At the Top of Texas

I hiked to the highest point in Texas (the Guadalupe Peak) on Saturday, and today (Monday) I am still hobbling around and feeling like a pretzel, which is I suppose what happens when one kicks one's own ass. As promised, here are some photos. For those of you who are numerically inclined, the hike was 8.5 miles, the path gained 3000 feet in elevation, and the total hiking time was about 5 hours in mid-90 degree temperatures. The peak is at 8749 feet and ranks 14th in a listing of the highest peak in each state.

West Texas is mostly jackrabbits, scrub brush and flat as far as the eye can see, as evidenced near the base of the trail:

This is one of my favorite desert flowers, the pink cholla cactus:

I like pictures of plants, so here are some more:

Climbing, climbing, climbing. Note to self: when borrowing a backpack, remember that smaller is better and that the big packs with a gazillion straps only make you look like an overstuffed dork:

And then, the rocky desert terrain gave way to a remarkably perfumed pine forest:

Ladybugs are cute, aren't they? Well, when they swarm like this they are apparently cranky, because the little bitches can bite:

At the top! The pyramid was erected by American Airlines, whose pilots used the mountains as directional guidance. Anyway, to the left is New Mexico, to the right, Mexico, and straight back, salt flats:

A good time was had by all. Adventures are fun. I should have more of them.

So should you!