Big Bend and New Stove, 2023

March 22, 2023

Big Bend National Park, Texas Spring, 2023

If you have not hiked Big Bend National Park in far SW Texas, some parts in Mexico, GO. It’s geologically weird and remote; perhaps the only place in the continental US, still in winter’s grip, warm enough to hike, not dangerously hot– yet.

Big Bend National Park, specifically the Chisos Mountain Basin, is very remote, thus, those going of all ages, want to be there, willing to visit, very strong, and helpful.

The purpose of my hike was testing recent MSR stove, and seeing if last year’s back fractures limited hiking.

Hiking is one of the few place poles not out of place.

Noting the  hillside scree, using poles and careful foot placement,  prevented falls. Last year, at this time, I was confined to a hospital, crippled, destined to “never walk again“.

Nope. Not ready for THAT!

Over a  daily regimen of physical therapy, weight training, Yoga, strengthening; walked.

NEVER totally believe in doctors’ limiting diagnosis: research and decide for yourself!  Then be prepared to work hard.

Stove

Slowly  climbing high in the Chisos Mountains, I unpacked my stove and cranked it up. It fired. Boiled some water for tea. All was well.

Next

Go home, keep exercising.  Save money.  Then, in autumn, 2023, the Appalachian Trail.