We packed up the RV, left the Chisos Basin and stopped by Panther Junction to get my backcountry permit. I was going in alone. The park ranger did his very best to discourage and warn me from doing this trail. "You know we don't recommend this trail at this time of year." "What type of map do you have?" "You know there isn't any water out there, right?". He figured since I was getting a late start I'd only be able to make it about five miles in and pointed to the area I had actually intended to camp at (I had already planned where to shoot night photography). Well, my plan was to take the long way in and the short way out. His cautions started to wear on me.
With 6 liters of water, my little tent, blanket and pad, three lenses (tough choice), a bunch of cherry tomatoes, an RV made fajita taco, and some other rations I began my trip.
Even with over 500 ft of elevation change during the second mile I was moving at a 24:18/mi pace (thanks to my new GPS watch!) so I was feeling GREAT!
The 8th mile was the worst. So. Brutal. 837ft straight up. I was exhausted now, and on edge from the sharp things and gazing critters. Then I heard rock fall. It was SO eerie. Those rocks just kept tumbling but I couldn't see anything. I scanned and finally spotted two bighorn sheep far in the distance at the base of a high cliff.
My 3-liter water pouch was sucked dry and I had two liters hanging in the side pockets of my bag. Shit. I was still so thirsty but I needed that water for the hike out. I had a headache so I tried to nap it off a little bit but it was too hot and couldn't get a good breeze in the tent. I found my bag of tomatoes which I popped one at time to savor every ounce of juice I could. It started to help but man I was having a rough evening. I went through the last few things in my pack and NO WAY! I forgot the liter of water buried at the bottom of my bag. WOOO! You bet your bottom dollar I finished that fourth liter by the end of the night. My brain had already accepted only having two liters on the way back so it felt like bonus water and it helped so much. Night came. I did a timelapse of the sunset and waited for the moonrise.
After I was satisfied on the photos I set up a little lounge with a couple spare clothes to lay my head and my hat to sit on. I just laid back and gazed until I lost track of time. It was a truly amazing experience to be out there, so isolated and alone, and experiencing that beautiful phenomenon. I'll never forget it.