Approval requested for New Years' trip

[riverrat]

We plan to head out Saturday Dec 27 and stay the night in San Antonio with BIL and partake of some fabulous Mexican food. Then on to Sanderson on Sunday and stay at the Outback Oasis (I'll remember to ask about the snakes this time). We like to take things slow so Monday we'll head into BIBE and check out the Persimmon Gap Trail and if the roads are passable go hike to Ernst Tinaja, maybe even trying the hike that benthegreat talked about here...
http://www.bigbendchat.com/portal/forum/el-salon/a-trip-through-the-canyon-above-ernst-tinaja-t4995.0.html;new

That should get us started for the week. We'll be staying at the Chisos Mining Co in Terlingua Mon-Fri going into the park for daytrips and sunsets.

Not sure of the order we'll be doing the dayhikes but we plan to make the following:
1)Chimney Trail with a side trip to Red Ass Springs
2) Mule Ears Springs
3) Upper Burro Mesa Pour-off
4) Red Rock Canyon
5) Indian Head Spring

 Tuff Canyon is always an interesting side trip as is Tornilla Creek. We thought about checking out Terlingua Abajo but I don't think that'll be possible this trip due to flood damage. Any other "quickies" that could be done along with any of the hikes mentioned? Sunset at Sotol Vista is a given.

I have bookmarked several threads that I thought contained info on any of the above. TONS of great info! Planning the trip is half the fun!

Thanks ahead of time!

ETA: We'll probably stick the Ward Springs hike in somewhere. Not sure which day to double it with. Any suggestions? Hello??!! Anyone there?

ETA again new thread name

[riverrat]

Geez, a lot of views of my thread but no suggestions or comments!  A gal could get a complex!!


 Anyhoo...

We're also looking at carcamping one night (probably Monday). I've been reading up on other's favorites but I'm wondering if La Noria would be a decent one to stay at since we're looking at doing Ernst Tinaja. I think we could kill a good part of a day exploring that area.

 I do have another thread going ("If you had just one Night") trying to get some more feedback. Oh well...I'll keep digging.

[riverrat]

2-fers sound right up my alley! Thanks for the heads up! We'll probably wait until we talk to a ranger before deciding on Terlingua Abajo. We've not made it there yet at all. Hopefully the flood did not totally destroy everything. Still trying to decide where to backcountry carcamp. We are thinking  Ernst/ La Noria area but have read great things about Paint Gap and Pine Canyon. Hubbie was wondering about Nine Mile Draw. I think he wants to do Dog Canyon again or maybe Devil's Den.
 
I'm thinking adding Cattail Falls for a morning trek. We started up the trail last New Years but since I had not done the first thing about asking or looking into how far, etc. we turned around at what I now know is 1/3rd way into the hike. Bummer...should have realized that it couldn't be too far when a guy toting a sandwich in a baggy with no obvious other food or drink cruised by us!

So, nothing is set in stone yet except that we are going to go and that we will be staying most nights at Chisos Mining Co.

[kmck]

Around the first of September we went out to Pine Canyon in our jeep and the road was rough in spots.  If you're taking a car in the backcountry I would check the Daily Report, which has a road report, posted on the bulletin board at the Park when you arrive.  La Noria/Ernst would be interesting to explore.  You've mentioned some nice hikes.  Lots of people like to come out that time of year.  Be prepared for the weather - it can be warm, cold, windy, or rainy (or snowy) all in one week.  Have fun! 

[riverrat]

We were there the same time frame last year and we did see a few folks but nowhere were we ever "crowded". We stayed in the Lodge but mainly daytripped in the desert areas.

As far as the weather changes, yeah...we bring everything from long johns to tshirts and shorts so we are prepared. Layering is the only way to go that time of year! Texas weather! Ya gotta love it!

[riverrat]

I think this is how it's gonna go. Any suggestions to enhance our trip?:

Saturday Dec 27 – San Antonio, BIL’s
Sunday Dec 28 – Sanderson, Outback Oasis
Monday Dec 29 – 
9:30amish     Panther Junction to claim Backcountry Campsite:
1st choice -  Camp de Leon (Ernst Tinaja #2)
2nd choice -  Pine Canyon #3
3rd choice -  Paint Gap #3
10:30amish   Persimmon Gap Draw (hiker’s lunch)
1:00pmish    Tornillo Creek hoodoos/fossil ridge exhibit
4:00pmish    Head to campsite and explore a bit there
7:00?pmish  Fabulous sunset supper (MRE’S, compliments of Ike)
           stargaze awhile then early to bed


Tuesday Dec 30 –
5amish        Watch sunrise and another fab MRE meal
6amish          Depending on where we are dayhike/explore until noonish
      Pine Canyon or Ernst Tinaja
Noonish     Lunch on the road (sandwich) as we drive to Cattail Falls area
1pmish       Hike to Cattail Falls stay awhile depending on solitude
4pmish          Head to Terlingua and Chisos Mining Co to check in/clean up 
6pmish       Supper somewhere in town (Starlight Theatre, LaKiva or Chili’s)

Wednesday Dec 31 –
7amish         Breakfast burritos at Kosmic Kafe 
8amish         The Chimneys (round trip from RMax and back w/ hiker’s lunch)
2pmish      Tuff Canyon/Castolon
Sunset         Sotol Vista
8pmish      Head to our room and beef stew supper (very low key NY’s eve)

Thursday Jan 1 –
8amish       Breakfast in room
9:30amish  depending on what we did Tuesday:
         #1 Ernst Tinaja and surrounding area
         #2 Top of Burro Mesa Pour-off
2pmish       Burro Mesa Pour-off
Sunset           “not sure where”
8pmish        Head to room and frito pie supper

Friday Jan 2 –
Play it by ear: Closed Canyon, Terlingua Abajo (if roads are open)
Definitely: Indian Head

Supper in town   

[BigBendHiker]

Hi Riverrat!
Great itinerary.  With regards dinner in Terlingua...you may also consider a placed called Los Paisanos.  It is on the left as you head from Study Butte to Terlingua.  Pretty durn good mexican food and chicken fried steak.

BBH

Almost forgot "Approval Granted" for your trip!

[Goldilocks]

Hi BBH!

I am not sure, but Los Paisanos might be closed.  They changed the name earlier this year, and then last time I was in Big Bend (April) they looked closed.  I know things come and go around there and you are right, they had great food so hopefully they are still open. 

[BigBendHiker]

Hi BBH!

I am not sure, but Los Paisanos might be closed.  They changed the name earlier this year, and then last time I was in Big Bend (April) they looked closed.  I know things come and go around there and you are right, they had great food so hopefully they are still open. 

Hi Goldilocks!
Thanks for passing that along.  That is too bad.  Their food was good as you say.  I guess it is just plain difficult for the businesses out there to make it.


BBH

[Al]

Looks like a great trip.  Enjoy!

Al

[riverrat]

1 month, 25 days, 22 hours, 34 minutes, 22 seconds and counting!

Still deciding on backcountry camp site. So far Pine Canyon 4 is ahead.