By Stewart Noland, OS Archive Chair
Jim Meinecke, a Fayetteville resident, is the fifth recipient of the Ozark Society’s Sassafras Hiking Award. Jim’s interest in hiking began in Yosemite National Park, where he was transported by his grandfather to hike with his father.
Jim’s favorite Sassafras Hiking Award trail is the Ozark Highland. It is the diversity of the OHT that attracts Jim, particularly the rivers including the Buffalo River, Hurricane Creek, and Richland Creek. The most challenging of the four trails was the Ouachita Trail mainly due to the snow, ice, and related cold weather conditions experienced during his hike.
Jim’s most dangerous hiking experience occurred in Yosemite. While cowboy camping, a bear came into camp and ate all of their food while Jim and a friend remained in their sleeping bags a few feet away. Jim’s favorite Trail Angel stories are food and transportation related. On one hike a friend delivered much appreciated brownies on several occasions. An uncommon hiking item that Jim carries is a bird app and monocular to identify and view the birds. Upcoming hiking plans include the Eagle Rock Loop and perhaps a loop in Yellowstone National Park. He enjoys hiking because it is physical, it provides a sense of accomplishment, and it reorients you. Being outdoors and near water while hiking rewards Jim with everyday revelations.
Jim’s college years began as an athlete in wrestling at Texas A&M, and then in shot put and javelin track and field events at the U of A, where he enrolled in the fall of 1974.
Congratulations Jim, and welcome to the Sassafras Hiking Award tribe.