gmnp_addict

I just wanted to say hello and am glad I stumbled across this site.
I started backpacking in 03 at GMNP and returned four times this year. It is one of the most enjoyable things I have ever done. The approximate 3 hour drive makes it convenient for me to go there. Big Ben will be my next conquest. I live in Lubbock and look forward to finding people to pack with when I go. I have only hiked once with another person and we now stay in contact to plan future hikes.
Look forward to 'knowing' lots of you with like minds here. Billy

gmnp_addict

I just had a few minutes here at work to look over some more here. Very informative and helpful for future hikes for us novices. Thanks all.
Who knows, I may have already met some of you briefly along the trails.
My hikes this year were May 15-16, June 26-27, Oct. 16-17, and Oct. 30-31.
In May, I took the Tejas trail to Mescalero for the night, Juniper to the bowl trail, and up to Hunter Peak before going back down on Tejas. In June, I hiked with a man I met from Hutto up Tejas trail to Pine Top. We set camp after a short hailstorm and went to Hunter Peak. The next morning he had to leave so I went to Bush Mtn. and back down Tejas. The first hike in Oct was out of Dog Canyon across Lost Peak and on to Blue Ridge for the night. I exited on Marcus trail to Bush Mtn trail back to Dog Canyon. The second hike in Oct was through McKittrick to the ridge for the night and out the next day.
I drive to the park on friday evenings and head out sat morns and back on sunday. I have much to learn, my pack weighed 40 lbs. for this last overnight. I am learning how to lighten my load coming on this site. Once again, thanks for all the great info.
My hike in 03 was in June to Guadalupe Peak. (I had the view of El Capitan on my background for almost 6 months before 'having' to go see it for myself.) I had a daypack overloaded and weighed almost 240. I almost turned back after about 200 yards up the trail. (I smoke and was heaving badly for breath that fast.) I have since cut way back on smoking and hopefully will have the guts to attempt quitting soon. I made it but was sore and thought I would not make another hike but that desire came back..... I am now a healthier 188 lbs. but still smoke some.
I have three more hikes planned for next spring at GMNP and then will start lookin to go to BB. Happy backpacking. Billy

ploddinTod

Welcome, Lubbockhiker. There are at least a couple of backpackers on these boards that travel to West Tx to our two National Parks. I've only been to Big Bend once and was surprised at the forested mountains of the Chisos. I was only expecting a more or less desert park.
Sounds like you've already made strides in getting the weight off. Congrats! :yes: And as far as your smoking cessation, you're on the right path. Keep it going.

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PloddinTod

hiwayman

Welcome aboard. If you go to BB plan to hike the South Rim. I know it is often crowded but the hike has to be one of the most spectacular that I have ever done.

On a nother note, an open invite to anyone that would be interested in hiking Caney Creek Wilderness in Ark. this weekend with 3 or 4 guys. Email me for details.