Blanton Blogs
Blanton Blogs:
Dr. Blanton's hiking/backpacking adventures
8-Day Trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
(Uhuru Peak - 19,341 feet) with overnight stay in the crater (18,864 feet)
Three Tanzanian-/Swahili words/phrases to guide us in life:
- Hujambo (Welcome)
- Karibu (Thank You)
- and Polepole (slowly)
Monday - August 21, 2023: Four trekkers (Mike Blanton, Bryan Sutton, Keith and Ethan Bedrock) set off separately on a 8,400 mile, ~25 hour journey that would take each of us to Arusha, Tanzania. Here we met with representatives of Team Kilimanjaro (the organizers of the 8-day hiking trek) that would take us from Lemosho Gate (elevation 7,800 feet) to the summit of Kilimanjaro (Uhuru Peak - elevation 19,341 feet).
Wednesday - August 23, 2023: Team Kilimanjaro arranged a tour of a coffee plantation (photos of this excursion, the trek, and the safari posted on the Team Kilimanjaro website (see MIBL for Climber and Safari reports)
Trekking Day 1 (Thursday August 24, 2023): 7 AM start - Our Team Kilimanjaro trekking group met us at our hotel (Mvuli Lodge
- Arusha, Tanzania) and we posed for a group photo as our duffel bags were added to
the supplies of top of the bus. 16! Yes - that is how many porters, guides, and cooks
are needed to get us 4 to the summit and back in 8 days - boy it takes a village!
The Trekking Group: Mike Blanton (trail name, Mr. Adolf), Bryan Sutton (Simi Soft/Mr. Cialis), Keith Bendrock (Bwana Polepole), Ethan Bendrock (El Vato).
Note: trail names are bestowed by the group. Bryan was taking Cialis is because he read that it worked for altitude acclimation; I busted my lip open on day two and with the scab it looked like Adolf Hitlers mustache; Keith found it extremely difficult to hike slowly - hence Bwana Polepole (Mr. Slowly); One day Ethan was sporting an outfit that looked like something from East L.A. - hence El Vato.Team Kilimanjaro: Chief Kilimanjaro Guide: Ally Swalehe; Assistant Guide: Emmanual Agape; Cook: Yassin Juma Crew: Arnold Pallangyo, Mirisho Mirisho, Bakari Amir, Mo Khamis, Omary Abduli, Smiley Bachu, Kibwana Ramadhani, Yasin Amir, Juma Wakunesa, Nurdin Rashid, Joseph Charles, Omary Abduli, Mohamed Nasr, Aron Nkya & Gudluck George.
Following a three hour bus drive - we arrived at Lemosho Gate - Kilimanjaro National
Park. Following a bag lunch we posed at Lemosho Gate and started off on 4 mile hike
to our camp for the night (MTI Mkumba Camp- elevation 9,000 feet).
We settled into our tents....
....enjoyed afternoon tea and popcorn, and then a fantastic dinner- Zucchini soup, Nile perch, and pasta.
For this first day we were hiking in the rainforest and blue monkeys entertained us during our first night.
Trekking Day 2: 6 A.M. - Not so bad when hot coffee or tea is delivered to you in your tent.
After a breakfast of hot porridge, fried egg, British sausage, banana, and coffee we set off on a 4 hour hike (5.4 miles) to our next camp (Shira I camp, elevation 11,000 feet) along a dusty trail….We carried our daypacks and the porters carried everything else.
We had most of the afternoon free....lunch consisted of Zucchini pasta with chicken and watermelon; dinner - pumpkin soup, chicken and curry….I think you are getting the point that we ate very well! We all expected to lose weight on this trip but I gained 5 lbs!
Trekking Day 3: 6 A.M. wake-up ..same routine…today we hiked 6 miles to Shira II camp (elevation 13,600 feet). After lunch we did a short acclimation hike up to 14,448 feet and enjoyed a mug of ginger tea to aid in the acclimation.
For dinner Yassin had prepared a deep dish vegetable dish that was fantastic; even more impressive when you consider that all these meals are being cooked in a small tent with propane.
Trekking Day 4: 6 A.M. wake-up - today we covered 10 miles on our way to Third Cave Camp (elevation 13,000 feet - yes we descended 600 feet today). Dinner - sweet potato soup, rice and vegetables.
Trekking Day 5: 7 A.M. wake-up - having rounded the mountain to the south end we began our ascent….hiking to School Hut camp (elevation 15,410 feet) with an afternoon acclimation hike to 16,000 feet. Lunch - and early night – tomorrow is the Big Day!
Trekking Day 6: 4 A.M. wake-up - We start the 6 mile (7 hour) ascent to Uhuru Peak (19,341 feet).
