Dominguez Mt. Loop, take deuce

[jr ranger]

Thinking back on all the times I have been to Big Bend, I can recall many horrible situations. Life threatening storms, flat tires, not enough water/food, not enough money, rain soaked gear, no place to stay, incredible fatigue and soreness, and most of all alot of rude, asswipes that I have hiked with or encountered.
But, when someone asks me about Big Bend, I light up like a Christmas tree. The land and the experience she has to offer more than makes up for any unwanted negative additons. Plus, the times I've shared with my loved ones and friends or just myself, were the best times.
I would suggest a solo for your next visit.   

[BigBendAg88]

Another vote for "Don't Give Up"!

I have also endured planning for trips with camping/backpacking partners who were less than committed.  Ones that would either find a ridiculous excuse to bail a week before the trip, or that would want to cut the trip  short and go home early (yikes).  My approach has been to plan for a Big Bend trip, and (possibly) include others, but not make it a deal breaker if they back out. 

I will continue to encourage others to come with me to see what Big Bend has to offer, but I will continue to prioritize my enjoyment (i.e. not undo my plan just because someone whines), and look forward to solo hikes.

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.    

I wholeheartedly concur with the above.  That being said, I think it is important to accept that not everyone will appreciate/respect these places in the same way or the same degree that we do (but that is ok).  For example, I enjoy hiking the South Rim and looking over the edge.  One of my (non-hiking) friends  might be satisfied to drive through the park and appreciate the Maxwell Scenic Drive and the Santa Elena Canyon overlook.  I think all people should be encouraged to experience Big Bend (and other NatParks/PublicLands) in whatever way helps them appreciate these places more.

[mule ears]

Drifter you will return again and again, maybe with friends and maybe not.  You will do it under your terms in the future though.

I have walked solo all my life because I could never find a pal that had the same needs.

It is damn hard to find hiking partners who's backcountry style is the same as yours and want to extend themselves in the same way.  The older I get it gets even harder, the crazy folks that used to go with me in my teens and 20's now have given it up or want to take it easier.  Now in my 50's I have had to find partners who are in there 20's, 30's and 40's who can keep up and have the want to see what is around the next bend.  My wife has laid down the law that solo is not an option, especially in a distant place like Big Bend.  When I bring someone out from North Carolina I make sure they understand what they are in for, including hiking with them back here first to see how we jive.  I have discovered that some people just don't get the desert experience or want Big Bend to be like the Grand Canyon or southern Utah (both great places that I have hiked in alot but very different).  I have also decided from poor group experiences that I will only go with one person at a time and we have had great experiences no matter what changes in plans come our way, much easier to come to a consensus decision with only two opinions  .  Keep trying Drifter!

[Drifter]

Thanks guys, be safe on the solo reach.

[Boojum1]

Now, THIS is a worthy thread.  I don't have anything earthshattering or even witty to add, but its certainly nice to know that 1) I'm not nuts for preferring to hike solo, 2) that this is a really nice place to drop in and visit(doesn't suck), and 3) there are some genuinely nice folks here that I'd like to meet someday. 

Now, just imagine....you're in that place, you've returned to your vehicle, unshouldered the pack, unlocked the door........and yes, there is still a couple of icy cold beers in the ice chest.  Here's to yall, those two (or more) beers and hoping that feeling comes to you sooner than later.  Salud.

[Boot Canyon 1 Cougar]

Drifter, quite powerful words.  It is a true gift to "get it."  Most do not.  You are blessed by your insight.


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.

Perhaps folks have to discover the important things for themselves?  If they are not searching, they are unlikely to find what you've found.

Dude, we need to get together for lunch!