Mancation in the Ozarks. Yes, I used the word “Mancation.”

Seeing as to how 80% of Texas was on fire at the time of Mancation planning and the remaining 20% boring metropolises, the next best thing, at least in my book, given numerous variables – distance, weather, stupid gas pricesand fires, was the Ozark and Ouachita National Forests in Arkansas.

Packed the highschool friend, the tent, a wide variety of cutting tools ranging from SOG, CRKT and Benchmade to Gerber and Victorinox, water proof matches, an assortment of surefire and phoenix flashlights and the 5D mk ii into Kate and her 5.7L V8 and off I went.

Multiple near death experiences, a little off roading, an annoying raccoon, near snake bite and a case of corona later, here is proof that Arkansas has a lot to offer.

Apologies for the lack of photos. Had Johnny Molloy, author of “Explorer’s Guide 50 Hikes in the Ozarks: Walks, Hikes, and Backpacks in the Mountains, Wildernesses, and Geological Wonders of Arkansas and Missouri,” been less of an @$$Clown, I would have spent more time taking photos rather than following his useless book that is inaccurate regarding trail distances, trail landmarks, trail terrain and things to do on the trail. 

Shores Lake, Ozark National Forest.

Shores Lake, Ozark National Forest.

Shores Lake Trail, Ozark National Forest.