The ascent is steep along a trail that is mostly loose gravel…but by 10 A.M. we have made it to Gilman’s Point (elevation 18,652 feet).
….within an hour we are closing in on Uhuru Peak…albeit polepole (slowly!)….
At 11:32 A.M. we make it to the summit (19, 341 feet - the highest point in Africa) and pose for group photos!
I also pull out my flask and we all enjoy a sip or two of Blanton’s Bourbon!
Celebrations completed - we descend ~500 feet to the crater floor....
Our porters have set up camp on the crater floor (18,864 feet) and after lunch we walk over to Furtwangler Glacier.
Back in 1900 this glacier covered the entire surface of the crater…it is expected to be completely gone in less than 10 years. At this point - Keith and Bryan head back to camp for a nap…while Ethan and myself continue on to the Ash Pit....
....and then to the highlight of the climb, the Northern Icefield (Credner Glacier) the largest remaining glacier on the continent of Africa.
Day 6 evening/Day 7 morning: My expectation from the start was that the greatest challenge of this trip would not be ascending to 19,341 feet…but rather spending the night in the crater at 18,864 feet. At 17 F it was cold – but once I was snuggled into my sleeping bag combo set-up (2 sleeping bags + liner + four layers of clothing including a down jacket)...I was actually quite comfortable…No - for first the five hours of Day 6 evening the mild headache combined with a shortness of breath that I speculate must be what it is like living with COPD kept me from falling asleep… alas around midnight…I dosed off and by morning felt much better.
Trekking Day 7-8 : Now the hard part of trek - I kid you not - on Day 7 we descended 8,000 feet to Makeka Camp and Day 8 we descended another 5,000 feet (total descent 13,000 feet). Descending this fast and long can be brutal on your body…and I was barely able to walk for days afterwards. Having completed the trek we each received our official certificate from the Tanzanian Government and had a celebratory lunch with our Team Kilimanjaro group. By mid afternoon we were back to Mvuli Lodge in Arusha and enjoyed multiple showers!
The following morning we set off on our 5-day safari with Team Kilimanjaro guide - Joshua. The safari was truly fantastic and I have posted ~40 photos from this part of trip on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/michael.p.blanton
I hope you enjoyed a snapshot of the more than 1000 photos I took… please let me know if you would like to see more photos from either trek or safari!
You can view our entire route (56 miles, >10,000 feet of climbing) by going to my Garmin In-Reach Map page: https://inreach.garmin.com/Map
Grand Tour of Four Alpine Lakes in the Pecos Wilderness of New Mexico
Day 1: Saturday July 8, 2023. A group of 4 hikers – Mike Blanton and Igor Ponomarev from Lubbock; Tom Pressley (TTUHSC/SOM Emeritus Professor- Colorado Springs, CO); and Curt Pfarr (PLFSOM Professor, El Paso, Texas) all converged on the parking lot for Ski Santa Fe (New Mexico) the gateway to the Pecos Wilderness- within Santa Fe and Carson National Forests https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/santafe/specialplaces/?cid=fsbdev7_021062
This was the starting point for a 6 Day, 50 mile backpacking trip that would traverse the Pecos Wilderness and would include overnight camps at four alpine lakes ( Nambe, Katherine, Pecos Baldy, and Upper Truchas). Also included in journey would be an ascent of Santa Fe Baldy (12,600 feet), hiking along the Trail riders Wall (12,000 feet), and traversing the Santa Barbara divide (12,000 feet).
We arrived at the parking lot for Ski Santa Fe in the late afternoon, paused for the obligatory group photo, then hefted on our backpacks and started the 3.5 mile, 1,000 foot climb to Nambe Lake at 11,388 feet.
While only 3.5 miles that first stretch is always an adjustment- with 48.5 lb backpack and at 11,000 feet! The effort was well worth it and as we set up camp we marveled at the beauty!
Day 2: Sunday July 9, 2023. I started the day by sending a satellite text to my wife Elizabeth with a grateful 36th wedding anniversary message- she had provided me with a card reminding me that I had scheduled a hiking trip during our anniversary…yes I had forgotten that in my scheduling…. after coffee and breakfast and a morning fire (thank you Igor) we packed up and headed off. Today would take us to Lake Katherine with a side trip up to the summit of Santa Baldy peak (12, 600 feet). Those in Lubbock and El Paso will cringe when I say it was too hot for my taste…. The morning was in the upper 40’s and by mid afternoon it must have been close to 75 F! By mid afternoon we had all made it to Lake Katherine (11, 742 feet) and Igor bid us fare well as he headed back to Ski Santa Fe….. he did leave me with two Deep Eddy flavored vodka bottles, thank you- Igor!
