, meet us at the meeting site (check website or newsletter for exact location) at 9 am. It's about an hour drive from L.R. to the Park. The hike will begin about 9:30 and will be on improved trails, so bring good walking shoes or boots. Come hike with members from other groups who don't normally walk with us.

I'll find us a section of this new, but quite popular trail on the south side of Lake Ouachita. The trail winds over a couple of ridges and valleys near the lakeand will be new for me. So why not join me and make it new to you as well? We'll meet on the west side of theWalmart in Bryant at 7:30 (exit 123) We'll be at the trail head by 9 and should have the shuttle in place and walking by 9:30 or so. Bring a lunch, snacks and water. Wear good shoes or boots as thetrail will be uneven and rocky.

The Hurricane Wilderness is too good not to stay more than one day! We'll hike in about 4 miles or so from the Ft. Douglas trail head of the Ozark Highlands Trail and set up a camp. We'll do day hikes later in the day to see some of the nearby wonders. We haven't done a back pack in while, so get your gear out and come explore a precious spot in Arkansas. Meet at the Morgan McDonald's off I-40 at 7 am on Sat. We'll car pool up to the trail head and try to be on the trail by 9:30. We should be in the camp area by lunch. Warning: Bill Steward day hike rules may apply, so bring a flashlight with your day pack! We should be back in L.R. by 6 pm on Sunday.

If you need more info or know you are coming along, drop me a line at steve_heye@aristotle.net or phone me at 501-455-2210.