South Rim Trail via Laguna Meadows and Boot Canyon

Comments: My father (60 years old) and I departed the Basin at 0800 with a slight (we thought) chill in the air. We were dressed in typical hiking gear (shorts and a long sleeve t-shirt). The previous day's weather reported stated it would be in the 50's in the morning warming up to the 70's. Well, we thought even if it is off by a bit, we are good to go. WRONG! About an hour down Laguna Meadows Trail, the wind started blowing 30 to 40 miles per hour, and our extremities were starting to become numb. The whole time, we are thinking, "Damn, this doesn't feel like 50 degrees?!?". In usual male fashion, we trudged ahead with our heads down and hands in pockets (not a comfortable way to hike at all). We passed a few other hikers who graciously pointed out that the temperature was actually in the 30's without the wind chill effect. That was nice of them since we were at hour 2 of 6.5. They also looked at us like we were "those" hikers. You know the ones that are woefully unprepared for the weather. Oh well, we made it the South Rim, took our pictures and found a rock to shelter against int he sun. When we regained feeling in our extremities (all of them we decided, to make the return, all the while tricking ourselves into thinking, "It's going to be warmer on the return trip!" At this time, we got the bright idea to put our extra socks on our hands (See we had extra socks, but no jackets, Brilliant!). This made life and hiking much more pleasant as made down the Pinnacles trail in 1:48. (NOTE: The next day we made it UP the Pinnacles in 1:49, 1 minute slower. I am still trying to figure that one out; it defies all laws of physics.) All in all this is the premier hike at Big Bend and a must for any visit, but be wary of the weather and take jackets, etc. in the winter. Please use our stupidity to enhance your hike. Cheers.