Day 3: Monday July 10, 2023. It was mostly downhill today as we headed to Panchuela campground… of course the downhill can be a curse..and indeed Tom tripped on a tree root and sprained his ankle… and so by the time we reached Panchuela he had decided “he did not want to be that hiker that needed to be airlifted out” and so he sent satellite message to Beth to please come get him …yes- there is a paved road that goes to Panchuela CG.
… beautiful trail …but watch your feet!
Day 4: Tuesday July 11, 2023. As we packed up in the morning, Curt let me know that he had enough- he was having leg cramps and respiratory issues, and so was going to leave with Tom….. which left me instantly with the realization that I would be traveling solo the next three days!
Those that know me well know that I am a huge advocate of self-reflection…and what I realized after backpacking solo for the next three days and two nights- I need social contact far more than I expected- it was a lonely experience! … and to my wife’s relief solo backpacking is a little too scary for my taste.
On the upside the scenery continued to be spectacular!
As I regained the altitude lost yesterday (~3,000 feet) and I camped at Pecos Baldy Lake (elevation 11, 750 feet)
Day 5: Wednesday July 12, 2023. If Tuesday had certainly been an adjustment- hiking solo… today was a really good day- climbing up from Pecos Baldy Lake took me to one of my favorite sections in the Pecos
Wilderness- The Trail riders Wall. At approximately 12,000 feet elevation the Trail riders wall provides spectacular views of nearly the entire Pecos Wilderness- Truchas peaks to the north, Hamilton’s Mesa to the east, and Santa Fe Baldy to the south. Then by noon I had reached Upper Truchas Lake (elevation 11,929 feet) ..in my view the 2nd most beautiful lake in the Pecos Wilderness (Trampas Lake being No. 1).
Day 6: Thursday July 13, 2023. The original plan for this trip included a 5th Alpine Lake ( Serpent Lake) and then down to Santa Barbara campground along a trail I had never been on- therefore out of caution I decided to skip this lake and take the more direct route to Santa Barbara which I was more familiar with- the West Fork Santa Barbara Trail #25..would take me over the Santa Barbara divide (elevation 12,000 feet) with equally spectacular views to the north and to the south… and then as you descend down into the Santa Barbara valley the view looking back south to Chimayosos Peak is equally stunning…..
By noon I had reached Santa Barbara campground and was relieved to see my brand new 2022 Tundra Hybrid was still there! By 7 PM I was back in Lubbock…. Although as I drove into Lubbock and the thermometer read 106 F…. I already started to long for those cool mountain temps of New Mexico.
All things considered…and I think Tom and Curt would agree… great trip… hope to make it back soon!
You can view our trek by going to my Garmin map share page. https://share.garmin.com/MichaelBlanton
Next hike- Trek to the summit of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania
Guadalupe Mountains National Park- Bear Canyon-The Bowl-Hunter Peak- Tejas Trails Loop
Friday March 31, 2023. A group of 4 hikers – Mike Blanton and Hongjun (Henry) Liang from Lubbock; Tom Pressley (TTUHSC/SOM Emeritus Professor- Colorado Springs, CO); and later Curt Pfarr (PLFSOM Professor, El Paso, Texas) all converged on the Pine Springs Campground- Guadalupe Mountains National Park (Texas). https://www.nps.gov/gumo/index.htm
When we departed Lubbock Friday afternoon- it was a beautiful West Texas springtime day- wind gusts of 40 mph, with blowing dust and tumble weeds covering the road! Fortunately as we reached the Pine Springs Campground- GMNP.. the wind was starting to subside ..and so we only needed a half dozen or so lines to keep our tent from either collapsing or heading east to Austin! Also- despite the wind everyone else had the same plans to head to GMNP- every single campsite was taken- except one- the Handicapped Designated Campsite. Fortunately for us- if a handicapped person does not show up to take the site by 5 PM- we were free to use it! As you can see the view from the tent was magnificent and the tent was enormous so we enjoyed happy hour and then grilled Italian Sausages for dinner all from the comfort of our home/tent (image 5839, 5840).
Saturday April 1, 2023. With sunrise we enjoyed coffee and muffins before starting off on our hike (Curt Pfarr also joined us)- Today’s hike (image 2835) would start by taking us ~2,000 feet up Bear Canyon to the canyon ridge and then we would follow the Bowl Trail around what is called “The Bowl”- The Bowl trail is an excellent loop through the Wilderness high country, providing fine views from the top of the escarpment above Pine Springs Canyon and Bear Canyon as well as a descent into the heart of the dense remnant forest area known as the Bowl. The view from the summit of Hunter Peak may be the best in the park. Deer and elk may be spotted in the Bowl area and remnants of a ranch era water system can be spotted along the trail. (images 2836, 2846, 5856).
