Andy I went to explore a little of the Pepperbox Wilderness for a few days. I met him at his house and he drove us to the Moshier Reservoir on the Beaver River downstream from Stillwater.
We were the only cars in the lot. As we signed the trail register we noticed a trail leaving the other side of the parking area. A short hop down the road and over the bridge to find our access point. We passed a few signs for the canoe carry around the reservoir dam. Initially we missed our turn-off but quickly realized our area and backtracked.
Once on our trail we saw the hydro plant across the river. We then crossed a small bridge and turned left under the powerlines. The trail soon led into the open woods. It was easy walking. A discreet junction and we crossed the outlet of a beaver swamp. We followed this path around and headed north. For the most part this path followed an un-named stream. We knew of a campsite used by hunters in the area so we poked around some of the clear areas trying to locate it.
Along the way a makeshift bridge crossed the stream. But we knew we had to stay on this side. Hiked through some marshy areas and eventually what looked to be a signpost on the ledge across from the latest marsh. Following the mushy path through we came to the campsite. This was obviously a well loved spot. Plenty of cut, split and stacked firewood.
We made camp and started a fire. Ate some lunch and decided what to do for the afternoon. We poked around the hills to the west. As we did old fuel cans and a stove were discovered. We headed in the direction of the old road which would cross the stream to what we believe was the site of the care-takers cabin for the fire-tower which has since been removed. We found the spot where the road crossed the stream and the now grown in clearing which housed the cabin. The water was a bit high for us to cross, so we saved the continuation of exploring farther for a future trip.
Back at camp we relaxed by the fire. The temps were only in the 40s and the air was damp with the off/on light drizzle. The fire helped a lot.
After dinner I knew I would not be up late. I did stay up later than expected only b/c I was not able to fall asleep quickly.
It was cold overnight. I needed to adjust my underquilt a few times to correct the cold spot created as it shifted during the night. When I finally emerged getting a warming fire was the first priority. I had neglected to set aside dry wood for the morning. Fortunately it rained very little over night (if at all). There was still a few coals in the firepit which I coaxed back to life with the addition of some dry spruce twigs.
Soon the fire was blazing and we both warmed our feet. I made some coffee and Andy had tea. The weather was to be drier today and with the full day ahead we had a relaxing morning.
The relaxing morning extended later than expected. Soon we were visited by one of the hunters who uses this site. We had a great conversation with him. He told us of the history of his camp and how they had moved it a few times over the years until the current location in the late 90s. Super nice guy. He welcomed us to enjoy the beer stashed away in the cold well behind the camp. He had hiked in today with a pack basket to remove some of his gear left behind the woodpile.
We asked about a trail cam, as we expected to see one. He said there wasn't but it was odd he arrived on the very day we were there. Perhaps just a coincidence?
The longer relaxing morning became the afternoon which continued into the evening. This was helped by us taking advantage of the hospitality of the hunter's stash.
We stayed up quite late. Must have been close to 11pm before we finally went to bed.
Much colder last night. Some ice in my water bottle. We expected low 30s, it was mid 20s when we awoke. Andy had a cold night and he grabbed the dry wood I stashed to re-light the fire. Said he had a miserable night. The temp had to be close to 20 at the low during the night.
The forecast was for rain tonight and continuing into tomorrow. Not wanting to walk out in the rain the next day, we would enjoy our walk today and head to his cabin for the night.
The hunter from yesterday had asked which trail we took on the way in. He informed us that the old roadway on the other side of the stream was all cleared. The bridge we saw the other day would lead us to it.
The day was beautiful and warming up quickly. It was already mid 30s by time we packed everything up. We planned on returning in the fall to contribute back to the cold well. Until then we added two unopened beverages to the well.
The hike out was very pleasant. The trail to the bridge passed by the best parts of the stream and then up and over a small rise to the old roadway. We left the trail to check out the Beaver River. We could hear and see some falls way upstream. There must be a campsite up there. We noted this for our return trip. Also planned on following the old road farther north. Back on the trail old paint blazes could be seen intermittently. The hike went quickly as we were soon upon the powerline and the short jog back to the car.
Since it was so nice out, and we had the time we hiked the trail behind the parking area along Sunday Creek to where it entered State Land. Kind of fascinating the trail was marked through the private land but ends at the state land boundary. I suppose the trail is to serve as an access.
We hit a small grocery with an awesome meat market to get foid supplies for our next few meals. We had backpacking food, but opted for burgers and steaks instead.
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