October 14–17, 2026 | Davis Mountains State Park, Texas

Texas StrenFest V brought members of the Texas Region of The Strenuous Life together October 14–17, 2026, for four days in the Davis Mountains of West Texas. Based at Davis Mountains State Park, the gathering featured hiking, land navigation, a preparedness workshop, a visit to the McDonald Observatory, and some exploration of the region’s unique landscape. While attendance was smaller than in previous years, there was no shortage of good conversation, shared experiences, and lessons learned.

​

As it turned out, Mother Nature had a few activities of her own planned. Cold temperatures, strong winds, and a countywide burn ban challenged the group’s preparedness and flexibility. Some plans had to change, but those unexpected conditions became part of the experience and sparked some of the event’s most valuable discussions. In many ways, StrenFest V reminded us why we practice the skills and habits The Strenuous Life encourages in the first place.

 

Attendees

Brian Hart (@bhart), Chris Remmert (@longhornman), and Shawn Presley (@veterandaddfw)

 

Activities

Day 1: Wednesday, October 14

Brian and Chris arrived as the advance party and got to work establishing camp. With the campsite set up and preparations underway, Texas StrenFest V was officially off and running.

​

Day 2: Thursday, October 15

Brian and Chris spent part of the day hiking some of the park’s trails and exploring the surrounding terrain. Brian also prepared a land navigation course, but changing circumstances led to the event being scrapped.

Later that afternoon, Shawn arrived and joined the group. He led an informal mini-workshop on “get home bags," discussing the importance of having essential supplies available when unexpected circumstances leave someone needing to make their way home. He also distributed gear and supplies, adding a practical element to the group’s preparedness discussions.

​

Day 3: Friday, October 16

Brian and Shawn headed to the McDonald Observatory, where they attended a solar viewing and explored the facility’s main telescope arrays. The visit offered an opportunity to learn more about astronomy and the research conducted at one of Texas’s best-known observatories.

​

The two also took a scenic route through the Davis Mountains, examining the region’s distinctive geology and geography. The rugged terrain and unusual landscape provided plenty to see and discuss along the way.

Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans for the evening. Unfavorable weather forced the cancellation of the McDonald Observatory’s scheduled Star Party, one of the gathering’s most-anticipated activities.

​

Day 4: Saturday, October 17

Texas StrenFest V came to a close as the group broke camp, packed up equipment, and headed home. Despite the weather-related challenges and changes to the original plans, the gathering provided plenty of experiences and lessons to carry forward.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

​​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​​​Lessons Learned

One of the most valuable aspects of this year’s StrenFest was the in-depth conversations about preparedness, especially given the conditions we encountered.

​

The weather on Friday and Saturday turned cold and windy, with temperatures dropping below freezing. A countywide burn ban complicated matters by prohibiting campfires. Without the option of gathering around a fire for warmth, the group had to rely on the equipment and supplies they had brought.

​

These circumstances reinforced an important lesson: Texas weather can be unpredictable, even when you’ve planned. Conditions can change quickly, and the difference between being comfortable and miserable often comes down to having the right equipment and knowing how to use it.

​

The group discussed ways to improve preparations for future StrenFests, especially around unexpected weather, alternative ways to stay warm, and adapting activities when conditions interfere with original plans. These conversations led to a shared goal of being better equipped for whatever circumstances future gatherings might bring.

​

Ultimately, Texas StrenFest V offered more than a few days of camping and outdoor activities. It gave us a chance to put preparedness into practice, identify areas for improvement, and learn from one another. Although the weather changed some plans, it also gave the group something valuable to take home: a better appreciation for the importance of being ready for the unexpected.

​

And that’s very much in keeping with the spirit of The Strenuous Life.