We then ascended the 6th Highest Peak in Texas- Hunter Peak (8,368 feet) with spectacular 360 degree views! (image 5857, 5858, 5862).
Next we followed the Tejas Trail back down the mountain and back to our campsite (image 5865, 5869, 5870)… some 12 miles, 3,000 feet of climbing, and 7 hours later …we relaxed, enjoyed a beer or two and made dinner!
You can view our trek by going to my Garmin map share page. https://share.garmin.com/MichaelBlanton
Sunday March 19, 2023. Coffee, pastries, and it was time to break camp and drive back to Lubbock, El Paso, or Colorado Springs- Another great outing!
2023 Bataan Memorial Death March, White Sands Missile Range, NM - March 2023
26.2 MILES OF HIGH DESERT, 26.2 MILES OF PURE PERSEVERANCE
Friday March 17, 2023: Our destination for this weekend was White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico, the setting for the Annual Bataan Memorial Death March, a 26.2 mile journey across the New Mexico desert. http://bataanmarch.com/
The group (Tom Pressley, Bryan Sutton, Cornelia De Riese, and Mike Blanton) left Lubbock at 9 A.M. bound for WMSR. We stopped in Cloudcroft, New Mexico for beer and lunch and then set up camp at WSMR, which is located on the eastern side of the Organ Mountains between Las Cruces to the west and White Sands National Monument to the east.
Saturday March 18, 2023: We awoke to see that snow had covered the Organ Mountains! Following breakfast at the Frontier Club on the WSMR base, we made the drive to the Soledad Canyon trailhead on the western side of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peak National Monument.
We were then joined by Curt Pfarr from PLF School of Medicine in El Paso.
The contrasting colors of the snow and rock made for some stunning images on this very pleasant ~ 3.4 mile hike.
Later in the day, we picked up our Bataan hiking materials at the convention center in Las Cruces, had lunch at Sparky’s in Hatch, New Mexico (Green Chile Cheeseburgers!), and then headed over to the Frontier Club for the traditional carb loading fest - all you can eat pasta and spaghetti dinner. Our stomachs full, we headed back to our tents to get some sleep before the big day.
Sunday March 19, 2023: As Saturday turned into Sunday morning, the snow was gone and the weather was becoming very pleasant - cool but with just a gentle breeze! We enjoyed the ceremony commemorating the sacrifice of the original Bataan Death March survivors, with the roll call of survivors getting ever shorter with each passing year - this year Valdemar De Herrera (103 years old!) was in attendance.
By 6:45 A.M. the roar of the cannon announced the start and some 5,000 marchers started off across the New Mexico desert.
This year everyone in our group proceeded at his/her own place - which given the numbers is reality anyway. The weather was perfect - cool and only a gentle wind - it is always a joy to watch all the different participants and not to be disappointed the guy that dresses up like Will Ferrell in the SNL skit “More Cowbell” was here again urging on the participants!
Having completed our 26.2 mile journey, we savored our government issued meal and beer and limped back to our tent to rest!
Monday March 20, 2023: Following breakfast and coffee at the Frontier Club, we packed up camp and what was left of our tents and started the drive back to Lubbock. The first stop on the way back was Truth or Consequences, New Mexico - Riverbend Hot Springs … we soaked our aching muscles in the natural hot springs as we watched the Rio Grande river flow by
…1 hour...we could have stayed here all day! Our next stop was the Buckhorns #7 in San Antonio, NM …. World famous Green Chile Cheeseburgers for everyone … and then back to Lubbock, TX by 10:30 P.M.
Another great outing! You can view our trek by going to my Garmin map share page. https://share.garmin.com/MichaelBlanton
Friday February 17, 2023: Friday afternoon - Mike Blanton and later Tom Pressley drove north from Lubbock, TX to Palo Duro Canyon State Park and checked into a CCC (Civilian Conservation Core- circa 1935) built stone cabin (Cow Cabin #1).
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/palo-duro-canyon
We enjoyed wine and steak and the fireplace!
Saturday February 18, 2023: A group of hikers from both Lubbock and Amarillo joined us Saturday morning around 9 A.M. at the park entrance (Cornelia DeRiese, Milo, Bryan Sutton, Andrey Karamyshev, Zemfira Karamyshev, Morgana Kellogg, Caezaan Keshvani, Sunny Yim, Olga Murova, Henry Blanton, Olivia Key, (Slinky), and two TTU faculty from Amarillo that I forgot to write down their names- my apology).
