This was definitely one of our harder days on trail. The trail went uphill the entire day, the last few miles of which were particularly steep with blowdowns (fallen trees) mixed in from time to time.
We started with a little more of going in and out of mission creek followed by a relatively easy climb before stopping for lunch. The real fun was after lunch when the grade increased and heavy legs started to set in. Despite the difficulty, the scenery helped relax us as we passed in and out of pine stands throughout the afternoon.
The last stretch of the day went through a burn area with a few less than desirable camp options and more blowdowns to navigate around. The blowdowns make it harder for everyone, but especially Bat Boy, since trees I can step over are trees he has to climb over. We eventually made it to a nice campsite just on the edge of the burn area, calling it quits on what was a long 10 mile day.
Emge Adventures 
What a trip you are all on! We walked 4 miles at the Meramec River and the last 1mile uphill was rough. Thought that you would laugh at us because that would just be a stroll in the park for you! Ticks are out here in Mo. Are you getting any ticks or other bug bites? Keep enjoying your freedom from the world at large!!!
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We haven’t seen any ticks yet, but others have. Bugs haven’t been bad yet either but will be once we get to the Sierra and beyond.
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That is a very cool reptile photo. Is that the main wildlife you are seeing so far?
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Yeah, lizards are the vast majority of what we’ve seen. There have been a few snakes, a coyote, and of course birds.
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Will mail a box out this week. Should we note “thru hikers” on the box? Had to note that for our friends hiking the APT. Any migratory birds, vultures or butterflies noted? How deep was the snow you hiked in?
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You should put “Hold for Hiker” on the box and put our last name in big letters somewhere on it. We’ve seen a good number of vultures but no butterflies. The snow was just a couple of small patches no more than a foot or two deep. We’ll have a several mile stretch of consistent snow in about a week.
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Glad you’re making it through the tough days- hoping for easier days coming up!
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