Half Way to Little Rock

I reached the official halfway point on my eastbound hike of the Ouachita Trail. To celebrate and resupply, I exited the trail at 121.7 to pick up my resupply box at the Bluebell Cafe & Country Store in Story, Arkansas and am spending the night in the little town of Mt. Ida, Arkansas. I’ll be back on trail tomorrow afternoon. I’ve got 100.8 miles remaining to Little Rock, Arkansas and I expect to arrive Monday, March 25th. 

The trail has been great! A nice mix of wind, clouds, rain, and sunshine has keep things interesting. There has been ample water thanks to the recent storms, and  I was fortunate to be indoors at a resupply stop when the big one hit. So far the dust and bugs have been minimal and I’ve only had to brush off the occasional tick. One night I woke up to the sound of some animal sniffing around my tent, but it ran off when I yelled and clopped. My legs are feeling good and the miles come easy. I’ve done multiple 20 mile days with one 25+ mile day. 

I’ve listened to many good podcasts while hiking and have been really encouraged by what I’ve heard. I’ve said it before, but I think everything sounds better when I’m hiking. I’ve listened to podcasts that I don’t think I would have the patience for if I was doing anything else. I’m not a good sitter unless I’m doing something else. I listened to a rapper talk and sing about the Gospel…and liked it. I heard an explanation of the Book of Common Prayer as a Technology of the Heart and have a new appreciation for what the liturgy wants to do in my heart. I listened to presentation on patience and realized how this virtue could bear fruit in my circumstances. I even listened to an interview on sex that made me rethink much of what I believe. And so much more! 

I started the trail with a few extra pounds and am starting to feel a bit lighter and have woken up hungry the past few mornings. I’m committed to eating better after this hike…we’ll see how that goes. I’ve been doing some upper body exercises at the gym the past few months to supplement the workout my legs get from hiking. Hopefully I don’t lose all that muscle on this hike. 

Cell service has been great on trail so I’ve been able to talk with Eva most days, keep up news from home, and get weather reports. Over the last few days there has been a huge dip in overnight temps; last night getting into the mid twenties. 

I’ve got a couple of DYI electronics project ideas for when I get home along with a project at my church that needs to get finished. I’m excited to be home for Easter, but there are still 100 miles that need to be walked. Stay tuned for one or two more posts on the Ouachita Trail. Little Rock here I come! 

Thanks for following along!

Butterfingers