Preparation for Witchita Mountains hike

Plans are in progress for a hike to the Witchita Mountains in July. Updates soon.

A New Year

Ok, I've gotten away from walking for the past few weeks, primarily because it is so cold. We are planning a trip to Washington DC in March and will do several hikes and walks through the city.

Later in the year I plan a trip to the Wichita Mountains for an overnight camping trip, then who knows what will take place later. For now, I'm getting back into the blogging mode.

I went on a hike to the Chicago Basin in the Needle Mountains of the Weminuche Wilderness. This was an 8 mile hike to an elevation of 12,000 feet for me. I stopped at the Twin Lakes.
No 14er's for me this time.

Boarding the train at Durango, Colorado

The Two Thumbs that mark the Twin Lakes

Panarama from Twin Lakes

Resting at Twin Lakes, 12,000 feet

Guadalupe Peak--Texas Highpoint

On Sunday April 23, 2006 I hiked to Guadalupe Peak. It was a very difficult hike for me, but the views from the top were worth the effort. About 8 miles roundtrip and it took me nearly 6 hours to complete. I shared the time at the peak with Dennis Arnold from Houston who took the picture of me at the highpoint.

Guadalupe Peak

El Capitan from above
Me at the highpoint

Lost Mine Trail--Big Bend National Park

This hike was fantastic! I had a solitary hike with wonderful views of the mountains. Take a look:







Nearly 5 miles roundtrip, about 1.5 hours to complete. Very windy at the peak, and steep cliffs.

Palo Duro Canyon Hike

Here are the photos from the Lighthouse Trail in Palo Duro Canyon on April 21st 2006. The hike is 6 miles round trip, mostly flat but with great views of the canyon.

Made it!--Black Mesa

Success! I completed the Walking Man Tour 2006 with trips to two highpoints rather than 3 (more on that later). I did survive and thoroughly
enjoyed the experience

.

Still Planning and Preparing

Walked over 120 miles last month, and am on track for the adventure beginning April 20. Looking at some hikes in Big Bend, and I'm planning to be in Alpine Texas at the Holland Hotel for the weekend.

Refining the Plan

The Walking Man Trip, 2006 is shaping up. Black Mesa is the first stop, with the Highpoint of Oklahoma as the goal. Next, to Amarillo and Palo Duro Canyon for a short hike to Lighthouse Peak. The following day will be Alpine Texas and a rest day before going to Big Bend and a day hike, not sure which one right now. Finally, I will hike Guadalupe Peak and make the Highpoint of Texas.

It's getting exciting.

JT

More training

Yesterday I walked 8 miles in preparation for the upcoming hikes. Tulsa is low altitude, but Black Mesa is not that much higher. Either way, the hike yesterday was outstanding. The weather was cool, the redbuds are bloomed and beautiful, and walkers and runners are a friendly group. All in all the hike took just short of 2.5 hours, about 16 minutes a mile.

I had some heel pain, and developed a small blister, but with a little care it seems to be OK. No soreness today, may take a short walk with Scooter later today.

Getting into the hiking spirit!

I've been in training now since December 12th getting in shape for hiking. I am walking about 5 miles each day, seven days a week. Weather permitting, I am walking outside, often walking to work. Other days I'm walking in the gym. The goal is to lose weight, but also be prepared for a longer hiking trip later this year with my Band of Brothers.

I'm starting to get excited about the process.

Black Mesa, Oklahoma

My plan is to travel to Kenton, OK to make Black Mesa my first highpoint experience. Since Tulsa is on the other side of the state this should be quite a trip. Anyone with experience with this hike is welcome to comment. I'll look forward to hearing more from other highpointers.

JT

Hey!

I'm in the process of organizing my first highpoints hiking trip. I am planning to touch 3 highpoints in 3 states in a week. More later.

JT