The Bend June 6-10

[russco]

Hello Folks...Just got back from our family pilgrimage to the Chisos... we had a great time! Started out with a tour of the Gage a ride to the Hot Springs a nice sunset through The Window and a great night of camping in the Basin with lows in the mid 60's. Started up the Laguna Meadows trail after breakfast at the lodge around 10 am.In tow were my two daughters, wife, dad and a cousin on his first backpacking trip. We lugged our water and huffed our way to sw3 for a great night of camping with lows in the lower 60's and a slight breeze. Everyone went tentless and we awoke to some deer grazing in our site. Strolled on around the rim and down the Boot Canyon trail. At the Emory spur our cousin and I attacked the peak while the girls and my dad headed on down toward the Basin....we made good time up the spur to the top and climbed up the little scramble to the top.After a brief visit we headed back dow and picked up our packs., We decided to catch our group so we jogged down the pinnacles where we met back up with them around the meadow near the bottom. After cleaning up and having dinner at the lodge we got to witness a stellar thunderstorm neasr Santa Elena canyon! It was beautiful and I took lots of photos of the spectacle. Camped in the Basin again with threatening skies and lots of lightning but only a few drops of rain...lows in the upper 60's under the cloudy sky. The next morning we were headed down the river road east to Mariscal Mine... after the 20 miles of newly graded road we arrived and perused the site. Only 1 spot in a wash where 4 wheel was needed just to eliminate wheel spin. After the mine we headed back to the Basin to get our kids sworn in as Junior Rangers...Proud Pop I was. Then we were off to Grapevine hills where we hiked back to Balancing Rock...what a great site that is! After sweltering in the desert back there we took the standard drive down the Ross Maxwell and enjoyed all the sites. After the previous nights rain there were millipedes all over the road...pretty neat. Pounded through some foot deep water in a few spots and took in Santa Elena Canyon. After that we headed up Old Maverick Road and checked out Luna's Jacal. On to the Starlight where we had a fitting end to a great weekend of Bending. I had the Diego Burger and let me tell you that it was fabulous. If your listening Homerboy....you should try one...1lb. of hamburger, 2 fried eggs, jalapenos, french fries, 4 slices of bacon all piled high on a large bun! Camped in the Basin with lows in the mid 60's. Took off early morning and watched the sun rise over the Dead Horse Mountains...sad to leave but glad we all had such a great time! Can't wait for the next trip......photos in the following link. (if you have any trouble with the photos let me know) Yall have a great evening. Cheers!
          http://www.kodakgallery.com/PhotoView.jsp?UV=515142441895_627329028208&collid=245251575108.387389028208.1213147991707&photoid=922679028208&folderid=0&view=1&page=1&sort_order=&albumsperpage=&navfolderid=2008                                   

[sleepy]

before i forget, link didn't work for me.

sweeeet.     it sounds like the perfect jaunt.  i'll bet your cousin is hooked.  just enough trekking, big pay off on scenery, special side trip to Emory, summer storms, giant burgers, and leaving wanting more.  great for the kids, too, millipedes and deer.  sounds like heaven.  golden moments.   

[russco]

Thanks...I think I have it fixed...
http://www.kodakgallery.com/PhotoView.jsp?UV=515142441895_627329028208&collid=245251575108.387389028208.1213147991707&photoid=922679028208&folderid=0&view=1&page=1&sort_order=&albumsperpage=&navfolderid=2008

[RichardM]

Sounds like a great trip.  Love the pic of the stuffed bunny in the backpack!

Homero, go directly to this pic 

[badknees]

The linked worked for me.

Good trip, I'm envious. Summer in the Bend is much better than most people think. No crowds, thunderstorms, maybe rain.

I hope to get out in August.

Thanks for the pics

[russco]

Sounds like a great trip.  Love the pic of the stuffed bunny in the backpack!

Floppy definately had a great ride...ah the life of a rabbit!

[Al]

A most excellent trip and report! 

Al

[homerboy2u2]

Jesus, Mary & Joseph...what in Burgerland is that?.....tell me that you finished that Buffalo Hump of a burger.

 You gotta post that recipe , Russco.

 Wonderful pictures, man... . More than enough of my daily dossage, your kids steal every shot,man.

[russco]

Jesus, Mary & Joseph...what in Burgerland is that?.....tell me that you finished that Buffalo Hump of a burger.

 You gotta post that recipe , Russco.

 Wonderful pictures, man... . More than enough of my daily dossage, your kids steal every shot,man.

Homer...Since the burger weighed as much as I do...I could not get it all down. however I am happy to report that everyone enjoyed the symphony in camp that night!

[dkerr24]

Great trip report and pics!  The skies looked very clear compared to the haze I saw there in early Feb.

[mule ears]

Sounds like a great trip, you all sure covered a lot of ground in a short time.  Love the pictures of the rabbit and the storm rolling in through the Window.

[mountaindocdanny]

Great job getting the kids into the backcountry!

[TexasWedge]

Enjoyed your report and the pics.