Just back from Big Bend

TinStar · 01-29-07, 07:08 PM

Todd Huey and I just got back from Big Bend with a couple other fellas. Had a great time. Exploring, drinking, more exploring, followed by more drinking and managed a little sleep in there as well. For anyone who has not been, I think it is well worth the drive.

We left Wednesday evening at about 8pm. Had 2 flats on the trailer before we got to Abilene

. Kinda slowed us up, but didn't dampen the spirits. Stopped at a truck stop west of Abilene and payed way more for tires than they were worth at a 24hr tire shop, but I guess it was supply and demand.

Arrived at the Smith's High Adobe on Jack Eden Mesa at about 8am. Ate a little breakfast and took out on some roads. Drove the dirt roads and a dry river bed or two just to see where they went for most of the day and into the night. Went back to the adobe for dinner and bed.

Next morning we headed out to Solatario. Drove all day and some some of God's most beautiful country. Did a little calling for coyotes. If anyone in the group could shoot, we woulda bagged a couple. Needless to say they still roaming the desert. Finished the trail at the Terlingua Ghost town where we stopped in for some Shiner and grub at the Starlight Theater and Bar. Neat place.

Saturday was more wheeling and coyote calling.

Came back Sunday. Had another blowout on the trailer just west of Abilene again. I'm begining to dislike that towns tire shop......

If anyone gets a chance to go, they should. If ya'll want, I got a place to stay and know a little bit about the lay of the land.

Some pics..........

TinStar · 01-29-07, 07:08 PM

More pics....

TinStar · 01-29-07, 07:09 PM

And more......

TinStar · 01-29-07, 07:10 PM

Last ones......

Waggoner5 · 01-29-07, 07:18 PM

Great shots and dang thats one hell of a load on that trailer. No wonder the tires blew.

TinStar · 01-29-07, 07:20 PM

The owner of the trailer and the truck both said the weight had nothing to do with it......I just said "ok, whatever".......

Waggoner5 · 01-29-07, 08:33 PM

Not that I can or would disagree with the owner, but they would have to be some serious tires. I figure your trucks(twinkies) weigh about 6k a peice. The trailer has to weigh 3k. Thats 15k. I am not sure there are any tires out there in the 16-16.5 size that can handle 5k lbs each. Just an observation.

cbmontgo · 01-29-07, 08:40 PM

Those are some awesome pics. We are heading out there in April; I am stoked.

SHREG · 01-29-07, 09:19 PM

Great pics, those are some booodiful 80's....

chris777 · 01-30-07, 05:32 AM

wow, enjoyed reading about your trip to the Big Bend area, and seeing the pics. where you wheeling on Big Big National Park, or Big Ben Ranch State Park, or the area in between?

what is that Smith's High Adobe? nice looking house or hotel, or whatever it is. is that where you spent the nights?

I went to Big Bend in January about 10 years ago. had a great time. mostly hiked. I look forward to going back down there with my Land Cruiser. Too bad they discontinued the "casual" Rio Grande crossings via rowboat into little Mexican towns like Boquillas de Carmen (because of 9/11).

valkyrie610 · 01-30-07, 10:03 AM

Very cool!

notyourmomslx450 · 01-30-07, 12:31 PM

Cool pics, Chris. I wish I could've gone w/ you guys. Did you get me that sticker?

Bear80 · 01-30-07, 04:11 PM

I'm really curious about the area. Big Bend National Park is a bore for 'wheeling, nothing like a taco pre-runner can do but still a great chance to get away. For those who would go to the park I recommend "old ore road" and camp at Roy's Peak, the rest of the "trails" (dirt roads) give the same scenery

TinStar · 01-30-07, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris777

wow, enjoyed reading about your trip to the Big Bend area, and seeing the pics. where you wheeling on Big Big National Park, or Big Ben Ranch State Park, or the area in between?

what is that Smith's High Adobe? nice looking house or hotel, or whatever it is. is that where you spent the nights?

I went to Big Bend in January about 10 years ago. had a great time. mostly hiked. I look forward to going back down there with my Land Cruiser. Too bad they discontinued the "casual" Rio Grande crossings via rowboat into little Mexican towns like Boquillas de Carmen (because of 9/11).

The Smith's High adobe is my family's place. Has been in the family for more than 30 years. 2 bedroom 2 bath with propane heat, light, fridge and stove. A rain trap that leads to a 1550 gallon water tank hooked up with a pump for running water.

We wheeled around Terlingua Ranch, which is off of Hwy 118 about 40 miles north of the National park headquarters and Solatario. Both places are just outside of the National Park.

TinStar · 01-30-07, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notyourmomslx450

Cool pics, Chris. I wish I could've gone w/ you guys. Did you get me that sticker?

I took care of ya, buddy......

notyourmomslx450 · 01-30-07, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TinStar

I took care of ya, buddy......

sa-weet!!

nicholastheczar · 02-05-07, 08:50 AM

Those are some great pics. I've been wanting to plan a trip down there and after seeing these pics, I'm going to do it.

And that is one hell of a tow rig setup!

BrettinSanAntonio · 02-10-07, 10:40 PM

I visit the Big Bend region two or three times a year. Where did you take the canyon and water crossing pics? I've never seen those spots.

It would awesome to get a large group of Land Cruiser people together for a trip to the Big Bend area. I've got some great places around Terlingua and in the Chinati Mountains to visit too.

valkyrie610 · 02-11-07, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrettinSanAntonio

I visit the Big Bend region two or three times a year. Where did you take the canyon and water crossing pics? I've never seen those spots.

It would awesome to get a large group of Land Cruiser people together for a trip to the Big Bend area. I've got some great places around Terlingua and in the Chinati Mountains to visit too.

Start the ball rolling man!

KOWBOY · 02-11-07, 06:12 AM

I been thinkin' on December.