The Top of Texas

We're up and dressed

in our hiking best

and our destiny rises in front of us...

Our first park of the trip:

After a lot of consideration,

Mom and Dad decided we could do it.

We were going to summit 

the tallest mountain in Texas.

So we packed our water and lunch

and set out

Can you see Jack and Wes?

Despite multiple warnings about possible mountain lions

(for real--they are in the area),

the continually forged ahead of the rest of us

Me and B were a bit slower

but definitely steady

The views just kept getting better

and our spirits stayed surprisingly high

We just kept climbing

and resting

and "watering" the plants

until we made it!

After 3 hours,

a few "false summits,"

and a lot of calories burned,

we made it to the top

of Guadalupe Peak

One for the Christmas card

Here's the view from the highest point in Texas--

we may be able to see Mexico...

It wasn't all that high I suppose,

but not bad for a 5 year old.

We hung out and admired the view

We ate lunch

and sang "Happy Birthday" to Wes

along with the other summitters

We took some selfies

and publicity pictures

(would you believe we met

2 other groups from KC on the way up

because of this shirt?)

But after a bit of a rest

it was time for one last picture

and the trek back down

The hike down was a lot more enjoyable.

We paused to appreciate the bridge

and more of the overlooks

Beckett and I really liked these

bright red trees

(although it didn't show up very well in the pictures)

Mom hugged her favorite pines

and then we sang the WHOLE SONG

of "99 Bottles of Coke on the Wall"

as we traversed the last of the switchbacks

which got us in just the right mood

for celebration drinks at the bottom.

9.5 miles,

3000 feet elevation gain,

5.5 hours.

All in a day's work.