The caravan of cars then proceeded down into the canyon to the Mesquite Campground Area. Following the obligatory group photo at the trailhead -
we all headed off along the Lower Comanche Trail.
While it was chilly, with intermittent wind gusts, we were all excited and made good progress…soon we were climbing up the east side of the canyon along the Rock Garden Trail...
...to the rim.
We reached the east rim and then proceeded south to an over look looking down over the entire canyon- there we stopped briefly for a snack break and then started back. As we headed down the canyon the temperature began to rise quickly and layers of clothing were discarded- by the end of the 10 mile hike it was 60 F!
By mid afternoon we had completed the hike and were driving to Canyon, Texas for cheeseburgers and shakes at the Rockin Zebra Soda Shoppe.
The majority of the group then headed back to Lubbock or Amarillo - and we returned to our cow cabin.
Another great outing! You can view our trek by going to my Garmin map share page. https://share.garmin.com/MichaelBlanton
Sunday February 19, 2023: Three of us (Mike Blanton, Tom Pressley, and Bryan Sutton) - after morning coffee, we packed up, did the short CCC trail hike and then lunch at the Trading Post and a round of beers at the Sad Monkey Mercantile and Brewery just outside the park, before returning to Lubbock in the late afternoon.
Welcome to the latest edition of the Blanton Hiking/Backpacking Log for 2022: Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona): Rim to Rim to Rim Backpacking Trip
7-Day, 50 mile Backpacking Trip that starts at North Rim of Grand Canyon- follows the North Kaibab Trail down to Phantom Ranch (Bright Angel Campground) then along the Bright Angel Trail to Indian Garden. Day hikes to Plateau Point and along the Tonto Trail. Then ascending via the Bright Angel Trail and to the South Rim.
The return leg is down the South Kaibab Trail to the North Kaibab Trail to Cottonwood and then back to the North Rim. https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm
Saturday September 17 2022: Drive to Monument Valley, Arizona (KOA stay), movie night- the John Wayne/John Ford classic- The Searchers; Sunday September 18, 2022 Drive to North Rim of Grand Canyon (camp at North Rim Campground), drive to Cape Royal.
Participants:
Curt Pfarr ( aka “Wrong Bridge Curt”)
Bob Bubar (“Morning Bob”)
Mike Blanton (“Bad Agnes”)
Tom Pressley (“Antenna Man”)
I took more than 400 photos – so I have tried to attach a few representative photos (let me know if you would like to see more)
Day 1: (Monday September 19, 2021) Backpack 13 miles down North Kaibab Trail to
Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campsite.
Notes: Long day- descending ~6,000 feet with ~40 lb backpack is actually more exhausting that ascending! Trail was incredibly beautiful-but not for those fearful of heights – often it was several hundred feet drop-off at edge of trail. After long day- beer from cantina at Phantom Ranch was awesome!
Day 2: Backpack to Indian Gardens- North Kaibab and Bright Angel trails (5 miles)
Notes: Trail names- everyone gets a trail name that the group bestows on you- When we left Bright Angel Campground, Curt took the wrong trail and went across the (Black) Kaibab Bridge instead of (Silver) Bright Angel Bridge… hence Curt’s trail name- “Wrong Bridge Curt”. When setting up for the first night of camping my tent one of the poles broke (Big Agnes Tent) and later another pole broke- hence my trail name: “Bad Agnes”; Bob was usually up by 3 A.M. each morning – hence “Morning Bob” (perhaps more appropriately would have been ‘Middle of the night Bob’- ha ha; finally as we traversed the trails, many a conversation focused on Tom explaining the uses of the more than a dozen antennas that he has installed in his attic in Colorado Springs, CO – “Antenna Man”
Day 3: Day Hike to Plateau Point and along Tonto Trail (8 miles)
Notes: This was a “Zero Day” ( no backpacking).. instead we relaxed and day hiked out to Plateau Point (I went out again at sunset and took some amazing shots)
Day 4: Backpack to South Rim via Bright Angel Trail (5 miles) Stay in Mather Campground.
Notes: Given the 3,000 foot ascent ahead of us to get to South Rim we started just before sunrise. Bob and I made excellent time up the rim- my mantra was “Mimosas on the Rim” A stay at Mather Campground meant ‘showers and real food!” Beer and an Elk Melt at Yavapai Tavern
Day 5: Backpack down to Bright Angel Campsite via South Kaibab Trails (8 miles)
Notes: We took the 5 A.M. park shuttle to the South Kaibab TH and started our descent with headlamps before enjoying sunrise and the change of colors across the rim. Once back down at Bright Angel Campground we enjoyed soaking in the river as the temperature climbed to 95 F. Trips to the river were mixed in with trips to Phantom Ranch for beer and snacks.
