Hiking the Taum Sauk
The weekend camp out was a memorable one for most of our scouts and scouters. Because of the terrain and weather conditions, the troop hike became a lesson in overcoming adversity. Saturday, we made a 13 mile hike on the Taum Sauk section of the Ozark Trail. According to the Department of Natural Resources this is "one of the most scenic and rugged sections along the entire Ozark Trail".

Dunfee and Jeff Kesner at Mini Sauk Falls
This is the site where legend says a Piankashaw Indian maiden named Mina-Sauk leaped to her death when her tribe killed her Osage lover in a similar manner. Do you think she knew She-She-Be?

Devils Toll Gate
Where legend says lightening split the mountain top

Following patrol cooked breakfasts, the hike started pleasantly enough. Though the trail was rough and covered in rocks, we started with a downhill trek from Taum Sauk Mountain, the highest elevation in the state of Missouri. We continued downhill past Mina Sauk Falls and stopped for a break at the "Devil's Tollgate". We continued at a level jaunt along the Taum Sauk creek bed until we had reached 3 miles in the hike. We had dropped from an elevation of 1772 feet to 1000 feet.

At 2.5 miles, Mr. Goertz gave the option of a return to the campsite for a shortened 5 mile hike but everyone was gung-ho to continue; after all, it had been easy going to this point.

The elevation and temperature, however, began a steady climb from the 3 mile mark. For the next 7 mile there were continuous climbs and descents from 1000 to 1700 to 1000 foot elevations. Things became particularly brutal during this stretch where we were on the eastern and southern sides of Proffit Mountain. The trees looked like a scene from a Mad Max movie. They were numerous but dead and provided no shade from the mid-day sun. From noon to 7 pm the heat index hovered at 100 degrees and there was little-to-no breeze. The heavy rocks on the trail required constant attention to each step. There were frequent stumbles and scouts & scouters were becoming discouraged. Many were questioning their ability to complete the hike knowing they had not reached the half-way point, and they were rapidly consuming their water, their stamina and their will-power.

The heat and exertion took away most appetites by early afternoon. Some who ate, lost their lunches during the most grueling section of the trail. When scouts showed worsening signs of fatigue they were encouraged to nap in the shade & catch up on water needs before they were allowed to proceed with the leaders.

The line of hikers started to spread over a larger area during this stretch with an hour and a half between hikers by the end of the trek. Each small group of hikers was accompanied by adult leaders. The strength of 3-7-6 teamwork showed during this stretch. Scouts and scouters provided each other with encouragement and assistance. Those scouts who had failed to heed Mr. Goertz' advice related to the amount of water to bring, were given water by leaders, many of whom did without.

Jeff Hostin jumps into the pool while Buzz Taylor & Jeff Goertz soak in the pool to the lower right

Smaller scout's backpacks, some weighing far more than the recommended limit of 10-20% of body weight, were carried during long stretches by leaders. Leaders tried to be encouraging while they were hiding their own discomfort.

Just when many were reaching their limit, a few clouds appeared to shield the sun and the trail started a gentle descent to the Black River. At the end of the descent, scouts could refresh themselves by submersing body parts into the cool waters of the river. Mr. Goertz also loaded up on several gallons of ice cold water and hiked back up the trail to replenish water supplies of the last few groups of hikers to complete the trail. He was a site for parched eyes!

After several river crossings (and a few falls into the river) we reached trails end a little over eight hours after we had begun. Everyone loaded up on cool water from the park store and then headed for the Johnson Shut Ins for some REAL cooling off! It was another .25 mile hike but it was well worth it. Scouts and scouters were spread among the chutes, potholes and gorges of this natural rock formation. Scouts regained energy quickly in the waterfalls and scouters eased old, achy muscles by reclining in pools of cool water.

After a late evening meal of pork chops, mushrooms, fruit salad & French bread, we hit the sack early preparing for the early morning departure and the six hour drive back to Liberty.

George Adams looking like he just had the time of his life

Every person participating in this adventure learned some skills, some life lessons, and more importantly, learned a little about themselves and their ability to overcome obstacles. Each person was proud of each other and themselves. Each of us had someone, or many someones, to thank for their help during the hike. All of us were able to thank God for the beauty of our surroundings, for the clouds and streams coming at critical times, and for giving us the strength to prevail.

http://www.mostateparks.com/jshutins.htm

http://www.mostateparks.com/taumsauk.htm