Big Bend Expedition - February 2007: Planning Thread

[Pskhaat]

Big Bend National Park Expedition
February 1-4 2007

This is the planning thread for the Big Bend National Park Expedition. We will gratefully submit our travel story to Overland Journal in hopes of acceptance Our current dates are February 1st through 4th of 2007. This is a trip one does not want to do in the NA summer. Any later than February and it becomes high season with low liklihood of good camping and flush (relative term) with people.

We are looking for 6-8 vehicles. Campsites are small in most areas, so we'll need to keep this group at some level if there a lot of interest. There are hundreds of miles of backcountry roads, options for hikes, hot springs and winter desert isolation.

http://www.nps.gov/bibe

Participants

1. flyingwil & flyingwen
2. pskhaat
3. The BN Guy
4. xterraintx
5. tdesanto

Tentative:

1. eurorom
2. RoundOut
3. gjackson
4. 60seriesguy
5. jpfreek1

We plan on leaving the better portion of Sunday to travel back home. This location is not close to...really...anything. Trails are not that difficult but we'll require a lot of fuel, so be prepared to bring several extra tanks and then some for those who will no doubt run out :costumed-smiley-007. Fees will be US$30, $20 for entrance, and $10 for backcountry permits per vehicle.

Maps

Trail map is here. I'll overlay the expected route and post back up.

Communication

Call us either on 146.520 and we'll move probably to 146.460. I'll also be listening on 146.820 which is a BiBe repeater. You do have your Amateur radio license right? I'll also try and hook up the CB for Channel 2, and FRS Channel 2 too.

 

[2500Adventures]

If i wasn't in school then i'd be all over that like white on rice....Hope yall have a great, safe time. Can't wait to hear stories and see pics from the Expedition.

 

[flyingwil]

Most campsites I have found are limited to 2 vehicles per site. We will need to lock down on the sites prior to leaving. The permit requires us to select the sites in the application for the permit.

My vote is for the first weekend. I need to nail it down to request the days off of work.

 

[devinsixtyseven]

looks beautiful. if i werent already using almost all my vacation for the march trip i'd join ya . half my family lives in texas...

-sean

 

[Pskhaat]

Most campsites I have found are limited to 2 vehicles per site

I talked to one of the Rangers today. The primitive campsites around River Road have a number of slots that hold between 2-3 vehicles, with 2-3 sites per area. I think they'd be able to accomodate especially with rooftents, etc. There's also the option of ``Zone Camping'' but we'll need to wait to nail down both the date and people.

Ranger said it's the perfect time to be there.

 

[60seriesguy]

I am definitely interested in this trip, that's about an 8 hour drive for me and doable within the alloted time frame. I'm thinking it will be a good "sea trial" for the next evolution of my expedition trailer.

It would probably be me and a buddy, dog will stay home to look after my wife and kids.

 

[blupaddler]

:clapsmile

Scott

Sounds like a great trip! But the drive from here is almost 16 hours!!!
:violent-smiley-031: :smiley_drive: :violent-smiley-031: :smiley_drive: :violent-smiley-031: :smiley_drive: :violent-smiley-031: :smiley_drive:

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

:clapsmile

Scott

Sounds like a great trip! But the drive from here is almost 16 hours!!!
:violent-smiley-031: :smiley_drive: :violent-smiley-031: :smiley_drive: :violent-smiley-031: :smiley_drive: :violent-smiley-031: :smiley_drive:

Hey Robb, I may be interested in splitting the driving/gas with ya if you want to "Rigpool" in my truck!

My rig (and myself) are itching to get out!

If anyone else is interested in "Rigpooling" from SD, shoot me a PM

 

[LexusAllTerrain]

I am interested, however I can not commit at this time, since I have another trip plan for Baja!

 

[The BN Guy]

I'm definitely gonna talk to Handbrake about this. Dunno if she'll join us but I'd love it!

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

Hey Scott

Can you please jot me down as a big bend maybe?

I am very interested, the later weekend is better for me, i just have to find a partner to split some of the driving with!

Thanks

 

[Pskhaat]

16 hours!!!

A brutal drive, but I used to drive DEN-MSN (same time) to go deer hunting for a weekend, so I have to put it in perpective. I'm going to camp along the way in El Paso'ish if possible to break it up.

 

[The BN Guy]

OKay here's a question...going bush on the first? Or meet up the night of the first? It's about a day's drive from San Antonio and taking three straight days off as a teacher is difficult.

 

[flyingwil]

There's also the option of ``Zone Camping'' but we'll need to wait to nail down both the date and people.

I agree. Can we all agree to agree on the February 1st through 4th of 2007? I definately can make that.

Which will lead to positive confirmation from:

1. durango_60
2. gjackson
3. 60seriesguy

What is the route we plan on going?

I have found this link to help out a bit (backcountry roadside camps)

I'd love to go on Old Ore Road, Juniper Canyon Road, and Pine Canyon areas.

Anything for certian we must see?

 

[gjackson]

Guys, it's not looking good for me. I've been signed up for training in CA for a bunch of Feb. I'm trying to see if it can be moved, but it looks like work may kill this one for me. :mixed-smiley-030:

cheers