Day 6: Backpack to Cottonwood Campsite via North Kaibab Trail (7 miles)
Notes: The weather forecast for Cottonwood Campground was >98 I. So we all started before dawn and made a side trip to Ribbon Falls. As was the pattern or past several days- we arrived mid-morning, set up camp, and soaked in Bright Angel Creek.
Day 7 (Sunday) Backpack to North Rim via North Kaibab Trail (6 miles)
Notes: The weather forecast for Cottonwood Campground for Sunday was 99 F..so for this last day that involved 4,000 feet of climbing- 3 A.M. start! I started the hike in short pants and short sleeve shirt- by the time I reached the North Kaibab TH on the North Rim ( elevation 8, 240 feet)… the gauge in my truck read 32 F.
Monday September 26, 2022- return to Lubbock… 13 hour drive
Welcome to the latest edition of the Blanton Hiking/Backpacking Log for 2022: Ascent of Wheeler Peak (13, 167 feet) Highest Point in the State of New Mexico
Saturday September 3, 2022: 9 A.M. – Two of us (Mike Blanton and Guangchen Ji) left Lubbock and headed northwest first to Las Vegas, New Mexico for lunch at Charlie’s Spic and Span restaurant ( we also picked up 4 enormous cinnamon rolls!) and then to Coyote Creek State Park (just south of Angel Fire). We were then joined by Thomas Pressley ( TTUHSC SOM Emeritus Professor) and by Curt Pfarr (TTUHSC PLFSOM faculty member). We set up camp (and then made the ~1 mile journey to Jannette and Coby Dufour’s cabin in progress. We were joined by Jannette’s sister Michelle Phipps and a half dozen family dogs as we grilled steaks and congratulated Jannette on her new position as Cell Biology and Biochemistry Departmental Chair.
Sunday September 4, 2022: 5:30 A.M -Wake up time and by 6 A.M. we were on the road to Taos Ski Valley. After posing for the obligatory TH group photo we were soon on our way. We took the Bull-in-the-Woods trail that climbs approximately 8.5 miles and 4,300 feet to the Wheeler Peak Summit. The weather was fantastic (cool and clear) and so the views were stunning as we ran into some Blue Grouse and Mt Walter...before reaching the Wheeler Peak summit.
Later we had burgers and beer in Taos and by 8:30 PM were back in camp.
You can view our trek by going to my Garmin map share page. https://share.garmin.com/MichaelBlanton
Monday September 5, 2022: Morning coffee, a cinnamon roll and a shower and all things were now mostly good in the world . By 2 PM we were back in Lubbock, TX (or Colorado Springs, CO or El Paso, TX).
Welcome to the latest edition of the Blanton Hiking/Backpacking Log for 2022: The Kerry Way Trek- Ireland
By piecing together a series of old roads and trails that date back a thousand years or more- the Kerry Way was established in the mid 1980’s as Ireland’s longest trail. Spanning more than 126 miles the loop starts and ends in Kilarney and includes 17,000 feet of climbing and over 200 stiles (trail bridge over fencing) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerry_Way
In June 2022- 8 intrepid hikers converged on Kilarney, Ireland to undertake this 8-day Kerry Way trek: Mike Blanton (trail name: “Moleskin Mike); Thomas Pressley (“Professor Emeritus”); Bryan Sutton (“Horse Lover”); Jacob Hare (“Forest Gump”); Bruce Whittlesey (“The Professor”); Keith Bedrock (“Jersey Man/Monsignor Potty Mouth”); Ethan Bedrock (“Line Leader”); Christine Bedrock (“MF”).
In the 8-days we took to complete the Kerry Way Trek- we averaged 15.75 miles per day; 2,125 feet of climbing; ~25 stiles; and a minimum of 3 Guinness Extra Stouts!
The Irish countryside was nothing short of spectacular and I took over 500 photos- I have included a tiny sampling!
Day 1: Kilarney to Glencar - This first day (21 miles; 10 hours) took us thru Kilarney National Park- thru the Black Valley- to Bridia Valley and finally to our B&B in Glencar.
Highlight- besides the beautiful terrain and sheep- Bryan met his partner for life- a horse in the Black Valley that just would not take no for an answer…ha ha
Day 2: Glencar to Glenbeigh - This 2nd day of hiking (15 miles; 8 hours) covered a variety of different landscapes and we saw many, many sheep!
