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Missouri's Hardest LB LbNA #17265

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Jul 15, 2005
Location:
City:Ironton
County:Iron
State:Missouri
Boxes:1
Planted by:Lnd-Crzr
Found by: ahistory
Last found:Nov 10, 2006
Status:F
Last edited:Jul 15, 2005
*** Update June, 2008 ***
The trail past Devil's Toll Gate has been officialy closed since Ameron's resivior broke. The trail up to (and well past this box) was unaffected by the flood, but it is technicaly closed. This fall I'll attampt to rescue this box and produce another MO's Hardest LB for the daring, or as we call him 'AHistory'.

I planted this LB for all those adventurous types who like an adventure. My intent was to make it Missouri’s toughest LB and I believe I succeeded. However you’ll be rewarded with some of Missouri’s most scenic wilderness in the St Francis Mountains. Along the way you’ll see Taum Sauk Mountain (Missouri’s highest point), Mina Sauk falls (Missouri’s highest waterfall), Devil’s Toll Gate (a truly unique granite rock features) as well as stunning vistas and some of Missouri’s best glades. Now for the rough part, the trail is rough, approximately 7 miles one way. The majority is very rocky with few level stretches. It’s also mostly up-hill or downhill. Only a short section in the valley is flat. The location is at a well used campsite, roughly half way to Johnson Shut Ins. So after a good hike, it provides a wonderful place to take a rest, or better, spend the night.

Unfortunately I chose to carve the stamp once I got there and in the end I regretted it as I wasn’t happy with the end result. However, I did leave a really nice reward for who ever claims first finder. Even though he stamp isn’t so great I guarantee great memories from this trip and a highly coveted stamp that FEW others will obtain.

This can be done in one day, but it will be a tough l o n g day. I highly recommend backpacking in and spending the night at the campsite where the LB is. For a fantastic trip, finish it out to Johnson Shut Ins and spend the night there. If you’re able to do two cars, leave one on each end then drive back. This is one of Missouri’s best trips in my opinion.

Before you set out, make sure you carry plenty of water as the creeks and springs tend to dry up during the summer. Also wear sturdy footwear (remember, rocky trail) and bug spray.

Begin at Taum Sauk Mountain’s parking lot near the highest point marker. Take the trail to Mina Sauk Falls, then down into the valley to Devil’s Toll Gate. Continue in the valley and cross the creek. Once you cross the creek, you’ll begin your ascent up the other side of the valley. You’ll make your way up zigzagging along the contours of the mountain. Eventually you’ll come across a well used campsite with fire ring. Just past this the trail makes a short sudden drop into and across a small runoff creek. Through my years of visiting here, this creek usually is green and lush and has a bit of water in it, so I’ve named it The Oasis Crossing. If you cross this by accident and the trail turns south you’ve gone too far. But don’t worry; I don’t think you’ll miss it. Between the campsite and the crossing you’ll find an old downed tree on the right of the trail. From this tree head into the woods 18 paces (that’s two steps) on a bearing of 48˚. Here you’ll find a downed tree with a hollow end facing away from the trail. Inside is your objective. As with any dark hole in MO, watch for critters.

If you’ve picked up a map (strongly suggested, you can get them free at the Taum Sauk parking area), this might help. Looking at the map you’ll see the Mina Sauk Falls Loop. Moving West the trail make two bumps north similar to an M, then has a few switch backs. The LB is located at the western most tip of the M (that is the first 'hump').

Don’t forget to look for the Taum Sauk and Mina Sauk Falls LBs along the way.

If you have any questions before setting out on your quest, please feel free to e-mail me.

As always, please be discrete in your LB activities and prudent in your re-hideation. Remember, only you can prevent Improper Re-Hideation.

Please contact me once you’ve found this LB to let me know of its condition. Thanks!

*Fourth Annual Mid-MO Spring LB Gathering is fast approaching on the first weekend in May. For more information contact me or take a peek at two articles on C2B2's blog.
http://midmoletterboxing.blogspot.com/