Pilot Grove

Pilot Grove is a very nice trailhead. There's a small market across the street that came in handy for a nice cold drink. You can resupply on your water here and read some interesting historical background about this small town posted on the boards on the kiosk. I was going to camp in the city park except I arrived at 1:00. I hate hanging out for 8 hours so I decided to move on to Boonville.

Night of Day 4

I had permission to camp at the Pleasant Green Methodist Church for the night. I've never camped in a cemetery so this will be different. It was very quiet in this rural cemetery, woke up to thunder and lighting flashes but no rain. Stepped out of the tent and looked North where it looked like one heck of a storm. I heard thunder and saw lighting flashes in the clouds but too far away to see bolts. The local radio station said to take immediate cover. The first thing I did was whip out the cell phone to call Jill and let her know I had made it to the cemetery and call my point of contact (I didn't have the number on me)so someone knew I was there. No signal! I took shelter in my tent. There wasn't any rain or hail but the wind hit about 60 mph, per the radio. The wind really shook the tent but only lasted about 5 minutes. Tomorrow on to Pilot Grove.

Sedalia Day 4

Campground is great. Found a nice shaded area and even provided live entertainment for the entire campground. Winds out of the SW at 11-15 mph. There I am trying to pitch my lightweight hiking tent in a moderate wind. Finally took the tent between 2 buildings, erected it (rain fly and all) and carried it to my spot where I staked it down. Sedalia is a beautiful town, the old Rail Depot is definately a place you should go see. Went from Sedalia to mile marker 211. 18.9 miles. My overnight just pastClifton City is a night I'll remember.

Notes from day 2 - 6

FROM DOUG: Stayed in Sedalia on day 2 at hotel. My calves felt like jelly, couldn't walk the one block from the trailhead to Green Ridge Park where I'd planned to camp. Took a cab to Sedalia. Stayed in with both legs propped on ice bags. I really felt like calling the whole thing off. Went back to Green Ridge the next morning to pick up where I'd left off for day 3 (June 6). Walked to Sedalia Fairgrounds. Still needed ice but legs seemed okay. I got a great sunburn! The trail here is long and has a steady mile + incline.

Day 5 - June 8

Tonight Doug is settled in at the Katy Roundhouse Campground - mile 189.1. He has traveled 75.5 miles in his first 5 days - and is one day ahead of schedule. Tomorrow he will hang out at the Katy Roundhouse and I will meet up with him to restock some of his supplies, including another paperback. It's pretty quiet in the evenings and with no t.v. or computer - he's going to be getting in a lot of reading. I will be bringing home some pictures to post from his first few days on the trail.

Day 1 - June 4

Well, Doug hit the trail at 7:40 this morning at the Clinton trail head. The weather was perfect! 70s and sunny. He had 16.6 miles to hike to his first stop, Farrington Park (a little city park that allows overnight camping) in Windsor, MO.
From Doug: 1st part good but not a lot of shade; very sunny. Slow 6+ mile incline from Calhoun to Windsor. Really beat when I arrived; sore shoulders & calves. Next 2 days are 10 milers, good chance to recover.

Here we go!!!

Change of plans, leaving Monday. My wife will update the blog as I call them in, hope to see you in Machens on the 23rd.