Mina Sauk Falls

A quick visit to the Mina Sauk  Falls and to the highest point in Missouri.  The 14 mile loop is not a difficult hike unless you run out of water and have a couple of casualties (Dogs).  The dogs are fine a little beat up with torn pads but they will survive.  They are currently recovering with 24 hour pampering. Water along the trail currently is pretty scarce, if you do go ensure everyone in your party has the capacity to carry more than 64oz of water, 150oz is good 200oz is better.  Taking a pet, dog boots are a must, Ruff Wear makes sweet Bark'n Boots (search the web for the best deal).

My packed weighed 42lbs which is heavy for a 1 night out and back trip, but I'm big so I don't mind carrying the extra weight, I want to be comfortable.  I wouldn't normally carry 4 knives either or all that 550 cord.

Pictures from the hike coming soon

Gear Taken:

Deuter Air Contact 65 +10

Kelty Gunnison 2.1 with ground cloth(tent is not a must but it is good to test it out) Left the rain fly at home added Marmot Universal Gear Loft
Blast Match (This broke while in use, the steel piece fell out.  A regular flint and steel is better and less expensive )
Tarp with 6 bungee cords make shift shade
Rain Jacket (just in case)
2 pair socks
1 pair pants
1 shirt

Black Diamond Gizmo Headlamp

Therma Rest SOLite Pad

Sleeping Bag 15 degree (could have just taken an US Army poncho liner)
550 Cord for building stuff and tying knots
First Aid Kit
Camp Pillow


Kitchen/Food
Stove; MSR Pocket Rocket w/canister of fuel

Pot: Snow Peak Trek 700

MSR Spork
Mountain House Beef Stew
5 Paleo Kits

Water
Filter:  MSR MiniWorks EX (The filter is awesome, it screws right onto a nalgene bottle)
4L Dromedary Bag (used while at base camp)
100oz Camelbak Bladder
1 32oz Nalgene Bottle

Knives
RTAK-II
Junglas
K-BAR Bowie
ESEE 3
WD-40
Leather Gloves

Bug Spray
Mosquito Net (best $1.96 I ever spent)
DEET 100 ( the more DEET the better to keep off ticks, only found 3 which is a win in my book)