Announcing Epic Road Trip 2009

On the eve of our attempt at conquering Driskill Mountain in Louisiana, the State Highpoint Tequila Team is pleased to announce plans for their next state highpointing adventure.  Summer 2009 will forever be immortalized by the completion of Epic Road Trip 2009.  The primary goal of this trip will be to complete an additional five state highpoints.  Wheeler Peak, New Mexico (13,161 ft.) and Mount Elbert, Colorado (14,440 ft.) are significant undertakings that will require considerable effort on the part of team members.  Mount Sunflower, Kansas (4,039 ft.) and Panorama Point, Nebraska (5,424 ft.) can simply be driven to.  Black Mesa, Oklahoma (4,975 ft.)   requires a rather flat 8.4 mile hike. 

 

Details of the road trip are in their very formative phase.  Expect the trip to take place in late June to early July.  We have a party of three adventurers tenatively scheduled but are certainly open to adding to that number.  We will base the trip from the DFW Metroplex.  Expect somewhat cramped and spartan conditions at times though no final decisions have been made with regard to accomodations.  Prior conditioning will be vital to the success of these attempts.  All of these hikes can be accomplished within a day but two are quite strenuous.  No special skills are thought to be necessary but a good deal of physical fitness and tenacity are suggested.  Note that Wheeler Peak and Mount Elbert are high enough that the elevation will certainly cause reduced performance.  Contemplated routes cover approximately 10 miles round trip while gaining 5,200 feet of elevation.  Necessary equipment includes comfortable hiking boots and a pack to carry items such as water and extra clothing.  Interested parties will be further advised regarding trip preparation.  In addition to the highpointing there will likely be some time spent in the Denver area since it is the most interesting place near the route.  

 

This trip will be an excellent opportunity to kill some time during a lazy summer.  If you are interested in making the trip with the team please get in touch with one of the State Highpoint Tequila Team members.