Big Bend Expedition - February 2007: Planning Thread

[RoundOut]

Makes a BIG difference, LOL

Round I just noticed when I said we're leaving at 5 o'clock I meant Thursday at 5am. Don't know if that makes a difference.

Yeah, that makes a difference. If we were to caravan, that would mean I don't have to get my son out of school Wednesday evening. I could easly make Del Rio. I guess that brings up a question... Are you going to take I-10 or US 90 west from SA? The trip on US 90 is much more scenic, IMO.

If you go by US 90, we'll hang out just off the highway for you at a gas station or some other landmark. If not, we'll see you in Marathon, Panther Junction or Castalon.

 

[The BN Guy]

Dad says that going I-10 is faster so we'll be heading out that route. Plus we're closer to 10 than 90. So we'll probably see ya in Marathon or PJ.

 

[XJINTX]

I am brand new here but would like to attend. It's been a few years since I have been to BB but really love it there.

I would caravan with Patrick and meet up with you. Please let me know so i may plan. If not I understand and will plan for another time!

Blue Skies,
Roger

 

[Pskhaat]

I am brand new here but would like to attend

Name added. Tell us a little about yourself?

 

[The BN Guy]

Welcome Roger! Glad you joined!

Hey Scott did anyone ever make reservations for the trip?

Um, I'll letcha in on something about Roger's rig...it's very cool.

 

[Pskhaat]

Backcountry reservations are not taken until 24 hours in advance :smileeek:

 

[ox4mag]

Hey JPFreak, that's a good read. Sounds like an adventure for sure. The more I talk with my dad and you guys about this be more excited we get(dad and I).

The temperature is making me cautious...long johns, warm clothes, light parka, heavy sleeping bag, and blankets. Am I missing anything?

Thanks for the compliments. I would like to tentatively join the group though it'll depend on how plans go with our Guadalupe Mountains National Park trip scheduled later in the month. Will keep y'all posted, but either way y'all are going to love BB!

By the way, regarding clothing. I've been there before at this same time of year and y'all can expect temps in the evening to be b/w the low to mid 30s. Definitely bring some long johns, gloves, 30 degree rated sleeping bag, self-inflating mattress or equivalent, tent, fleece or down jacket (550-650 fill down will be adequate), and generally warm clothes.

 

[The BN Guy]

Backcountry reservations are not taken until 24 hours in advance :smileeek:

Wow that's kinda crazy. I'm sure we'll not have a problem though.

 

[XJINTX]

Looking forward to the trip. We usually go to BB the week between Christmas and the New Year but this year we were just too busy.

I will probably attend with my adult daughter... she lives in San Antonio and my wife and I live near Waco. I am a retired Marine and retired (for the moment) business owner. Getting antsy sitting at home so may start another business soon???

I have always loved the out of doors as does my family. Like others here, I lenjoy sailing and many other adventurous activities. Off Roading is a hobby and it gets me to the back country. I always look forward to meeting new people that share my likes and look forward to meeting some of you.

Please realize that in the past 3 years we have been there they have had a complete fire ban and it gets chilly. I even bought a propane heater for the last trip

 

[The BN Guy]

Roger I've went to Academy the other day looking for a heater to take with me. Some pretty decent inexpensive ones available. Any recommendations?

 

[XJINTX]

I have the Coleman that you can use inside the tent... ceramic face. I'll dig it out for model if you want it?

 

[The BN Guy]

I think I know which one it is. Thanks tho!

Well minor change of plans for me. Maybe. Looks like my bro-in-law and my dad will be staying in dad's fifth wheel and they'll go hiking together. I'll be doing the expedition solo. No biggie. Less gear to carry and more room in the tent.

 

[RoundOut]

Portable heaters

We have three (I have shown web references to similar ones):

1. Mr. Buddy heater that uses a small propane bottle,
2. A catalytic unit that mounts on a full size propane bottle, and
3. A high-btu (read: campfire where one is not allowed) propane space heater.

If it is cold, we'll just get our chairs out around the big one and warm right up! We got the big one when anticipating a nasty ice storm a few years ago.

When cooking, I like to use the catalytic one on a "wye" with the other outlet serving the propane stove. Gotta keep the cook warm!

The Mr. Buddy keeps us very warm at night inside the tent, and is much more stable than the smaller Coleman catalytic offering that sits on the end of a small bottle and lays down at an angle.

I'm not slighting the Coleman one, I just liked the more robust footprint of the Mr. Buddy one. The Mr. Buddy puts out a bit more heat, too (I think).

 

[The BN Guy]

Yeah the one on the bottom right is the one I'm looking at.

Got to thinking...I might just sleep in the bed of the truck and cover the Softtopper with a heavy blanket to help insulate me. Still kicking around ideas to keep warm. Besides the usual means that is.

 

[Pskhaat]

Weather!

Ahh! What's going on with the weather in the deserts:

http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/outdoors/tenday/TXNPBIBE:13

http://wwwa.accuweather.com/forecas...er&traveler=1&zipChg=1&zipcode=79834&metric=0