Conquering the Chavez

Conquering the Chavez

My girlfriend Angie had a friend in from London who had seen our pictures and wanted to check out the Wichita Mountains for herself. We decided to take her on one of the toughest hikes in the refuge. We call it “The Chavez.” Eight of us went up. Five of us went it through The Water Caves. It started raining and the rocks became slick. De and Blake took off to rescue four UCO students stuck on the west side of Elk Mountain. I had to lead the group off the mountain. The six remaining hikers went through The Rock Rooms. My rope was being used on the rescue and the popular route down the mountain requires a rope at one spot. It was starting to rain again and the rocks would get slick again. I know a way down The Side that doesn’t require a rope. It’s a little intimidating. I’m sure all five of them were cursing my name, but we all made it safely down. I’m pretty sure all of us were bleeding a little. Randy brought Blake and De back to Post Oak. The rescue was a success. After six hours our friend from London went home with some scratches, bruises, and a glorious adventure. Ah, the dirtbag life.