Highlight- besides the beautiful terrain- we were often greeted by pets as we passed by and thru the many farms along the route- including a black and white “oreo” cat I named Paddy O-Oreo”…ha ha
Day 3: Glenbeigh to Foilmore/Cahersiveen - This 3rd day of hiking (13 miles; 6 hours) was somewhat less strenuous and allowed us to enjoy fantastic views of Dingle Bay.
Day 4: Cahersiveen to Waterville - This 4th day of hiking (14 miles; 9 hours) included lots of climbing and we so our first stop in Waterville was O’Dwyers’s pub!
Highlight- Guinness and more Guinness!
Day 5: Zero Day- No hiking! - Today we took a taxis to Portmagee and then a boat ride out to Skellig Michael Island. As I have repeated many times now- We came for the Star Wars connection- but the Puffins stole the show! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skellig_Michael
Highlight- Puffins! As Tom noted nature converged to make the cutest animal possible. Food-mussels and Irish brown bread with butter- I could live on that combination!
Day 6: Waterville to Caherdaniel - This 5th day of hiking (13.2 miles; 7 hours) took us along the coastline- past the Charlie Chaplin statue in Waterville to Derrymane Bay.
Highlight- The Blind Piper Pub in Caherdaniel - Guinness and local seafood chowder - awesome!
Day 7: Caherdaniel to Sneem - This 6th day of hiking (12 miles; 6 hours) included many new sites
Highlight- We celebrated Bruce’s 68th birthday with Guinness and Cider at DO Oshea’s pub in Sneem!
Day 8: Sneem to Kenmare - This 7th day of hiking (23 miles; 10 hours) was a long day across some beautiful terrain!
Highlight- Finally some traditional live Irish music- we enjoyed some Celtic tunes in the Kenmare Brewhouse!
Day 9: Kenmare to Kilarney - This 8th and final day of hiking (16.5 miles; 7 hours) brought us back to Kilarney and the completion of our 126 mile journey!
Highlight- the Irish school kids out on a 6 mile day hike back to Kenmare
You can view our trek by going to my Garmin map share page. https://share.garmin.com/MichaelBlanton
Welcome to the latest edition of the Blanton Hiking/Backpacking Log for 2022: Sandia Mountains (above Albuquerque New Mexico)- Embudito-South Crest- La Luz trail Loop
Friday May 13, 2022: Noon – Two of us (Mike Blanton and Morgana Kellogg) left Lubbock and headed northwest to Bernalillo, New Mexico. After settling into our KOA cabin I attended a zoom planning meeting for our June trip to Ireland (see attached schedule)- then we walked over to the Katz Brewery for pizza and beer….then it was movie night! Tonight’s feature was Lonely Are the Brave- A 1962 film starring Kirk Douglas, Gena Rowlands, and Walter Matthau. Kirk Douglas is a cowboy out of place in the modern world- he breaks out of jail and with his horse Whiskey attempts to escape into the mountains above Duke City (Albuquerque NM)….the movie was filmed along the trails we planned to hike the next day.
Saturday May 14, 2022: 5:30 A.M -the plan for today is that I would take Uber over to Embudito Trailhead (see map) and Morgana would wait until noon and the take Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway to Sandia Crest and we would then enjoy lunch at the 10-3 restaurant (10,300 feet) before descending back down the mountain along the La Luz Trail.
By 6:15 A.M. I was at the Embudito TH .. 6,245 feet … and started my ascent along Embudito Canyon. Within a few hours I had left the cactus and had reached pine trees and aspens and spectacular views to the south and west. The 14 miles to the 10-3 restaurant involved over 5,000 feet of climbing …and as the morning went on – my tank really began to empty! While the views were spectacular as I traversed the Sandia Crest… the last 2-3 miles to restaurant went really slow and I was nearly an hour behind schedule…. But alas I reached the upper tram stop and the 10-3 restaurant.
As we waited for a table ..I was able to clean up a bit and rest…. Then as we sat down and my first Trailhead Mojito arrived I perked up quite a bit ..ha ha. The view from the restaurant was amazing- to the west you could see the Hermits Peak fire near Las Vegas, NM … it looked like a volcano! With lunch (Green Chile Stew) and a second Trailhead Mojito…I was feeling pretty good and by 3 PM we were ready to start the 10 mile hike back down the mountain. The La Luz trail is my favorite trail in New Mexico- and the views on the way down were amazing… we even ran into some snow! A requirement of every hike I go on is getting lost at least once- this trek was no different- on my Garmin map there was a trail that came off the La Luz trail and went to Sandia Peak Tramway where Morgana parked my truck- however as we learned the hard way this was probably an old abandoned trail .. and so after a hour of bushwhacking thru cactus, sliding down the hill, and wondering when we would stick our hand right in front of a rattlesnake…we gave up on this phantom trail and backtracked to the La Luz trail….with an hour lost… we finally made it down to civilization just past 9 P.M (Note- as we continued down the La Luz trail we did pass the trail sign to the real trail that went to Tramway – but at this point we just wanted to be done) Exhausted we took an Uber over to Sandia Peak Tramway, drove back to the KOA… and went to sleep in our filth…. Shower in the morning!
24.6 miles, ~15 hour- You can view our trek by going to my Garmin map share page. https://share.garmin.com/MichaelBlanton
Sunday May 15, 2022: Morning coffee and a shower and all things were now mostly good in the world (aside from the depressing news of shootings in NY and CA and aching muscles). We had breakfast at the Ranch Café in Bernalillo (Blue Corn pancakes with pinon nuts and a Mimosa) ..and then the long drive back to Lubbock, TX
Welcome to the latest edition of the Blanton Hiking/Backpacking Log for 2022: Caprock Canyons State Park, Texas
Saturday February 26, 2022: 7AM (CST) - It was a cold (15 F) crisp morning in late February as we left Lubbock around 7 AM (Mike Blanton, and the DeRiese family: Cornelia, Werner, Heiko, and Milo.
We converged on the visitor center at Caprock Canyons State Park around 9 A.M. https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/caprock-canyons. (Note: there was a small group of Bison that met us at the visitor center).
With our park passes in hand- we made the short drive to the Eagle Point TH near the Honey Flat Camping Area.
Pausing for the obligatory group photo, we were anxious to get moving as it was still pretty chilly (21 F)- but fortunately NO WIND! Winter is of course the best time in the park- the colors are spectacular against the clear crisp blue skies. With the excitement of the hike and to keep warm we were moving quickly and so by 11:30 AM we had made it to the top of Haynes Ridge). After a short snack, we continued on – 2 more miles to Fern Cave.
As we reached Fern Cave we recognized some fellow hikers ( Tyler Sniegowski, Ksenija Korac, Rachel Washburn and family) and saw that mixed in with the ferns were frozen ice formations …pretty cool! We all enjoyed lunch and conversation and after gathering for group photo.. each group continued on in different directions. Our group headed east along the Upper North Prong Trail, past several incredible hoodoos and then returned via North Prong Spur and Eagle Point Trails.
By 4:15 PM we had completed the 13 mile loop… none too soon it was beginning to feel way too warm (45 F).. ha ha… by 6 PM we were back in Lubbock, Texas
13 miles, ~7 hour- You can view our trek by going to my Garmin map share page. https://share.garmin.com/MichaelBlanton
Saturday January 8, 2022: 7AM (CST) - While the prospect of perfect weather on this early day in January attracted 17 hikers last year- perhaps because of Omicron or the Texas Tech Basketball game on the same day -we had a much smaller group this year- 7 hikers: Mike Blanton, and most of the extended De Riese family- Cornelia, Werner, Joh, Heidi, Karsten, and Milo.
The plan for Saturday was for everyone to meet at the entrance gate at Palo Duro Canyon State Park around 9 A.M. https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/palo-duro-canyon [I met everyone at park entrance as Elizabeth and I had traveled to the park Friday afternoon and were spending two nights in one of the CCC built Cow Cabins (Cabin #4 are favorite cabin down in the canyon)]
While it was still a bit cool (~30 F) when we all converged at the park entrance just a few minutes before 9:00 A.M… it was warming up fast…. By the time we left in the afternoon it was 75 F and there was a long line of cars waiting to get into the park.
At the TH for the spur to the Lower Comanche Trail we posed for the obligatory group photo, and then we were off- Milo De Riese (the dog!) was of course in the lead and with my ~40 lb backpack in tow I brought up the rear. Heading south on the Lower Comanche Trail, the trail follows along the base of the canyon for about 5 miles. With exertion and warming temperatures- we were soon discarding layers of clothing. By noon we had reached the south end of the park and stopped for snack/lunch and a tour of Cow Cabin #4 that Elizabeth and I were staying in.
Rested and fed- we started back north along the Juniper/Cliffside, Sunflower, Rojo Grande, and Paseo del Rio Trails.. the trails signs are not the best..and so we did not take the most direct route back (see my Garmin track)… but we were headed in the right direction and the scenery was amazing. By 3 PM we had completed the 10 mile loop and with the air conditioner in our cars running- in January!.. we drove to Canyon, Texas for burgers and shakes at the Rockin Zebra Soda Shoppe.
10 miles, 5.5 hour- You can view our trek by going to my Garmin map share page. https://share.garmin.com/MichaelBlanton