100 Photos from a 200 Mile Thru-Hike in the Ozarks

Butterfly on my hand with wing shadow on OHT

False Foxglove flower on green vine on OHT

False Foxglove flower on OHT down shot into vase

The morning sun spotlights my trail mascot and camp flag, Spalding the friendly face-hugger, at Herrod’s Creek along the Ozark Highlands Trail (OHT).

john ozmore and face hugger on log under bluff

Ozmore and Spalding by bluff dotted with lichen on OHT

bright orange shroom through dead leaves on OHT

More than a mouthful spider with butterfly

Indian Pipe overhead view with wings by John Ozmore

Trying to catch Spalding in action on OHT

John Ozmore dance below dry falls on OHT

Mushroom balls puff like marshmallows on OHT

Creek reflection across gray stone and red leaves on OHT

Leaf below small falls under glimmer of sunshine

Decayed stump with mold and lichen on OHT

John Ozmore getting water at swimming hole on OHT

Pretty mushroom grid with crimson cap on OHT

Spalding testing the waters at Hurricane Creek on OHT

Spalding on waterfall at Hurricane Creek on OHT

Blue butterfly balanced on fallen leaf on OHT

Bright fall leaves with tall pine trees on OHT

blue swimming hole at Cedar Creek on OHT

High face hugger five by hobo falls on OHT

“Hear the sound of Wind and Water.” Neither makes a sound until contact with an object. Taken from “Secret Tactics” collected by Kazumi Tabata

Boulders of moss and golden leaves on OHT

Fall backdrop of yellow leaves with cascading boulders on OHT

fall yellow over hanging bluff and dead leaves on OHT

Purple flowers over Richland Creek on OHT

Stone steps of fallen leaves and moss wall

Tom Shanks and Spalding Road Raging on OHT

Check out johnozmore.com for artwork, sculptures, writing, and photography from the author or to purchase the Dark Fantasy novel, “The Blood of Winter” from Amazon, available in paperback and Kindle versions.

E-book versions of the Dark Fantasy, “The Blood of Winter” are also available for Apple, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Scrib’d, Angus & Robertson, and other major retailers.

If you want to find out more information about the OHT you can check out the Ozark Highlands Trail Association website at ozarkhighlandstrail.com. They have some basic information and tips as well as any changes in the trail such as reroutes from landslides and other information that may change the trail experience. You can also check out ultralightbackpacker.com for some really great tips, advice, and recipes for any thru-hike whether you decide to go ultra-light or want to loaf it and take your time. Check back for more stories and photos from the trail.