Spanno

I really appreciate all of your responses. I get it that I will probably have to do a real survival trip in New Mexico, Colorado, or Arkansas for the whole fend for your self bit. I still carry food just in case. It is just nice to know I can survive out there.

The Guadalupe mountains are really sounding up my alley. I don't mind humping the water in. When I was active duty in the Marines part of my t.o. load was a 5 gallon water can in my ruck which weighed about 40+ pounds. Like in my water post I put up I can carry about 13 liters at a time. I emailed the ranger out there and told him of the climb I wanted to take. We are planing to hike a route that takes up to Bush mountain the 1st night and Marcus on the second night. On the Third day we will hike to Dog Canyon for a water refil at the ranger station where the Ranger assured me there is water even if they are not there and head down to Mescalero for the third night. We will either hike it the rest of the way in or stop off at Pine Top for a 4th night.

The Ranger said it was a most ambitious hike, but hell after being a Marine it wont be a major challenge. I just have to condition myself before the trip to make sure I am in shape for it. Not as mean, not as lean, but still one hell of a Marine. I have a close friend I was enlisted with who is now an Artillary Captain who is going with me and my girl.

I would like some advise on foot wear though. I imagin a light weight high top with good soles would be the best from other forums I have read. Any suggestions and money is not a factor. I would like to break them in for a couple of months before the trip.