We are in the Phoenix Backpacking MeetUp group and they posted a backpacking trip to Archers Fork in SE Ohio. We decided to give Ohio backpacking a try. I know this is crazy talk.
About the same time we thought it was time for us to reduce our pack weight. Leann bought a new pack that saved her 3 pounds. I made a lot of changes documented in this post:
STEVE PUTS HIS BACKPACK ON A DIET
She started the trail with a 21 pound pack, mine was 26. This was probably the lowest ever weight for both of us. and it felt great.
The group met here on Friday night. Arriving Friday saved an early Saturday morning drive and allowed us to get on the trail by 9:00
We had to cache water along the trail before we started the trip. The forest service recommends that you not drink water out of the creeks. This was a heavily mined area and there is still a potential for chemical contamination. So you have 3 choices: cache water, carry all of your water or take the chance and drink from the creeks. We chose option 1.
This is our route for the two day trip.
This is where we started the loop (lollipop).
The trail was well graded and most of the trail was free of those magic tripping rocks I seem to find. I was pleasantly surprised.
The “Arch” in Archers Fork
I asked Dan if he saw the face in the rock, do you?
There are many nice campsites along the trail.
This was a boots off creek crossing.
Eastern Box Turtle
Woodland Phlox
Great White Trillium
Dan saved me.
Mayapple
Garlic Mustard, Leann hates this stuff since it is an invasive species.
Our new tent: Durston XMid 2P. It’s a trekking pole tent so it packs small and light. It is a little finicky to set up, more practice is needed. We will use it on harder trips and the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 for easier trips. Maybe I should buy another tent? You can’t have too many tents!
This campsite was huge.
We agreed that this lichen looked like a bat colony.
Beaver pond
We had a great time, maybe we should do another trip in Ohio, any suggestions?
HAPPY BACKPACKING, STEVE