4 Days in Big Bend
Today we hiked 11+ miles from the Chisos Basin up Laguna Meadow across the Rim and returned via Boot Springs to our camp at Colima #3. It was a slow morning because of a very cold night that left frost on the rain fly. We didn’t hit the trail until 10 AM.
To start, we ascended 1600 feet, fully packed – some more than others. Sadly, Travis and Jordan didn’t have much previous hiking experience and ‘slightly’ over-packed. At first, I was concerned, but nobody complained as we peeled off the 3.5 miles and over a 1/4 mile gain in elevation. It is such a joy to share the day with three selfless men.
Overlooking the Blue Ridge Fire in 1989
No sooner had we dropped our packs and returned to the trail when Jordan spotted a deer. Armed with a knife, he quietly stalked the deer from behind. Who won? I’d say it was a draw between the deer and the camera.
vs. 
Hiking along the South Rim is glorious. It’s as if the Chisos Mountains were a crown fit for the King of Texas, and by the graces of his majesty, he allowed us to walk the edge of the of his crown so that we might gaze upon the beauty of his kingdom. And gazed we did. We celebrated by reading Scripture and singing a little.
The South Rim
Nobody crossed our path all day except one man, an obvious out-of-stater, without a smile to his name. I think our presence ruined his day. After parting ways, we had to slowly transverse 150 feet of iced trail before Boot Springs.
Who knew that a cactus and snow could be such good neighbors?
Once there, Jordan, the Lumberjack, hurled rocks at the frozen creek, shattering the thin sheets into tiny pieces. To end the day, we enjoyed a nice uphill back climb back to camp where dinner awaited.
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