25-August-2017

As Hurricane Harvey threatened the coast of Texas, I left San Antonio just before the tropical storms hit. My first adventure was Big Bend National Park. My departure point was from Marfa, Texas. I took FM 170, which I once read was named by National Geographic as the most scenic drive in the U.S.

I made two stops to hike with my dog named Xena on this route. The first is Hoodoos-Balancing Rock Trail. The view even from the parking area is magnificent. The Colorado River roars, the mountains have rays of sunlight bouncing off them creating colorful splashes of light and shadow, and the big rocks at the bottom balance gracefully.

The trail splits, one goes up and the other goes down. We hiked both. I would like to point out that it had just hit about 88 degrees when we arrived. I felt the rocks, throughout the hike, with my palm to make sure it was not too hot for my dog’s paws. They were just warm, but if you bring your dog and it is hotter be aware that without doggy boots, the ground may hurt your dog’s paws.

Taking the trail down, we got a close up with the balancing rocks and Colorado River. You will noticed how much greener it is near the water. The River pours life into the desert, it is miraculous!

From the overlook trail, you have spectacular views. Even high up, you can still clearly hear the Colorado River working its magic.

The balancing rock above provided some shade on the other side. As you can see, the rivers running through Big Bend are the life force. Luscious greenery grows by the river while the rest of the desert maintains lower maintenance growth.

View of the mountains from the bottom, pictures really do not do it justice.

 xo Rae xo