What is likely to be my last backpacking trip around here until autumn was a one-nighter on the Smith Creek Loop southeast of Columbia MO this weekend.  I and two others started at the Boydsville trail head and hiked around the south side to the bluff above Cedar Creek to set up camp.  A high temperature of 87 ensured we never felt very comfortable.  🙂  We encountered lots and lots of ticks.  I was well protected by permethrin but the others were in continual battle.  The overnight low was 73 so I didn’t even need a sleeping bag.  Shortly after beginning the hike out Sunday morning, it rained for a couple minutes and made conditions very muggy.  Basically, it was exactly what one expects this time of year!