Sat, April 24, 2010

We’ve always been somewhat lucky with the weather when we travel… we do adjust our destinations often based on the weather but still have had many more almost perfect days than not.  Today was definitely one of those days.  We knew the temperature in Big Bend would be cooler than normal and it was… the high was about 72 for the day vs the usual 95 or up and we were able to explore very comfortably. 

Big Bend is not a heavily visited park and its beauty is all nature.  There are mountainous areas up in the Chisos Basin area but we planned to spend the day in the lower desert elevations since the weather was so favorable.  With the cooler temperatures and a little bit of wind the park was as clear as we have ever seen it.  There are lots of huge vistas in Big Bend and when it is hot it can be very hazy.  Today was the exception!  We entered the park from the west side and took the first dirt road (Old Maverick Road) that runs down the western border of the park about 14 miles to Santa Elena canyon, the Rio Grande river and Mexico.   As soon as we turned south we could clearly see Santa Elena canyon… very unusual… and it was as beautiful as we have ever seen it.  The desert of Big Bend is home to more cacti species than any other park and it shows.  A variety of species were blooming depending on what elevation of the park we were in.  It’s like finding a jewel when you see one.  The prickly pear were just beginning to bloom but we didn’t see any in full bloom. 

As I mentioned already Big Bend is not the most popular park but once you have spent some time there you fall in love with the remoteness, the harshness, the diversity (there are basically three regions of the Big Bend… the mountains, the desert and the river area) and the beauty, especially in the early morning and the late afternoon is awesome.  Not everyone develops an appreciation for Big Bend.  I love to read quotes from early settlers, explorers etc… and have to share this one with you.  A reporter who accompanied a 1916 military expedition into the Big Bend region of Texas described the area in the following terms, "The country isn't bad. It's just worse. Worse the moment you set foot from the train, and then, after that, just worser and worser."  I guess I’m really glad that everyone doesn’t appreciate Big Bend… the immense solitude is one of the nicer qualities of time spent wandering the park.

From Santa Elena canyon and the river we took the Ross Maxwell drive back up to the north central portion of the park.  About halfway up is the Sotol overlook where you can probably see 50 miles in practically any direction.  There we enjoyed a picnic lunch and plotted the afternoon’s route.  The park has more than 150 miles of dirt roads and even after our many trips we have not covered them all yet.  For the afternoon jaunt we decided on the Glenn Springs road which ties up with the River Road east.  This added up to about 25 miles of dirt road and some of it rather rough but it was beautiful.  The first section we met a couple of cars full of photographers… we tend to get really excited about blooming  cacti and this section of road had plenty to shoot.  However, as we made our way toward the river road we didn’t see another soul.  After a quick trip to Rio Grande Village to get a coke we headed back up the paved road to Panther Junction (park headquarters) for a quick stop and then made the drive back to Alpine as the sun set. 

We are tired but happy campers tonight!  It was another perfect day on the road.  Hope you all are well. 

Peace,

Donna, Charles, Paris & Dodger

Comments

[Mike Crosby]

'Love the website. This works great for viewing pictures and reading the journal. Easier than email - I don't have to save pictures, etc.

I'm glad you could get away, but a bit jealous.

Have fun!

Love y'all, Mike