Our Beautiful Border (4/9/13-4/11/13)

Big Bend national park is on the southwest corner of Texas and named from the big bend in the Rio Grande that marks our national border.  I was shocked by the beauty of the desert in that area as we drove closer and closer to the park.  There were mountains on the horizon!  Woo Hoo! 

We spotted a road runner that crossed in front of our car...and just like the cartoon, hopped and ran, hopped and ran again.  Too cool! 

At 801,163 acres, Big Bend is the 8^th largest national park in the lower 48 states, and the 15^th largest in the U.S.  It wasn't even on our original list of parks to visit...but since we were so close, why not?  It was better than any surprise we could imagine.  The towering peaks of limestone were the backdrop of some fabulous photos and trails.  There were rolling hills filled with pretties beyond our imagination for this desolate area. 

We camped out for two nights.  The first night, we arrived at the park late and thought we could find camping close to the entrance.  We ended up miles into the park at the Rio Grande Village, right next to the river.  After waking up early to try to catch the sunrise on the river, we found a trail that walked us right along the river.  There's a town that you can throw a rock and it over the river.  And on the base of the US side, the people leave their crafts on rocks with empty jars to leave money in.  An interesting, and most likely illegal, form of international commerce.  We didn't partake in the buying and selling of goods, but took some photos.  Even along the trail, there were hand painted walking sticks for sale.  Quite enterprising, and I can't blame them for trying to capitalize on tourism too.  :)

One of the trails led to a fabulous hot spring right on the Rio Grande.  There was a tent set up on the Mexican side, and I bet they took advantage of the warm bath too.  It was a glorious soak, and much needed as there weren't shower facilities where we camped.  

We visited the Chisos Basin for lunch in a fancy restaurant located near the resort in the park.  After our burger fix, we explored more of the park.  When we set up camp for the second night, there wasn't a soul in sight, fabulous!  So, a nap was in order after setting up the tent.  Unfortunately we woke up to cars and voices...the cottonwood campground was filling up, booooo!  ;-)  That's ok, we had more to see and were only there to sleep. 

Ken found his spots to recreate some Ansel Adams shots.  We hiked, photographed and took in as much of this park as we could.  The owls serenaded us to sleep, and the little wild pigs woke us in the morning.  Rested up, in the morning we headed out towards the Guadalupe Mountains.