Epic Road Trips 2009: Texas

Below is and excerpt from an email I sent long time friend Geary Schindel who has done much to make this trip a very memorable one.

"I am not ashamed to saythe hike to the summit and back of Guad Peak was the hardest 8 miles I ever did. But, unlike my attempt in 2005 I had practically no foot pain and the weather was perfect, except it was very windy.

I found the exsposure on some sections of the trail a bit freaky, but I just put eyes down and walked on.

I met three guys in their 60s/70s who looked like they were just taking a stroll in the park. One fella was hiking the peak for the 5th time.
He found out yesterday he has prostate cancer.
I hiked back down with him and we had a nice chat. He is from Eagle Nest MN."
18FEB2009

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"On a clear day, the view from the "Top of Texas" (8,749 feet, or 2,667 meters) is outstanding. The trail is very steep, but is well established. Some areas are exposed to cliff edges. It is rated strenuous, with 3,000 feet of elevation gain. The round trip distance is 8.4 miles, and generally takes 6-8 hours. Avoid the peak hike during high winds and thunderstorms." - NPS