Austin Area TW Chapter (all gens welcome, even T4Rs; heck, just make it a Toyota and we're good)

It's actually a 3/4" breaker bar, which is why the step down to 3/8" causes problems. I needed it to tighten the rear axle nut on my s2000.

 

I've removed mine no problem with a 3/8 to 1/2 adapter and breaker bar.

 

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK

So this is a small write up for @OkAdventurist'15 or anyone else considering heading down to Big Bend National Park.

First of all, there are so many paved and maintained dirt roads in the park with access to more than enough scenic views and activities to last a lifetime. So don't let the lack of owning a 4x4 vehicle or even a high clearance vehicle discourage you. I've seen everything from minivans to fwd vehicles out there, even on the dirt roads, without any issue whatsoever. There are trails deeper in the park where 4x4 is recommended, speak to a park ranger at any of the many ranger stations about what trails your vehicle is capable of travelling. The rangers are some of the nicest people I've ever met, and they're always so eager to answer any questions.

The park is massive, whatever Google maps says your estimated arrival time is, expect to drive an additional hour to hour and a half before reaching your campsite location. The speed limit inside the park is 45mph in most places, try to maintain that speed because rangers do pull people over from time to time. I would encourage to split driving time between two people, switching every few hours. No matter how much you enjoy driving, you'll enjoy the trip better if you're not entirely drained upon arrival. Whether you're coming in from highway 20 or 10, don't let your vehicle fall under a quarter tank of gas during the trip down there, Texas towns can be far in between, don't risk running out of fuel.
Whether you need to or not, fuel up in Fort Stockton.
Top off your fuel tank in Marathon once again. While there are gas stations inside the park, they are both very far in between, and expensive as hell. Even fuel prices in Marathon is pricey, which is why fueling in Fort Stockton is must.

Carry additional fuel with you. Home Depot carries 5gal fuel cans for about $20, do it.

Carry a 5gal jug of water, even though there are places to obtain drinking water inside the park, remember that it is a desert and water is scarce at times. I usually take two 5gal jugs in addition to whatever is in my coolers.

If you'll be doing some backpacking, take a proper sleeping bag because it can and does get cold at night. If you're car camping, take additional blankets just because you can.

Take beer.

Don't drink and drive.

Go down to HOT SPRINGS on one of the nights but take no alcohol down there, the Rangers will find out, and you will be escorted out, if not arrested.

The Chisos Basin campgrounds and trails tend to be about 20 degrees cooler than the rest of the desert so they can be a great place to keep cool on hot days. Or hit some trails or any of the park roads and crank that A/C.

Use the provided bear box! There are bears that come out at night. But even during the day, keep food and coolers inside the bear box.

There is something for everyone to do no matter what you're into, unless you're dead inside. There is so much more I could mention but those are the basics for the most part.

 

Definitely and if you are adventurous stick to the dirt roads. They lead to amazing views and few people. I HIGHLY recommend attempting Black Gap Road. Beautiful and Had some pretty sweet rough spots, although nothing as crazy as what you can find at Hidden Falls.

 

@GoddardPool and @Beretta4x4 I really, really appreciate that. I am taking the soon to be fiance there to congratulate her on her graduation of undergrad and masters out of A&M. She's a country girl trapped in a business surrounding, so she's been asking for me to take her out. Making Big Bend our first major outing, so @GoddardPool and @Beretta4x4 I appreciate all of the insight. We look to be going late mid to late June so the cooler evening temperatures at night will be appreciated. I've got all of my personal equipment left over from Eagle Scout days and things I picked up throughout my college years. Just have to get her a pack and we will be golden.

As far as things from Lowe's and Home Depot, I am a manager at Lowe's here in Temple. So if you guys ever need to pick something up that cost a bit let me know and I can get ya'll a slight discount. Or if ya'll just need to know if we carry something I can answer that too, feel free to tag me and I check TW about once a day on days I'm working.

I really appreciate everything from the group already and look forward to putting faces to truck pictures and screen names before too long. Heading to Oklahoma to pick ol girl up tomorrow, so she will be making her maiden voyage to Texas on Sunday. Pics to follow.

 

@OkAdventurist'15 Aww man you're too nice, we don't expect anything in return. I think I speak for most Toyota Owners, Tacoma lovers, jeepers, Overlanders, off roaders, sand stompers, rock crawlers, backpackers, and desert wanderers; we just want to help others enjoy the same things that bring us joy.

Did I mention that I'm a carpenter by day and I've been eyeing a beautiful portable dewalt table saw which they happen to carry at my favourite hardware store along my favourite entry level kobalt mechanics tools?! Did I mention this?!

 

Hahaha no for some reason I didn't pick that up in your bio, however, it is good information to know! We sell that at Lowes ya know.. In case you had no idea about that.

I appreciate the enthusiasm from everyone to help, I'm definitely glad I found TW and this group specifically.

 

A discount would've made this feel better for sure. I was about an inch away from the bump stops with 47 boxes of wood floor and a table saw.

 

@Texoma the picture is a bit dark but is that flooring?

Edit: I'm an idiot in the mornings, of course you just said it was wood floor.

 

*sniff*

So much love in here...

 

I've got a kidney stone, again.

 

Why is the stupid jelly off-rhythm?? That's annoying.

 

Excuse me while I go find a jar of jelly to throw at a f***ing wall.

 

Oh, and that sucks about your kidney stone.

 

Yeah, the slow jam has always kinda bugged me. I kinda wish they were all off. it'd make the dancing as a group that much more realistic.

 

Slow jam.

Brilliant. He's just dancing to different music.

 

Bring plenty of water and plan your routes in the park so you can make pit stops at the scattered ranger station/stores. It was over 80 degrees during the day while I was there a couple weeks ago, so I can only imagine how hot it'll be during mid-summer.

 

Hey guys. Sorta new to TW and I'm from the Killeen area. Wondering if there are any meets going on anytime soon.

 

We should have one

 

I'd be down for sure!