Big Bend Expedition - February 2007: Planning Thread

[The BN Guy]

Hmmm, if we get Stormy unloaded early enough I may just meet you guys at Castalon. Gotta find it on GEarth.

 

[LexusAllTerrain]

How about the Franklin Mountains? Looks close to I10 (6 miles out). Though that still leaves a 5 hour drive in the morning...

Great area, however I do not think they let you camp at night!

Every time I pass at night the entrance is locked with a gate!

 

[The BN Guy]

Had Stormy looked at today.

Bad upper ball joints, one bad lower ball joint, bad steering bushings.

Most I figured I had but will work on them after we return.

Getting excited!:sombrero:

 

[flyingwil]

Getting excited!:sombrero:

Aren't we all? It is like waiting for Santa to come.

 

[The BN Guy]

Aren't we all? It is like waiting for Santa to come.

No kidding. The pile of gear is getting taller.

 

[The BN Guy]

The temps are looking better and better! Lots of blankets and other warm stuff getting loaded soon!

 

[tdesanto]

Big Bend Daily Report--Road Closings

Gents,

Old Maverick Road and River Road West are currently closed. Please see the daily report at: http://www.nps.gov/bibe/daily_report.htm or http://www.nps.gov/bibe/upload/DAILYREPORT.pdf (to download a pdf of the same report)

So, since we were counting on Old Maverick Road to get us from Study Butte to Castalon and then River Road West to get us to our first camp site, we might want to pick a different route.

Another option (this is strictly a suggestion) would be to meet at Panther Junction (main ranger station), check out current road conditions, and make a plan from there.

We could start at Juniper Canyon and then head down to River Road East for the next night, and then up Old Ore Road the 3rd day?

Scott, this is just a suggestion in light of new information, and not an attempt to hijack your current plans. I'll go with whatever you decide.

 

[Pskhaat]

Hmmm, can't seem to connect to the Ranger Station via phone. I'll update in a few...

 

[The BN Guy]

I had planned on unloading originally at the Village but yesterday we changed to Panther Junction. So that'd make hooking up with everyone easier.

 

[RoundOut]

I regret that my son and I will not be able to make the journey. As an olive branch for bailing out on you guys this late, I am fedex'ing a couple of road guides and a National Geographic topo map to Scott, so you can have the benefit of some of the history and character of Big Bend.

Since we can't join you, know that we will be thinking "I wonder where they are now?" the whole time.

I feel like I have lost a dozen new friends that I have not yet even had the privilege of meeting.

Have a great trip! I pray your weather will be wonderful, your sight-seeing splendid, your campsites comfortable, no mechanical failures, first-class fellowship, and your experiences worthy of a speedy return! There is so much of Big Bend to see, I hope we can all spend a week there some time soon.

:camping:

 

[The BN Guy]

Lost friends?! Heck no! We'll just make sure you get to go to BiBe 2008!

 

[The BN Guy]

Yipee! Got my trailer reserved! Didn't think I was gonna make it there for a bit.

 

[Pskhaat]

eurorom & xterraintx:

Are you two in?

 

[LexusAllTerrain]

I am out, I will be doing a trip to Puerto Vallarta Mexico, I will be driving a 2007 Nissan Frontier Nismo, will do a report on the trip with the Nismo driving in Mexico. Have fun guys, and the temperatures are better but we have rain at this time.

 

[XJINTX]

I'm stiil in but who else is? Is it just the 3 of us? My daughter wants to go but has paper(s) due and wants me to wait until Spring Break. If others are going I am still up for it but it's always more fun to have more people and to meet new acquaintances.

Let me know...

Patrick, I will call you tonight.