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Big Bend National Park
Last Updated 9/9/2009
Big Bend is one of the most remote and least visited National Parks in the USA. It's an incredibly beautiful and temperate (in winter) desert landscape that you'll never forget. Escape your frigid climate, see a wild and largely unhiked section of the country, and lose weight (or more accurately, improve body composition).
Chisos Basin from Laguna Meadow
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We don't believe in austere eating regimens. Backpacking is a rigorous, rewarding activity. You must feed your body in order for it perform. Your body will dictate that you eat often. It's important to have fuel to feed it. See what we have planned to eat. Note that this is not necessarily a comprehensive list. If you want to bring a 5 pound chocolate cake, go for it. After carrying it 50 miles through the mountains, your body will reject the empty calories and prefer nutritious food.
Itinerary
This trip will be from November 8-15, 2009. Here is the proposed itinerary.
We will be hiking through the seldom visited, sparsely populated Big Bend National Park. Our hike will largely consist of the Chisos Basin Outer Mountain Loop, including the storied South Rim in Big Bend National Park, with a day-hike up 7825' Emory Peak.
On our last day, we'll swing by Laguna Hot Springs near Rio Grande Village for a well deserved soak. Important! Water is scarce in this region. Be prepared to carry as much as 2 gallons (16 pounds) of water in your pack.
Equipment List
Here is a list of equipment we suggest you bring.
Trip Leaders
Steve Silberberg, who lives in Hull, MA has many years of backpacking experience over a variety of terrains and guides most Fitpacking trips. He is a SOLO certified Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Trainer, and Certified Food Handler.
Donna DJ Farber lives in West Bloomfield, MI and has a wealth of experience guiding people in Havasu Canyon as well as the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Utah. This is her first trip guiding with Fitpacking, though she has guided with many other outfitters.
Cost
$1000 per person double occupancy. Here, double occupancy means that you will share a hotel room with another trip participant. You may also wish to share a tent with another participant. This isn't a requirement, but it will cut down on total weight you carry, an important consideration.
You will also be responsible for transportation to and from Midland/Odessa, TX as well as personal equipment, and any restaurant meals.
Covered expenses include 7 days of trail meals, ground transportation, permits, satellite phone service and awesome guides.