BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK

Feb. 9

Big Bend National Park was established in 1944; it's the largest, least visited, and most remote National Park in the lower 48 of the U.S.  It's located in southwest Texas where the Rio Grand River makes a U-turn and defines the border between Mexico the United States.  After driving 60 miles from Marathon, TX we reached the Park entrance; we drove another 40 miles to the campground.  The Chihuahuan desert and rugged Chisos Mountains contain beautiful volcanic rock formations and canyons, and are home to 1,200 plant species -- some found nowhere else.  It takes some tough and determined people to survive on this harsh weather-beaten desert!

This afternoon we drove to Boquilles Canyon Overlook and hiked down to the Rio Grand River.  Apparently, the villagers from Boquillas, Mexico come across the Rio Grande and set up self-serve/honor system craft "booths".  There are signs in the Park warning that it's illegal to purchase items from Mexican Nationals.

Price list for Art Crafts

Craft items for sale.  The brown jar is where you put your donation.

Down by the river, entertainment was provided by an enterprising guy, "Victor The Singing Mexican", as the sign on the donation jars read.  He greeted us with "Hola, Amigos!  You like song?"  Jim gave him a buck. 

Cooling my feet in the Rio Grande!

A Mexican cowboy chasing down some illegal immigrant horses that got across the river.
You can see Victor in the blue shirt to the left.  Also notice the hazy air.

The wind started to gust turning the air brown and hazy, and sending sand and dirt into my nose, ears, mouth and eyes.  Holy Hannah, I lost my hat! We heard some of the wind gusts  were up to 70 mph.

Next we drove to the Hot Springs Historic District and walked past the abandoned store/post office and tourist motor court, then continued on the trail to the healing waters of the 105 degree natural hot springs which empty into the Rio Grande River.  The foundation of the old bath house is all that remains of this tourist attraction built in 1927; a flood took it out in 1932.

Definitely coming back with my swimsuit!

Feb. 10
Today we took a scenic drive to the east side of the Park.  we missed a turn and ended up leaving the Park.  Down the road we turned around at the town of Turlingua school.

I think this is the "naughty chair".  It was sitting across the road from the school.

Reentering the Park, we continued our drive through this scenic area, stopping along the way to admire the views and take some short hikes along the trails.

Saint Elena Canyon

The cactus should be blooming in May.

Feb. 11 - CHISOS BASIN
The road to Chisos Basin is not recommended for trailers longer than 20 feet, or RV's longer than 27 feet because of the sharp curves and steep grades.  The scenic vistas are spectacular!  The small campground at Chisos Basins is nestled in an area surrounded by grand mountains and views.  Not far from this campground is a lodge and restaurant.  There have  been several Mountain Lion sightings in the area.

Looking down to Chisos Basin Campground.

Another scenic vista!

 We stopped at the Hot Springs and had a soak on our way back to the campground.  Hallelujah!  WE ARE HEALED!  Tomorrow we leave for New Mexico.