25-August-2017

I have seen mountains and canyons, but Big Bend, Texas was different. I am amazed that nature can still amaze me.

The entrance fee is $25, but on this day it was free. I was lucky enough to visit on National Park Service Founder’s Day. Dogs are not allowed on trails, so I did my sightseeing via car and many stops, since I had Xena with me. Also, before entering Big Bend National Park there were a few trails that allow doggos, so it was well worth the trip!

In the park flow two rivers, the Colorado River and the Rio Grande. There are many opportunities to view and hear both. As I mentioned in a previous blog, the rivers pour life into the desert. You will see so much greenery on the river banks.

Xena enjoyed the overlooks as much as I did. Though I will say, I tend to perceive scenery more with my eyes and Xena with her nose and ears. This was a scenario when she heard the water and wanted to see the source of the sound. She loves to swim, but these rivers have such a strong current.

Along this drive, I saw many jack rabbits and roadrunners. I saw one coyote slink across the road. **No, the coyote still hasn’t caught the roadrunner** There were several deer as well and for my first time ever, a small buck leaped across the road ahead of my car. This is why I recommend enjoying your drive and taking it slow.

Pictured above are the Chisos Mountains, which were formed by volcanoes and 1800 degree lava. The lowest point near the middle is called The Basin. The high peak on the right is the Ward Mountain and to the left is Vernon Bailey Peak.

It may be hard to see in the picture, but in front of the mountain are dikes. They are much lower to the ground and are created by magma chambers.

Pictured above are Mule’s Ears. They are a part of the Chisos Mountains.

Above you can get a glimpse of the Chihuahua Desert. Annually, it rains about 9.3 inches and yet the desert still sustains life.

Here is a beautiful, flowery desert plant. This plant is commonly known as candelilla or wax plant. The wax was once harvested to treat STDs in Mexico, but now the wax is used in cosmetics.

Lastly, I bring you to Mexico. Here are the Sierra del Carmen Mountains and Boquillas Canyon. You can hardly see the canyon entrance this far away as it is very small.

Here is a port of entry, you can go to the little Boquillas town in Mexico by canoe. In the picture above, you can see a break in the greenery, across the river, and there sits the canoe. In the upper right portion is a little bit of the town. I did not cross with Xena, but this border crossing point came to mind when I exited the park and went through customs and border protection. Be prepared to be stopped by border guards and their K9s. That is an experience in itself. Xena barked at the well-trained German Shepherd like she was the top dog in town!

A couple tips, I saw one gas station within the park–without any attendants–so I am not sure if it works. Be sure to fill your tank whenever you can. I drove from Marfa to Big Bend to Marathon all on one tank and I drove the entire National Park. I went in every direction, so you should be fine if you fill up before arrival. Be sure to have extra water and snacks, I saw none of this in the Park. All the visitor center shops were closed when I was there.

 Rae