Callin Y'all Out

[dkerr24]

An easy way to setup a trip report with pics is to use google pages.  All you need is a free google e-mail account to begin with.  They give you up to 100mb of storage space for your pics, too.

It's as easy as typing in any word processor program, and just click a button to add a picture at any point in the text.

I do all my trip reports there, then post a link for folks to take a look at.  Here's an example:

http://hddman.googlepages.com/2008bigbendnat%27lpark

[westtex]

I don't bring a camera when I hike anymore.  So this will be a brief, no picture spring break trip report.
I partially tore my rotator cuff a month ago so I have been taking it easy, going with a super light pack and I haven't hiked or packed in the parks since my injury.

Started out Friday 3/14 went to BBRSP and camped at Yedra 2, hiked to the rockshelter and up and down the creek.  Neat stuff, the road was marked 4-wheel drive only, but I did not have any difficulties with 2 wheel drive ford truck.
3/15 I hiked to the top of the small peak to the NW of Yedra 2 and then hiked Cinco Tinajas.
3/16 I hiked Ojito Adentro on the way out of the park and back to Alpine.

3/19 went back south and canoed Colorado Canyon with the dog Ramona.  I took out  at Madera Campsite, the water was low but it was an easy pace.  The river section of the trip took 4-5 hours, hitch hiking back to my truck with Ramona took 4 more hours.  I finally received a ride when I was within sight of the put in camping area.

3/20 I circumnavigated Chilicotal Mountain starting at 2pm leaving from Glenn Springs campsite with a group of friends going counter-clockwise around the mountain.  There are numerous small canyons on the eastern side of Chilicotal Mountain that offer nice opportunities for exploration.  The group got back to the road near Rice Tank in time to watch the moon rise and wait for it to get dark, then we proceeded back to Glenn Springs via the road in the full moon light (technically one day before the full moon, but it was close). 
3/21 I hiked Maple Canyon to the top of the Pulliam Ridge, then down what I believe is called "Campground Canyon" (the main canyon used to access Pulliam/Vernon Bailey).  I did this a lot faster then I accounted for and I had to wait a few hours at the Basin store/visitors center for my ride to pick me up and take me back to my truck parked at the Maple Canyon parking spot.  Lots of bouldering and bear scat, great views.
3/22 Hiked Emory Peak and the South Rim with GF and her parents.  Visibility was good but bugs have returned to the High Chisos.  I hate bugs, especially annoying ones.  There were so many knats on Emory Peak that I was on the peak for maybe 2 minutes before I descended. 
3/23 Our group went to Ernest Tinaja and then to Hot Springs, ended spring break with foggy rainy weather.

That is probably the most complete trip report I will ever write. 

[mule ears]

So....is spring break over? Is it just me or are there a bunch of other people who went to BIBE and we haven't heard from?
Work, wives, WHATEVER! Get those fingers movin people!!!!!!

Yeah what she said, I know there are lots of trip reports to come.   

[masterfrodo]

I was in Big Bend for several days over spring break.  I was disappointed to find so few wildflowers; bummer, huh?  But it was the cacti that really caught our attention.  I've never seen them so shrivelled and unhealthy-looking.  The people at Terlingua Ranch Lodge told me that it's just a function of dryness.  Wowee! 

We plan to be out there again this upcoming weekend.  Wouldn't it be nice if at least some of the cacti were in bloom?  Anybody know what's going on?

[STARLITDARKNESS3]

Most of the time I have had more luck with blooms in April. Even in dry years, mid April seems to deliver more blooms.  I found several blooms this pas week while at the park, but nothing like I have seen in other years. 

[jamesb]

here is our trip report

http://www.bigbendchat.com/portal/forum/your-trip-reports/trip-report-james-and-edd-go-to-bibe-t5657.0.html

James

[tjavery]

Well, I thought I'd have a new report to contribute this spring, but it was not to be. So here's my anti-report: we didn't make it  We had a trip planned for April 4-7, but leaky roofs, stomach viruses (complete with explosive diarrhea), and a general case of too-much-damn-crap-goin'-on combined to defeat my attempts at BiBe. I'm bummed, but I'm sure it happens to everyone from time to time. I just have to be patient and wait for the next opportunity. We did get to go camping for a couple of nights reasonably close (2 hr. drive), so I can't complain... too much 

[lighter fluid]

Tjavery,
Nice pics. It looks like it was a nice campsite and a great time with the family!
It's hard to top that. 

[homerboy2u]

Well, I thought I'd have a new report to contribute this spring, but it was not to be. So here's my anti-report: we didn't make it  We had a trip planned for April 4-7, but leaky roofs, stomach viruses (complete with explosive diarrhea), and a general case of too-much-damn-crap-goin'-on combined to defeat my attempts at BiBe. I'm bummed, but I'm sure it happens to everyone from time to time. I just have to be patient and wait for the next opportunity. We did get to go camping for a couple of nights reasonably close (2 hr. drive), so I can't complain... too much 

 Been there done that!!!!....NO Problem: Opportunity will show up again. If not, go and look for it....now, my favorite picture has to be this one.


  Why don't you tell us about your tents.... Over Here

[lighter fluid]

So....is spring break over? Is it just me or are there a bunch of other people who went to BIBE and we haven't heard from?
Work, wives, WHATEVER! Get those fingers movin people!!!!!!

