Big Bend

[RangerBen]

Any one thinking about camping trip to Big Bend area week after Christmas?. I have been going to the area after Christmas for about fifteen years,the last five on bike. Camp if it is not to cold. Last year it was Antalope lodge. Sleet,rain and light snow. It was just to nasty to camp.Rode in freezing rain from Sanderson to LLano on the way home. This year I will have heated vest. Used heated gloves last year and they were a life saver. The red head wife might have different plans for me,but at the moment it looks like a go.

Ben:


tent3:


Looks like a go for me.Any one from Houston area want to ride along. Checking up coming weather. If above freezing I will be camping,leaving from Cleveland Wed 26th.

Ben

[ImRubicon]

Very big IF right now but sounds like something to plan on though
My company goes to a Skelton crew that week so its easier to get time off .
As stated it’s a Big IF at moment but it sounds like a great idea

[Mellow]

I'll put that on the radar but since I cover 3 systems at work now the holidays are a little tight as far as time off.

[RangerBen]

If a blue norther does not blow in it will be good riding and camping. Of course if the weather is good there will be more people out and about..

[TexasShadow]

I and at least one friend will be down in BB area trailering two 250cc's for riding mostly off road. The entire week of xmas - New Years. As of now we plan to camp. Trying to keep this trip as inexpensive as possible, so camping it will be.

[RangerBen]

Any thoughts on base camp. I will be on Nomad so no off road for me.

[Jetfixer]

RangerBen, I'm going there this weekend. I was planning on staying at Davis Mtn State Park at Ft Davis. When I checked the park map it had a warning at the top to watch out for bears, mountain lions, and javelinas and secure food in vehicles. I was wondering if it is safe to camp there, don't want to tangle with a bear or a mountain lion.

[Mellow]

Never say any bears or mtn lions at davis mtns state park... lots of deer and a few javelinas and skunks.

I'm sure there are bear and mtn lions somewhere but in the past few years I've never seen them.

This is a javalina.

http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/58245803-L.jpg

[RangerBen]

Im with Joe on this one. That must be something new. [Lookout for critters. ]They do have bear and lions in Big Bend they might have moved in to Davis Mountians as well, it is some pretty wild country. If your in doubt call the park and ask. Just use good judgement when camping, keep a clean camp and dont sleep in the same clothing you cooked in. Dont store the clothing in tent with you. Good info on bear camping at Yellowstone national park sight.
The bears in Big Bend have come in from Mexico in the past few years.Thats only about 150 miles from Ft Davis. There are lions thru out that part of texas.

Ben

[Jetfixer]

Thanks Joe and Ben! The warning is on top of the park map. It sort of concerned me, obviously. I'd hate to have a bear tear into my tent while I'm sleeping. I'll give them a yell tomorrow before I leave and see if they have had any incidents.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/park_maps/pwd_mp_p4501_004d.pdf

[RangerBen]

All ways invite someone you dont like.They make good bear bait. Feed them lots of good greasy bacon and other oderous foods then pitch their tent far from yours.

Ben