Dominguez Mt. Loop, take deuce

[Drifter]

We will be on the ground on Friday am and plan to be back tuesday.  I have taken rope this time to get up the waterfall and Bob, my sometimes hiking partner is going so should make it with out problem.  Cathy the intrepid technical pal has assured me that she can figure out the procedure for posting photos so if I run into my new best friend (mr. no shoulders) again I can get a confirmation on his lineage.  If anyone wants to meet us  and go on this easy loop, let me know and I will change the zone permit.  Drifter.  Be safe on the solo reach.

[xseption]

Since I am not familiar with that loop, can you explain about the waterfall? How is it part of the trail?

thanks!

~ edd

[jeffblaylock]

edd, See this thread

Good luck Drifter, both with the hike and the photo-posting 

[xseption]

edd, See this thread

Good luck Drifter, both with the hike and the photo-posting 

Ash, yes! now it all comes back to me ... I think I will have to see it to understand the discussion

[Drifter]

Hey Edd, I have photos of the pouroff and when Cathy the intrepid technical boss teaches me how to post it will become clear. Sorry for now.  Weather looks perfect, low temp.s , foggy and possible rain.  Talk to you guys on my return.

[Robert]

Anyone notice Drifter hasn't posted since he left? Drifter, did you make it back?

[RichardM]

Anyone notice Drifter hasn't posted since he left? Drifter, did you make it back?

Looks like he just hasn't had a chance to put his trip report together yet...

Last Active:  January 02, 2008, 02:26:02 pm

[Drifter]

Yes I am back and more disappointed this year than I have ever been with my Big Bend experiences.  this is the last post I will make and will be removing my name from the list here.  I am tired as heck of planning a trip for months,getting excited, taking time from my office and family, making all the arrangements for my "pals" and then have them ruin the time because they are not as committed. I've got enough frustration in my life with the gas prices, ungrateful employees, shrinking retirement because of the market,  to subject myself to this type of letdown again.  I quit.

[badknees]

Yes I am back and more disappointed this year than I have ever been with my Big Bend experiences.  this is the last post I will make and will be removing my name from the list here.  I am tired as heck of planning a trip for months,getting excited, taking time from my office and family, making all the arrangements for my "pals" and then have them ruin the time because they are not as committed. I've got enough frustration in my life with the gas prices, ungrateful employees, shrinking retirement because of the market,  to subject myself to this type of letdown again.  I quit.

Bummer

[TheWildWestGuy]

Don't give up drifter!   I feel your pain!  People frequently say they will go but then back out at the last minute or wimp-out and just want to stay in the campground all day.   It's hard to find people that really want to hike/backpack/explore in the remote reaches of Big Bend but they do exist and when you find them you will have a lot in common with them.   You should plan to go solo so when your friends back-out of it the trip is still on as planned.   Alternatively you could leave your friends in camp and go out on your own for a more challenging solo hike.  I have actually met and made longstanding friendships with other solo hikers, turns out solo hikers generally have a lot in common... TWWG

[jeffblaylock]

Alternatively you could leave your friends in camp and go out on your own for a more challenging solo hike.

I have been the one who struck out solo for the day while pals did something else, and I have been one left in camp while others have gone out. This is the best of all things for hiking trips - you get the camaraderie when you most want it -- in camp after the sun goes down, meal times -- you get security since someone is waiting for you to come back, and you get your own pace when you want it most (when exploring). The group of people I'll backpack with is a lot smaller than the group I'll camp with, and the group I'll go on a grand adventure with is even smaller than that.

I agree it s u x to plan a huge trip, find a way to extricate yourself from your real life's every demand, and get on the road on time only to have several of those you planned it for lack the enthusiasm and appreciation required to plan a huge trip, find a way to extricate yourself from your real life's every demand, and get on the road on time. It also s u x to do this for a solo trip and have something else stop you -- weather, car breakdowns, work crisis, illness, family crisis, money crisis, injury, political upheaval, can't find my passport, jail, fear, doubt, canceled flights, wicked hangover, theft, house fire, accident, etc. -- from being able to enjoy the fruits of all that preparation.

All I can say (other than everything I just said) is:
1. Hang in there
2. Keep the faith
3. Choose companions very wisely, erring on the side of going solo
4. Plan a trip so the slackers can go off slacking and it won't bother you, and
5. Remember Big Bend is a healing place.

[Drifter]

I have looked at this blank page for an hour now not knowing what to say to you guys.  I don't even know you but you have given me more than the people I actually see and interact with, my "pals".  It is so hard to find people that "get it". The Bend is where there is direct communication with the original designer. Whatever you call him or her. It is so hard to explain to others that when you are in the back country the specter of what we call reality is at bay.  When life means getting to the next spring because if you don't , or if you can't get off ET, or if your solo andyou get a sprained ankle , then life is in jepordy and it is real.  Not a TV show , not a comfortable video game that says "your dead" and you get another beer from the frig.  The Bend is more than magic, it lets me know that I am alive and I , for that brief time, have control over my physical existence.  It is a mother that hugs me and threatens me at the same time. I love her. She speaks only the truth and makes me stronger.  I have walked solo all my life because I could never find a pal that had the same needs . I thought the last couple of years that I could share my experience with others , but I have chosen unwisely.  (Holy grail) Thank you for your words and thoughts. I hope I meet you sometime because it is clear to me that the tribe here are my spritual brothers and sisters.

[homerboy2u]

Finally...he has seen the light. Welcome brother, you are NOT alone in here. That is why, some of us are very passionate about this little nitch we call Big Bend Chat.

 Saludos

P.S- Now go and tear that member cancellation letter , you wrote.

[elhombre]

Amen Drifter.  The old saying rings true.  Do you live to work, or do you work to live.  The people that live to work have nicer things than you (us).  Bigger houses, bigger cars, new clothes, eat out alot, and important jobs.   Be an example for your lost "pals" and continue to invite them and show them pictures of your trips.  The only way to win them over to respect the world is to get them excited to experience it.  Bite your tongue and make them WANT to go because YOU make it so much fun. 

I believe the only way to protect our public lands is to get people out there and let them see that it truely is worth protecting.  Not rope it off and forbid people from using it (exactly what the government and the greenies would like to happen).  You are fighting the good fight. I , for one, am with you.  Now, someone please help me down off this box.
   

[tjavery]

...The Bend is where there is direct communication with the original designer. Whatever you call him or her...

Amen, brother.

...The Bend is more than magic, it lets me know that I am alive...

And again!

Glad to see you're sticking around.