Parks and Paths

Desert Prickly Pear

Big Bend National Park is about 10 miles from our campground.  Today was an exploratory day.  We followed Hwy. 118 from Terlingua east to the Panther Junction Visitor's Center and on to the Rio Grande Village, then North to the Persimmon Gap Visitor Center.  We checked out a few sites, and made notes as to what we wanted to do and see for the next 5 days.  Dogs aren't allowed on trails, but since we were mostly in the car, Krikkit rode along.  Another National Park to scratch off!

The Persimmon Gap Visitor's Center was right next to the North Entrance where Pat had one more reminder of his age--the National Park Lifetime Senior Pass.  For a one time $80 fee you get into National Parks for free, reduced camping and other fees.  Corps of Engineers and some State Parks also honor it.  More than worth the price.

One of the premiere spots in the park is Chisos Basin.  Some good trails, sites, a lodge and the only restaurant in the park.  Definitely on our to-do list, but...  On April 8th, due to a fire, probably from a tossed cigarette or an illegal fire, the area  closed.  It's has affected 863 of the Park's total 800,000 acres.  As of today it is 65% contained.  They are projecting the earliest re-opening for next Weds. and we leave Thursday.  Fingers crossed!  We did notice smoke in that area.

Tomorrow is the Ross Maxwell Scenic drive that goes to the Castolon Visitor's Center and on to the Santa Elena Canyon Overlook, with trails on the route.

Flower of the prickly pear

Pat checking our RV Park board for our site number yesterday.

I love Road Runner Travelers RV Park.  They put us right next to the campground host so I'm not sure what that says.

Rainbow Cactus

Pat and I both thought it looked like a castle up on the rock side.

At Boquillas Canyon Overlook someone had their wares sitting there with a money can.

The Rio Grande, dividing the U.S.. and Mexico

A group was having a picnic on the Mexico side.

Boquillas Canyon

Caves in the canyon rocks

Last remaining piece of Curtis and Nina Hannold's homestead.  They came from Oklahoma in 1908.  In 1911 Nina died during pregnancy.

Water for our park is stored here and the campers can add their bit.  Since it's chalk markers I assume they erase it occasionally.

It looked like fun but I thought I should stay off of the ladder.