Hello? Is there anybody in there? Just nod if you can hear us....

Sam and Katy are BACK to check in on our beloved trekkies (we hope you're still with us) and let you know that we're here, we're alive, we still exist.

Join us and our enthusiastic new co-host Luck Wilder (who couldn't quite figure out what to think of headphones and had much to contribute to the conversation) as we catch you up on what's been going on in our lives, and where we hope to go from here.

It has been far too long, friends, and believe us when we say we have missed you. We hope to get some more adventures scheduled in this fall so we can return to regale you with our backcountry capers once again! In the meantime, enjoy the last few weeks of summer, stay cool, stay safe, stay well, and breathe those terpenes baby!

Have you ever backpacked with babies or children? Please share your hot tips! Send your stories, suggestions, questions, corrections, physical ailment complaints, threats, or love letters to:

highwatertrekco@gmail.com

Join the crickets on our very quiet socials:

Facebook @highwatertrekco

Instagram @highwatertrekco

Theme song "Ozark Stomp" by the talented Peter J. Lehman. Find the full version of the song on his latest album, "I'm Done Hiding", by clicking HERE

Stay up to date with what he has going on by following him on his socials:

Facebook @peterjlehmanmusic

Instagram @peterjlehmanmusic

TikTok @peterjlehmanmusic

Threads @peterjlehmanmusic

We're here, it's November, and acorns are falling from the sky.

Join Katy and Sam as the talk about one of their favorite sections of the Ozark Trail: The Upper Current River Section.

We talk a bit about the history of this section, and the hard work that went into taking it from a seed of an idea to the rugged beauty of a route it is today. Big thank you to Kathie Brennan of the Ozark Trail Association for providing us these insights to share!

Walk with us mile by mile as we recall our own experience and give you a good idea of what to expect from this very isolated and wild stretch of trail. This section really showcases some of the best the Ozarks has to offer, from the vibrant, spring-fed Current river, to the exaggerated hills, plentiful streams, ridgetop views, and our favorite rock feature that curves into the hillside.

It has plenty to offer both day hikers and section hikers, and we hope you'll check it out! When you do, breathe some thanks for the dedicated collaboration between the many different agencies involved, and years worth of blood, sweat, and aching muscles put in by the volunteers.

As always, thank you, we love you, we're sorry, and you're welcome!

Check out the:

Ozark Trail Association

L-A-D Foundation

Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry

Plan your trip on the Upper Current River Section

Have you hiked this section? Tell us about it! Send your stories, suggestions, questions, love mail or troll notes to:

highwatertrekco@gmail.com

Join the crickets on our very quiet socials:

Facebook @highwatertrekco

Instagram @highwatertrekco

Theme song "Ozark Stomp" by the talented Peter J. Lehman. Find the full version of the song on his latest album, "I'm Done Hiding", by clicking HERE

Stay up to date with what he has going on by following him on his socials:

Facebook @peterjlehmanmusic

Instagram @peterjlehmanmusic

TikTok @peterjlehmanmusic

Hello Mountain Lizards! Welcome to another episode of Highwater Trek Co's podcast, where we live to gab about all things outdoors and backpacking. Join our hosts as they reminisce on their experiences participating in the Ozark's Mountain Challenge, a 17 mile, all-ascent trail event that takes place in Sam A. Baker State Park in the beautiful hills of Southern Missouri. Participants had twelve hours to summit Mudlick Mountain 9 times, totaling 7980 feet, the equivalent of climbing Mt. Olympus.

The inaugural occasion brought together folks from all different walks of life with the sole mission to challenge oneself and to bring their best, and they did not disappoint. Goals were smashed and expectations were surpassed across the literal branding board of participants. And that was perhaps our favorite part of the experience; the kinship shared as determined humans fought up Mudlick Mountain, pushing past preconceived notions, and inspiring themselves and one another.

Tune in as we recall the success of the organizers in planning and hosting this mountainous event. From a well stocked swag bag to a delicious after dinner party (the bread!), we were beyond taken care of at every turn of the trail! And yes, we earned the coveted green hats! Berg Echse for life!

We also discuss what our futures hold (WITH SOME VERY BIG NEWS) and consider how and when we will conquer Mudlick Mountain once again.

We would encourage everyone and anyone to take the challenge for yourself! Next year's Ozark's Mountain Challenge is scheduled for May 3rd, 2025. Registration is now open!

REGISTRATION FOR OZARK'S MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE 2025 HERE!

Check out the event's FB for tons of deets:

Ozark's Mountain Challenge Facebook Event

Epic video of 2024 event can be found here!

The event's amazing host and organizer:

Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce

Gorgeous event location :

Sam A. Baker State Park

Awesome sponsor and nearby lodging option:

Otahki Lake KOA

We love the sponsors! A great dining option:

Wally B's Seafood & Steakhouse

Are you feelin' lizard like? Let us know about it!

highwatertrekco@gmail.com

You can also find us on:

Instagram @highwatertrekco

Facebook @highwatertrekco

Theme song "Ozark Stomp" by the talented Peter J. Lehman. Find the full version of the song on his latest album, "I'm Done Hiding", by clicking HERE

Stay up to date with what he has going on by following him on his socials:

Facebook @peterjlehmanmusic

Instagram @peterjlehmanmusic

TikTok @peterjlehmanmusic

Thanks for listening!