Last Thursday, TNAB returned to the Bandera trailhead for a hike up Mount Defiance (West). The bare and rocky summit is visible from the parking lot, a unique feature for almost any hike in the NW. This was good, tangible evidence that the mountain existed, since there seems to be very little popular information available for hiking it. And, as we've experienced in the past, there's very little trail as well...
As usual, the group set out on the trail at a notch or two below a full blown sprint, which led to brief overrun of the fork to West Defiance. The rugged single track is a sharp contrast to the 4 lane highway that is Bandera. After a bit of a traverse, the trail begins to switch up the mountain, until finally, uh, it kinda blends into to the surroundings.
This has never happened before, honest.
Fortunately, a bit of bushwhacking made it possible to reconnect with the alleged trail. Soon, we broke out of the trees, where it was easier to do a modified scramble/bushwhack over the low scrub and rocks, rather than stick to a "trail". At the ridge that leads to the summit, we once again picked up a discernable trail and followed it to the end. At the top, we were greeted by Larry, the mystic man of Putrid Pete's Peak. His philosophy? Hoo-Haw!
In short time, the group gathered at the summit, where we leisurely enjoyed the views afforded by the hazy, partly cloudy skies (once again, great weather for hiking). As usual, it was easier to stay on a "trail" on the descent than on the ascent. Footing was suspect in both directions, as many of us sported newly abraded knees. There were some complaints that the knee and lung ratings for this hike, as well as for Mailbox, need to be revised - upward!
Attendees: Alicia, Chris, Damon, Darlene and Drew (more newbies!), Jeff, Larry, Mark, Mike , Russ, and Tom - that eleven, folks - Hoo Haw!
Start Time: 5:55 PM
First to Top (after Larry): 7:25 PM
Back to Cars: 9:25 PM (est.)
Elevation and distance: No idea
Next Hike: Mt Washington! A great hike with a traditional bushwhack - long pants advised. Long range weather looks good. But wait, it gets better -
On Deck: Teneriffe!!! This one is described accurately (should be renamed to Terroriffe?)
In the Hole: Silver Peak - a TNAB classic
See ya next week,
Mark
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