I went on my first overnight hiking trip this past weekend. Jonathan Williamson and Marc Pond joined me in hiking over 13 miles in two days. I had never before had to worry about how much drinking water I had or how light my tent was. This was one of the mose grueling events I have ever participated in. Six miles each day wasn't the hard part. The hard part was the number of hills we had to climb and descend and how steep some of them were. I also never realized we would have so much weight carried in our backpacks. I would estimate each of us had 20-30 pounds of water and equipment.
In the end, we climbed and descended enough hills to equal taking the stairs to the top floor of the Empire State building and back down - twice. The trip out was about 5 - 6 hours of hiking. The trip back was a speedy 4 hours. I am so sore today, I walk as an old man. If you see Marc or Jonathan and they are fine - don't tell me or I'll feel like a wimp.
The experience really helped me to see how much I take for granted in my brick house with running water and bathrooms and A.C. I have never had to worry about what I would eat or drink (as in if I would get to). I reccomend it - even if you don't take as harsh a trail or go as far. I think we pushed ourselves - especially on the way back. If you left at sunrise and planned on arriving at sundown, it would be a much easier trek.
The trail is beautiful and there are many scenic views over the water. It's only 90 miles from DFW. I wish Robert Garcia and Cory Daniels and Chris Layton could have come along. That would have made a greater chance for me to not have been the one always dragging behind (not saying I would pick any of those to be the one - just saying more people lowers the likelihood).
I posted a few photos on the HIKING page.
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