70 Hours

[randell]

I will leave for Big Bend at 2am on Friday morning.  I still can't decide what to do.  I am certain I am doing Marufo Vega.  I am going solo, which has turned out to be a curse.  When I take friends I make up an itinerary and stick with it.  On my own, I am free to change my mind at any minute...which I have done dozens of times.  There are just so many options. 

I originally planned on spending three days hiking the Marufo Vega and south (off-trail).  I was fixated on this for weeks.  Then I kind of got tired of the plan and started changing my mind.  Having to carry all food and water is a factor, but I just ran an experiment and I CAN fit 4 gallons of water and 3 days of food in my backpack.  The pack weighs about 90 pounds and it  looks like I am carrying a whole other me on my back, but it works.  Doesn't feel too bad, either.  This would have killed me a year ago, but since then I found a backpack that really does fit my frame.  Turns our most backpacks are made for people smaller than me (I always thought it weird that that sternum strap choked me).

Last week I decided I would do Marufo Vega, then spend a night near Mule Ears, then a night on the Chimneys.  I liked that.  I haven't done any of those trails.  But then I started wondering if I would regret not exploring the area south of Marufo Vega.  Or would I regret not getting photos of the a greater mixture of areas of the park.  Maybe I'll get bored of taking photos of Marufo Vega and the Sierra del Carmens.  I may not make up my mind until I get to the park.  I'll be ready for either plan.  I am driving, so I'll have 10-11 hours to think about it 

Besides water, my weight problem is I am taking my two man tent, two pillows, and a 2" sleeping pad - all luxury items.  I am taking those because I want room to move around, I have broad shoulders so I need 2 pillows, and I always sleep crappy when I use my 1" sleeping pad.  I want to really enjoy the my sleep in the desert.

I have 70 hours in the park.  My main decision is Marufo Vega all the way or Marufo Vega + Mule Ears + Chimneys. 

[sleepy]

man, have I had that kind of brain activity before. 

You know, once you are there and make your plan with the rangers, you need to stick with it.  Since you are solo, you really should have a lifeline back home and give them the itinerary and stick with it.  If that happens in the 10-11 hour drive, I would suggest talking about it before hand so whoever is checking on you has an idea of what you might decide, i.e. here are my options and i'll let you know when i call exactly which hikes I'm doing.  And make sure you call them when you are finished on each leg.

don't get caught up in the grass is greener or the rocks are better over there.  be where you are.  don't think you'll get bored.  part of the thing, for me anyway (and especially solo) is the slowing and the stopping.   Sometimes we get so caught up looking at the big view we forget the three foot circle around us. 

90# is heavy.  However, if you are staying more than a night, you will drop that weight in camp.  hopefully you'll have some means to daypack.  My big bag detaches into a fanny pack and hydration pack, making it very convenient for excursions from basecamp.  Your weight will decrease as you consume food and water.  coming out will be a piece of cake.  If I remember correctly, there are two climbs, the first being the more difficult.  It's pretty short, but steep.  take it slow, and you should be fine.  You should definitely spend at least one night on MV.  If you plan  on two, you can always come out early.  Your only problem is changing plans with the rangers will cost $10 each time.

Marufa Vega is awesome.  Mule Ears is awesome with water and Smokey Creek to explore. you will have a great time. 

[randell]

Yes, I have a daypack.  I don't plan on carrying the backpack for more than 3.5 miles in a day, so it should be a breeze.  The rest will be with the daypack.  I'm sure I'll make up my mind before I leave and my family always knows my plans. 

[STARLITDARKNESS3]

Itinerary wise, I am not helpful with this part of the park.  But I would like to say that sleepy is correct, Stick to your plan with the Rangers.  Be safe and I look forward to reading your report. 

[Roy]

You ever done the Old Ore Terminal?   Could cut the Marufo Vega hike by one day and cut some weight and still see more of that part of the park.

[randell]

You ever done the Old Ore Terminal?   Could cut the Marufo Vega hike by one day and cut some weight and still see more of that part of the park.

Haven't been there.  I may make that my night 3 and cache some water on the way in to MV to pick up on the way out.

[jeffblaylock]

You ever done the Old Ore Terminal?   Could cut the Marufo Vega hike by one day and cut some weight and still see more of that part of the park.

Haven't been there.  I may make that my night 3 and cache some water on the way in to MV to pick up on the way out.

I hiked out to the collapsed remains of the ore terminal in February a few years ago. Very stark, lonely place. Great views though:








You'll see this tower even if you don't go to the terminal. It's between the trailhead and the MV-Strawhouse junction.

[SHANEA]

Randell, waiting for your reports starting early in the morning as to your progress on the hop-skip-and a jump out there.  I'll do reports like I did for Ray52.  Speaking of Ray52, I haven't heard much from him lately.  Must be busy making $.

[jeffblaylock]

Looks like it's gonna be cold: Highs in the mid 30s to mid 60s, lows in the teens and 20s. Forget the water, take 4 gallons of hot chocolate instead.

[RichardM]

Looks like it's gonna be cold: Highs in the mid 30s to mid 60s, lows in the teens and 20s. Forget the water, take 4 gallons of hot chocolate instead.

Which weather site gave those numbers?  WeatherMole says the weekend low will only be 26.  Still kinda nippy.  NOAA.gov shows similar numbers for BBNP (aka zip 79834).

[tjavery]

...and I CAN fit 4 gallons of water and 3 days of food in my backpack.  The pack weighs about 90 pounds...

Why don't you throw in beer for three nights and go for an even 100 pounds? 

Good luck out there and be safe.

[randell]

Weather Underground says 24 as a low on Friday.  That is probably only at higher elevations.  I have my 0 degree bag so I am ready whatever comes.

I decided to downsize to the 1 man tent again.  That will cut back 4 pounds.  However, maybe I could fit just ONE beer.

[Undertaker]

Priorities very important, it appears yours are in goooooooooooood!!!!! shape

[Al]

Randall, sounds like you've got it down.  In my heyday carried around 80 lbs.  I want to see you jack that 90 lb pack up onto your back while standing without spinning.  Once standing it's just a matter of putting one foot in front of the other.  The more the pack weighs the slower one goes but you will get there.  The distance sounds about right for a connoisseur heavy-weight back packer such as yourself.  Go dude go!

Al 

[tjavery]

Now you're talkin'