Big Bend National Park Trip after Christ mas

“the week after christmas, or the week after new years, id like to do a trip in big bend. not looking for big miles, just exploring”

“I wish I could. If you go, take in an area bigger than the NP. Alpine, Marfa and Ft Davis are all good spots to visit.

The McDonald Observatory is a great experience. Dress warm, it is pretty darn cold there in December.”

“wow, I just might be able to make it to this one - that's one place I've been wanting to go. I'll get back to you in a month or so, but this sounds great”

“Consider Big Bend Ranch State Park as a backup plan. Christmas is the busy season. It's magical - I never regretted the drive. I backpacked the Rancherias Loop in the state park the last 4 Christmasses I was in Texas.

Check out my BB photo album:
http://www.thebackpacker.com/pictures/album/qeigvtag.php

and talk to the experts:
http://www.bigbendchat.com/”

“what about the week after new years? does it drop off much?”

“okay, let me know when you get an official date and I'll do absolutely everything in my power to fly out thattaway and go - that's some nice scenery”

“also, can I bring a friend?”

“does she have a sister?”

“well, it's a he... and he does have a sister but... no... she wouldn't be coming with”

“the more the hairier”

“BIBE (the national park) would most definitely be less crowded the first week of Jan. But you can probably go where you want to go the week before if you are backpacking. May need to be flexible with camp sites. Know the map really well before you get to the ranger station to pick spots.

The Chisos Mtns. in the national park are great. You see a lot without hiking very far and the view off the south rim is amazing. You'll hear a lot about the outer mountain loop, but I always liked to stay in the mountains. I always carried all the water I needed, but there are some pools if you get desparate. There are very few reliable sources of water in BIBE.

I went to the Rancherias Loop in the state park the last week of the year to avoid the crowd and camp by reliable springs. The first 3 years I saw not one person, but the last time I went (Christmas 2007) there were several groups back there.”

“What is the status of this trip.. Depending on the dates I may be interested in this.. what better way to spend the holidays then putzing around the Alamo State with CB?

'32oz”

“Ewe bahs ain't frum ray und he ear, rrrr ye?”

“What? There are sheep in Big Bend NP?

'32oz”

““Ewe bahs ain't frum ray und he ear, rrrr ye?”
you boys ain't from 'round here are you”

“'32 was hoping for sheep.”

“Nimble play nice... I have never mentioned that peculiar fetish of yours...

'32oz”

“I would sure like to make this trip.

The Big Bend is calling me...

#11 on this page is my all time favorite place that I have backpacked to.

http://www.virtualbigbend.com/”

“I'm afraid it's looking like I may have to take a pass on this. I have a 3-week float trip coming together for next spring, and since I get only 4 weeks of vacation, that'd just about tap me out before the year's halfway over.”

“I will probably have the vacation time. NGB doesn't.

In any event, it is either BB in December or hopefully the Tetons next summer.

I am holding out for the Tetons. However, the way it usually goes for me, neither will happen.
last edited: 9/16/09 2:59:05 PM”

“Actually, I think we close up around Christmas. But I can't do after Christmas this year due to other plans.”

“I don't see no dates yet!!
I think this might be doable fer sure!!
See ya later.
Randall”

“kind of doubt im going, now. need to work as much as i can during break”