Reply to Clifton City

I am currently in the middle of hiking the whole trail, west to east. For the most part, the trail has been great. I do think, however, that the state needs to get its act together on the water situation. I think that every trailhead should have water, period. I understand that some of them are in rural areas, but in 2006 and with all the rural water districts in the state, I think some solution could be found. Twenty five miles between reliable water stops (Sedalia to Pilot Grove)is simply unacceptable. This is a safety issue. And if you read the sign coming into Clifton City, you are led to belive that water or some sort of beverages are available. I was not the only person there on Monday to misunderstand this sign. What can we, as the trail-using community, do about this?

Otherwise, the trailhead at Clifton City was perfectly nice. It is nice and shady, etc.

OK. now it is time to get off my soapbox

I'm not an engineer but I don't think the lack of water is an engineering problem but rather a cost issue. In most (maybe all) cases the availability of water would be seasonable and would have to be shut off during the winter and then turned on and tested again each Spring. I guess all this costs money. That said, they did do a great job on the restrooms but he porta potties need to be looked after better. For now, I just pack more water.

Seems to be alot of things in this old world in year 2006 that are simply unacceptable. Running potable water at every base camp on a remote trail is miniscule. Like Joe, I also pack more water. Perhaps easier to do with a bike than walking. A method of water purification may be in order if I were hiking, as there seems to be plenty of water sources.

Oh, I agree that in the greater scheme of things, lack of potable water seems minor. I accept the fact that it would have to seasonal, and that there would be some cost associated with providing water at all the trail heads, but it just strikes me as something that can and should be provided.
If the Boonville bridge is sold, as seems likely, I wonder where all the proceeds will go? The General Fund, or will at least some of the money be rolled back into the trail. That seems the least that could be done.
The trail is such a great resource, I just think that that aspect could be improved on.

While I agree that you should be prepared and carry your own water, there are some pretty long stretches, especially for walkers--the Clifton City stretch is one, and also around Weldon Springs. I would at least like to see the trail maps mark whether or not there is water available at trailheads.

Having the maps that are available at the trailheads marked is a good idea. Perhaps you should contact the DNR and make that request. I rarely have one of those at home when planning a trip, so that they were marked would be of little benefit for me. When I pick one up at a trailhead, it would be a bit to late beings I was already there.



Using the Plan a Ride feature of this website tho, you can check the box next to the water icon to see which towns you will be passing through has water. Also, wasn't too long ago that this thread, "Water at trailheads Started: Aug 27 2006 12:54PM by margie, blue springs" had 8 posters relaying information about which towns currently have water at either the trailhead, or available from a neighborhood store or vendo.

Read with interest that you are hiking the entire trail. Would love to know particulars? Are you finished? How many days did it take?
Did you keep a journal. I plan on running the entire trail in Nov. Contact me direct if you wish dbiersmiht@imckc.com

Is it really true there is no water between North Jefferson and Marthasville?
I am running the trail in NOv. and can not carry that much water.

David, Even though there may be no water at the actual trailheads themselves, many of the small towns do have places to get water. Also, if you're running in November, check with the DNR to see when the water at the trailheads (the ones so equiped) will be shut off for the winter. If I remember correctly, it happens during November. Even if the water at the trailheads is off for the winter, just do your homework so you know in advance where to find water in all the little towns and you'll have a great run.

This comment is directed to the gentleman who is presently hiking the entire Trail. I plan on running it in Nov. and would sure aprreciate speaking to you about your journey. Could you call me @ 816.241.4477 or 816 694 7762. thanks David Biersmith

David, I just came off the trail this morning. I had to bail at McKittrick because of problems with my feet. I did 160+ miles and had about 60 left to go, so I am not going to hang my head too much.

I am fairly new to the whole long-distance hiking thing, and have definitely learned a few lessons on what to do next time. One thing I would suggest is having someone to provide support throughout the trail. I was carrying a 50+ pound backpack, which screwed up my gait, which caused the blisters to form and some strains on the ankles, which caused more gait changes, which caused more blisters.... you get the idea.

This is one of the reasons I was complaining about a lack of water at all the trailheads. I could have easily knocked 10 pounds off my backpack by carrying less water on some of those "dry" stretches.

I have been writing a blog about this walk, and I will be planning to add the address in the next day or so. Basically, I was planning on doing the whole trail in about 12 days. I am convinced that my basic plan was sound, I just need to do a little better logistics planning.

I will be back on the trail in the next couple of months to finish it off. I have not given up yet!

gc,
Just courious about your web access during your hike, did you carry your laptop? At the last minute I decided to take mine along on our end to end ride for web access and some light business. I have decided after this trip that the next time my computer gets to ride my bike the ride will need to be longer than a week. Even though I was on wheels that was 7 lbs I could have done without.

gc - Congratulations on your incredible accomplishment. 160 miles on foot is pretty amazing no matter how you slice it. I'm really looking forward to reading your blog.

David B - There is water between N Jefferson and Mokane. You probably got the impression that there was none by using the "Plan-a-Ride" feature on this website. To get a more accurate picture of water availability, also check the Groceries and Vending Machine checkboxes when doing a Plan-a-ride. The grocery will always have water of course. Vending machines sometimes have just soda, but along the trail quite a few of them also stock water and sport drinks. Even if the other only option is just soda, it can still do the job in a pinch, to help you avoid dehydration (and get a few carbohydrates while you're at it). You might also want to look at the restaurant options - most restaurants along the trail are pretty informal and would not mind selling you a to-go drink if you're not up for a meal.

The Water option on the Plan-a-Ride feature can be deceptive since it does not include the types of services listed above. Most facilities are only listed under the Water option if they have a public water fountain or other free and accesible source of water.

Bottom line is to go over all the listings, and make a few phone calls to verify who will be open.

I'm very interested in hearing more about gc's just-completed hike and David's upcoming run - keep us posted, guys!

Congrats on making it 160 miles on the trail! I use a 100 oz. Camelbak when I ride the trail. It also has some storage for food or clothing. There are some on sale right now, so it's a good time to pick one up.

gc.
Great job, 160 miles is a wonderful.
I plan on running/jogging about 25 miles a day. I have planned stops at the end of each day at b.and b.'s and friends in Sedalia and Jeff. City. I am not carrying anything. I know I need to stay hydrated the afternoon and evening before the next day run, and hope that is enought if I cannot find anything in the towns along the way. I bet the trail heads will be sut off by Nov. 18.
Tell me what is wrong with these ideas. Can I make 25 miles a day, etc.