After completing the Hawksbill Crag hike (refer to my earlier blog) I decided to drive towards the Center Point trailhead, my hiking destination for the next day. I realized that I cannot use my mobile phone for navigation as there was no signal. I tried to find the trail head in the truck's navigation but did not succeed. Fortunately, I had ordered a detailed map of the location: Buffalo National River Forest by National Geographic. I slowly moved forward in pitch darkness up the winding road (Hwy. 43 north out of Ponca). It was difficult to refer to the map and drive at the same time. After a few miles, I decided to return to Ponca as I could not find the trail head. I studied the map carefully, specifically the turns indicated, and pinpointed the probable trail location. I went back and finally succeeded in finding the trail head parking area. There were three other vehicles without any people. They must be camping in the forest. I decided to sleep on the back bench seat of the truck and slowly slipped into deep sleep.
The next day I woke up around 7 am and there were about five people getting ready for the hike. I got ready and started the hike around 8 am. It was a chilly beautiful morning. The total distance, one way, is about 3 miles. It is all the way downhill from the trail head. The trail was wide and there was no confusion to follow.
I enjoyed the downhill journey, although some parts of the trail were very rocky. After about an hour I saw the direction towards the goat trail stuck on a tree. I could not wait to see the buffalo river from the big bluff.
I maneuvered my way through the very narrow trail by the side of the bluff and finally reached the amazingly beautiful overlook. As the sun rose, the fogs cleared and the mighty Buffalo river became visible. There were about 5 hikers including myself. I sat there for more than an hour listening to nature's music and enjoying the breathtaking view from there. This is one of the most stunning views in the Buffalo wilderness, and a place hikers continue to flock to.
Finally I started hiking back to the trail head. I came up the goat trail and entered into the main trail towards the Center Point trail head. Suddenly I noticed a black animal making some sound about 40 to 50 feet away. Soon I looked into the eyes of a black bear. Both of us did not know what to do. I had nothing for self-defence! My instincts told me that it should be fine as the encounter is not with a mother bear with cubs. I tried to pull out my phone but he suddenly disappeared into the forest.
The trail started getting crowded with hikers and horse back riders. I hiked at a slower pace as it was uphill all the way. I reached the trail head around noon and soon headed back to Houston about 10 hours away. While driving down the famous scenic route, I remembered my days in beautiful Korea. In Arkansas I could find a small resemblance........
Thank you Bindu Chechi
Interesting read!