We're here, it's November, and acorns are falling from the sky.

Join Katy and Sam as the talk about one of their favorite sections of the Ozark Trail: The Upper Current River Section.

We talk a bit about the history of this section, and the hard work that went into taking it from a seed of an idea to the rugged beauty of a route it is today. Big thank you to Kathie Brennan of the Ozark Trail Association for providing us these insights to share!

Walk with us mile by mile as we recall our own experience and give you a good idea of what to expect from this very isolated and wild stretch of trail. This section really showcases some of the best the Ozarks has to offer, from the vibrant, spring-fed Current river, to the exaggerated hills, plentiful streams, ridgetop views, and our favorite rock feature that curves into the hillside.

It has plenty to offer both day hikers and section hikers, and we hope you'll check it out! When you do, breathe some thanks for the dedicated collaboration between the many different agencies involved, and years worth of blood, sweat, and aching muscles put in by the volunteers.

As always, thank you, we love you, we're sorry, and you're welcome!

Check out the:

Ozark Trail Association

L-A-D Foundation

Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry

Plan your trip on the Upper Current River Section

Have you hiked this section? Tell us about it! Send your stories, suggestions, questions, love mail or troll notes to:

highwatertrekco@gmail.com

Join the crickets on our very quiet socials:

Facebook @highwatertrekco

Instagram @highwatertrekco

Theme song "Ozark Stomp" by the talented Peter J. Lehman. Find the full version of the song on his latest album, "I'm Done Hiding", by clicking HERE

Stay up to date with what he has going on by following him on his socials:

Facebook @peterjlehmanmusic

Instagram @peterjlehmanmusic

TikTok @peterjlehmanmusic

Hello Mountain Lizards! Welcome to another episode of Highwater Trek Co's podcast, where we live to gab about all things outdoors and backpacking. Join our hosts as they reminisce on their experiences participating in the Ozark's Mountain Challenge, a 17 mile, all-ascent trail event that takes place in Sam A. Baker State Park in the beautiful hills of Southern Missouri. Participants had twelve hours to summit Mudlick Mountain 9 times, totaling 7980 feet, the equivalent of climbing Mt. Olympus.

The inaugural occasion brought together folks from all different walks of life with the sole mission to challenge oneself and to bring their best, and they did not disappoint. Goals were smashed and expectations were surpassed across the literal branding board of participants. And that was perhaps our favorite part of the experience; the kinship shared as determined humans fought up Mudlick Mountain, pushing past preconceived notions, and inspiring themselves and one another.

Tune in as we recall the success of the organizers in planning and hosting this mountainous event. From a well stocked swag bag to a delicious after dinner party (the bread!), we were beyond taken care of at every turn of the trail! And yes, we earned the coveted green hats! Berg Echse for life!

We also discuss what our futures hold (WITH SOME VERY BIG NEWS) and consider how and when we will conquer Mudlick Mountain once again.

We would encourage everyone and anyone to take the challenge for yourself! Next year's Ozark's Mountain Challenge is scheduled for May 3rd, 2025. Registration is now open!

REGISTRATION FOR OZARK'S MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE 2025 HERE!

Check out the event's FB for tons of deets:

Ozark's Mountain Challenge Facebook Event

Epic video of 2024 event can be found here!

The event's amazing host and organizer:

Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce

Gorgeous event location :

Sam A. Baker State Park

Awesome sponsor and nearby lodging option:

Otahki Lake KOA

We love the sponsors! A great dining option:

Wally B's Seafood & Steakhouse

Are you feelin' lizard like? Let us know about it!

highwatertrekco@gmail.com

You can also find us on:

Instagram @highwatertrekco

Facebook @highwatertrekco

Theme song "Ozark Stomp" by the talented Peter J. Lehman. Find the full version of the song on his latest album, "I'm Done Hiding", by clicking HERE

Stay up to date with what he has going on by following him on his socials:

Facebook @peterjlehmanmusic

Instagram @peterjlehmanmusic

TikTok @peterjlehmanmusic

Thanks for listening!

Hello Trekkies, our old friends! We've come to talk at you again....

Grab your passports and pack your bags with all your TSA approved items, because we're off to the Camino de Santiago!

Join Sam, Katy, and longtime friend of the show, creaky farm table, who had a lot to creak about in today's episode. We tried to edit out some creaks, but farm table refuses to be silenced, and who are we to censor our four-legged friend?

We're back from our hiatus (we missed you!) to tackle the rundown of Katy's 2023 experience on the Camino with her mama trekkie, which included around 150 miles of the Camino Frances, and close to the same mileage on the Portuguese Way and the beautiful alternate route, the Variante Espiritual.

We'll talk travel hassles, food, lodging, bathrooms, budgets---all the logistical wonders of planning a two-month long pilgrimage. We'll touch on the history of the Camino (St. James, is that you?) how it's changing, what it means to be a pilgrim purist, and how many options are available to help you make this unique experience your own.

Oh, and...sheep.

She is a loooong episode, and she still couldn't encompass the full experience, so keep an eye out on our socials for extra pictures and stories.

Considering your own Camino? Please feel free to reach out with any questions. You can email us at highwatertrekco@gmail.com

We will also link some helpful resources below.

As always, thank you, we love you! We really did miss you on our break.

Remember, we WILL be back, but moving forward we will putting out episodes monthly, rather than biweekly.

Follow us on:

Facebook

Instagram

Check out these resources:

American Pilgrims on the Camino Website

American Pilgrims on the Camino Facebook Group

Guide Book (for the Frances)

Sample gear list

Sample budget

Theme song "Ozark Stomp" by the talented Peter J. Lehman. Find the full version of the song on his latest album, "I'm Done Hiding", by clicking HERE

Stay up to date with what he has going on by following him on his socials:

Facebook @peterjlehmanmusic

Instagram @peterjlehmanmusic

TikTok @peterjlehmanmusic

Theme song "Ozark Stomp" by the talented Peter J. Lehman. Follow him and keep up with what he has going on: