The first time I ever heard about the Outer Mountain Loop was in connection with a hiker dying of thirst while trying to complete the route. I immediately became intrigued and semi-obsessed. I had to learn all about I could about the route - and then complete it.
A few months later, Melissa and I visited her mother's house for the holidays. I brought along my Big Bend book and started reading about the linked trails that comprise the OML. Early one morning, I had to take Logan outside. A jogger ran by; I hate running. I thought to myself, I'd rather walk 30 miles than run 2.
As coincidence had it, the OML is a little more than 30 miles. As more coincidence had it, Chris also wanted to complete the OML. So did our father, David, and Nate. JMan was a 95% probability - but only because he got to dig catholes.
Plans were made, vacations were scheduled, and campsites were reserved. How I got permission to be gone New Year's Eve, I'll never know. I do, however, know it'll be the last time for a very long while. A very long while.
Three days before we were schedule to leave, I came down with either food poisoning or the most powerful 48-hour flu I'd ever developed. I was truly worried that I would have to back out of the trip but then I got my strength and appetite back. My dad, however, developed the same symptoms on the morning of the hike and he, unfortunately but probably for the better, was forced to pull out.
With almost a week's time to put everything in perspective, I offer the following highlights:
- This hike was much tougher than anticipated. I knew it would be difficult but I had no idea how draining it would be. To make conditions even more difficult, a cold front blew in on the 31st and made hiking, sleeping, and just being outdoors the next few days difficult. To complicate matters, the last day and a half provided wonderful weather. In fact, the last day held a high in the low 70's and I got a bit sunburned.
- JMan, without any other evidence to the contrary, was the first to complete the OML in 2008. Not bad for a 7 year old kid who started and ended each day with an empty stomach.
- All our other hikes have been destination hikes. Meaning, we hiked a good distance in order to set camp and observe something specific at the end of the trail. The OML is more marathon-like in that hiking is the primary activity and camping is only a temporary interlude from waking up and hiking some more. Sure, there are magnificent views, but they were part of the process, not the target goals.
- As usual, the MVP of personal items of the trip was my Carmex. Without it, I would have been utterly miserable. Still, it in no way compares to Fresno Creek.
- Ten to twelve hours inside a dark tent is a long time. Especially when only five to six are spent sleeping. You better be sure to remember where you left your headlamp.
- I can't help but to occasionally wonder about the two college kids who bailed out at Homer Wilson and didn't complete the last nine miles. How do you go back home?
- Thank you, J.K. If we ever meet up, the first several glasses of water are on me.