Okay Muse,
Here's links to three reports from my most recent trip to BIBE on the first weekend of May.

http://www.thehikersforum.com/trip/view_trip.php?tripid=290&mode=view

http://www.thehikersforum.com/trip/view_trip.php?tripid=285%20&%20mode=view

http://www.thehikersforum.com/trip/view_trip.php?tripid=287%20&%20mode=view

[TheWildWestGuy]

That's a great trip report Lighter Fluid.  How about posting it here on BBC?  I think a lot of people would be interested in reading it but will probably miss it hidden in this thread.   Anyone with the guts enough to go solo backpacking on the Mesa in May has got my respect.   The tinajas on the Mesa are reliable during "wet" and some even during "average" seasons but I know exactly how you feel a little more relaxed when you finally make it to a reliable water source.   I am always a little edgy and nervous going into remote areas by myself until I have made the first spring, tinaja, or water source.   It's hard to get reliable info on the Mesa because so few people ever go up there.

Another great trip on the Mesa is to go out to the "Point" above Santa Elena Canyon.  I did that hike twice but had to turn back the first time before making it all the way (got within 2 miles of the point) due to my hiking companion wanting to go back to basecamp at Tinaja Blanca after we spent too much time and energy trying to take short cuts on burro trails and going straight-line across the ravines  .   I made it the second time solo from a basecamp at Tinaja Blanca (which held water), it's a long ways out-and-back but a wonderful hike along the rimrock escarpment high above Terlingua Creek.  The limestone cliff is sparsely vegetated and in many places it is barren rock with a vertical drop on one side and a broad rocky slope on the other.  Great hike just stay close to Canyon Flag and the rimrock and avoid the temptation to head off on "trails" leading to the South - those are burro trails and they fade away after a mile or two into the brush.   Trust me you will not save any time or effort on these "shortcuts"!

During "wet" seasons and after heavy rains the Mesa offers enough variety and water sources for a 3-4 day adventure for experienced backpackers in reasonably good shape.  The River, The "Point", Tinaja Grande, Dam Tinaja, and the cross-Mesa trail system are all good opportunities for some extreme exploration of a little used and often overlooked area of Big Bend.  Just be forewarned that you will have to be your own first responder and don't count on ever seeing other hikers once you leave the trailhead parking area... TWWG

[mule ears]

That's a great trip report Lighter Fluid.  How about posting it here on BBC?  I think a lot of people would be interested in reading it but will probably miss it hidden in this thread.

I totally agree, great report and most folks will miss it.  It must have been bakin' out there. 

[BigBendHiker]

Hi Lighterfluid!
Thanks for the links to your trip report!  Great pictures and a great reading.  As TWWG suggested, please consider posting the reports here as well.


Thanks,
BBH

[lighter fluid]

That's a great trip report Lighter Fluid.  How about posting it here on BBC?  I think a lot of people would be interested in reading it but will probably miss it hidden in this thread.   Anyone with the guts enough to go solo backpacking on the Mesa in May has got my respect.   The tinajas on the Mesa are reliable during "wet" and some even during "average" seasons but I know exactly how you feel a little more relaxed when you finally make it to a reliable water source.   I am always a little edgy and nervous going into remote areas by myself until I have made the first spring, tinaja, or water source.   It's hard to get reliable info on the Mesa because so few people ever go up there.

Another great trip on the Mesa is to go out to the "Point" above Santa Elena Canyon.  I did that hike twice but had to turn back the first time before making it all the way (got within 2 miles of the point) due to my hiking companion wanting to go back to basecamp at Tinaja Blanca after we spent too much time and energy trying to take short cuts on burro trails and going straight-line across the ravines  .   I made it the second time solo from a basecamp at Tinaja Blanca (which held water), it's a long ways out-and-back but a wonderful hike along the rimrock escarpment high above Terlingua Creek.  The limestone cliff is sparsely vegetated and in many places it is barren rock with a vertical drop on one side and a broad rocky slope on the other.  Great hike just stay close to Canyon Flag and the rimrock and avoid the temptation to head off on "trails" leading to the South - those are burro trails and they fade away after a mile or two into the brush.   Trust me you will not save any time or effort on these "shortcuts"!

During "wet" seasons and after heavy rains the Mesa offers enough variety and water sources for a 3-4 day adventure for experienced backpackers in reasonably good shape.  The River, The "Point", Tinaja Grande, Dam Tinaja, and the cross-Mesa trail system are all good opportunities for some extreme exploration of a little used and often overlooked area of Big Bend.  Just be forewarned that you will have to be your own first responder and don't count on ever seeing other hikers once you leave the trailhead parking area... TWWG

Thanks TWWG,
I sent you a couple of PM's. I really appreciate the kind words about the report and am definitely honored to have your respect.
Thanks for the above information as well. It will definitely prove helpful in the future. I really want to get back on The Mesa soon and do some more exploring and spend more time there the next time around.

Things are a bit busy right now, but I will definitely work on getting a report up here on BBC in the near future.

Lighter Fluid

[lighter fluid]

That's a great trip report Lighter Fluid.  How about posting it here on BBC?  I think a lot of people would be interested in reading it but will probably miss it hidden in this thread.

I totally agree, great report and most folks will miss it.  It must have been bakin' out there. 

Thanks mule ears! Yea, it was a tad warm.