Mt. Magazine Dec 31- Jan 3

Red.. as far as I can tell yes fires are permited. The only place thats not in the park is the top of the mountain. Its State Park, so all the standard rules apply.

Trail Detail: Mt. Magazine - Cove Lake Trail System

Just a thought - if water is an issue we could cache some water at one of the "Parking" areas listed on the map.

If my truck is going to be on top so I can leave early, we can cache all the water we want in it. I usually always keep a 5 gallon water carrier in the back when I hike anyway. Its always good to know that there is always water at the truck

Sounds great! Maybe we can drop some at the parking areas at road 1631C and Green Bench Rd. That'll lighten our packs quite a bit...

Ok, I mentioned to the wife yesterday that I was considering this trip. I must be doing something right - her reply was that I deserve it. Maybe she just wants to get rid of me for four days? Anyway, looks like I'm in unless the weather changes my mind.

Sorry.. I just wanted to use this smiley cause this is about the only time of the year I can hahahaha.

Looks like I'm out now. Mom's partner quit, so she's not getting off the vacation time she was expecting to come down for christmas. I'll be making the grueling journey up to see them instead.

Crap-o-la! One of my high school buddies just asked me to the last Dallas home game against the Eagles (Jan 3). He has season tickets on the second row. So, if I hike Magazine I'll be going a day early and probably cross paths with you guys.

Well hell this is looking more like a bust. I talked to Tenn yesterday, he and I are still going with his son. Anyone else left?

Burritto and I are still planning on attending

Cool... thats 5.. Anyone else?

Doubt I can. Lisa got put on bedrest today. She is having major problems with the third child. She is at the 32 week mark, our second was born at 35. Maybe we will have a x-mas baby

Sorry to hear it. All the best for her and hers.. cigars may be in order lol

Now thats something I need to remember to bring on the next outing for around the fire.

Of course the sooner the baby comes the faster her pain stops. And the sooner I start getting no sleep again lol. Atleast I know its the last time.

My backpacking trips will start being numerous in a few years when I have 4 women in the house. Untill then I will get out when I can. I have already laid the ground work for a b-day trip in march. It will be long and I will get lots of much needed sleep by that time

TM,

I haven't worked out the details on the Dallas game, but I would like to join you guys on the trail so I may end up staging my truck at one of the parking area along the way. Let me find out when we are actually going to Dallas and I'll let you know. Are we still planning on cacheing water?

Are you still planning on leaving Cove Lake at 7 am on Dec. 31?

Sorry to back out on you, TM. You know I wouldn't do it without a good reason! I'd even track you down on the trail!

Jeff, me and Tenn enjoyed some nice $8 sticks on the ERL hike!

Red.. I am planning on staging some water, just dont know how just yet. If the temps are below freezing we may be licking the block of ice for water lol. I will try to get the map out in the next few days and try to figure out where to stage. We will have Preachers truck at the top so may leave a cooler with the water in it. Should be good for a day or so. Yes I am planning on leaving at 7am on 31 Cove Lake. I am planning on staying there on the 30th.

Nate yeah I know.. blah blah blah hahaha. just teasing. Have a good one.

TM, did I ever mention to you that I'm a Chemist? In situations where no other possibilities seem to be available, you can lower the freezing point of water to approximately 20 degrees F by adding in 10% salt or sugar. Salt works better but doesn't taste as good.

hmmmm... 10% salt water... we can do that hahahaha

Are we really going to do this? The forecast is looking like snow....

If I could make it, the snow would be a reason to go. I miss sierra winters...

I would much rather hike in the snow than in the rain, and as long as the temps aren't too bad (below 20 in the day) then Burritto will still come with me. It is hard for me to convince his Mamma to let him come when its too cold. We will also be sharing a hammock, that way we keep each other warmer

TM, he already has his slim jims and is ready to go

Ok everyone. Its hard for me to make a desecsion this far out as far as weather is concerned. Lets wait until Monday or Tuesday before making any plans as far as canceling it.

Agree on the snow vs rain. Definitely looking like a wintry mix. I'll need to drop my truck at the top and leave out on Saturday so I can make that Dallas game.