Big Bend or Bust

FYI in case you never hear from me again: I’m heading to Big Bend National Park this weekend. Just me and Dexter. I ended up working 50 hrs last Friday-Monday on a crashed server (plus a normal 40hr work week before that), so I’m claiming this weekend to be well deserved relaxation. I’ve talked to a some people who’ve been to BBNP and hiked there, so I got some good tips and recommendations.

I’ll be leaving Midland Friday afternoon and chilling out in the campground Friday eve. I’m gonna try and hike all day Saturday, and then maybe hike some more Sunday before returning to Midland on Sunday evening. Showers cost about $4 for 5min, and since I’m going by myself, I figure I can wait until Sunday evening. That should make the paramedics job interesting.

Anyways, I’m over prepared. I’ve got tons of water, a first-aid kit, books, GPS (and a good ‘ol compass for backup), cell phone, etc, so don’t worry Mom–I’ll be ok.

I’m taking some books, but not my computer. I figure I can go 2.5 days without one. I think being without a computer has a better chance of killing me than a rattlesnake.

I don’t have a tent, but I do have Dexter. If I find the picnic table uncomfortable, I’ll put down the back seats in my hatchback and chill out there.

Some of the people think I’m weird for doing this by myself, but to them I say “phooey!” I can do more by myself. I can hike as much or as little. I can eat as much or as little. I can sleep as much or as little. I can do nothing as much or as little.

Anyways, I just wanted to make you aware of my plans in case you were trying to reach me…and it would be ok with me if you want to pray for physical safety for me, mechanical safety for Dexter, and mental, spiritual, and physical renewal for myself.

I’ll have my camera with me and I hope to record my hikings on my GPS, so expect great things when I return and post all about it.