To the Top of Texas

We have often talked of going to Carlsbad Caverns, but it is located far off the beaten path and seemed like a long ways to travel for "just a cave".  After looking at a map we discovered Guadalupe Mountains National Park was only 43 miles away, so we decided to add this to our itinerary.  Now we had a destination!  Kent is always on the lookout for mountains to climb and Guadalupe Peak sparked his interest.  Hey, what's 3,000 ft in only four miles!

Guadalupe Peak is the highest point in Texas

Here we go . . . oh boy!

We will climb 3000 ft in 4.2 miles . . . like the sign said, "strenuous"

Kent waiting for me at the Notch

I am smiling, although this hike was not easy  

We stopped for a break at this bridge, it's strong enough for horses, too

Looking back at the bridge

It looks like we are headed for some shade

I struggled on this hike, in fact I slipped off the trail here . . .
 so thankful for this little tree, it saved me.

This steel pyramid was erected in 1958 to commemorate the 100th anniversary
of the Butterfield Overland Mail Stagecoach Route 

I can't believe I made it, scratches and all I'm still smiling

The soles separated on his boots near the beginning of the hike and he kept going,
he deserved a medal.  

Looking at El Capitan and the valley below

Off in the distance you can see the Salt Flat . . . notice the rugged trail

We are on our way back down, but the parking lot is still a few miles away

Here is the trail . . . are you ready to give it a try?
For more information click here.

After the hike we stopped off at the Frijole Ranch

As tired as we were we even walked 2/10 of a mile to Manzanita Spring,
 located north of the ranch house

Water in the desert, Frijole Spring, made this a good place for the ranch

As is customary, we celebrate our hikes with dinner.
Who could resist the "No Whiner Diner"?
They even had a salad called, "No Cry Babies"
The menu also said,
"We are not responsible for the bad decisions you made in life".