Big Bend

We only spent what amounted to a full day or so at Big Bend, but we got to see and do a lot. We entered near the Persimmon Gap visitor's center, so that was our very first stop within the park, just to see what the ranger thought we should see and do. We had actually entered here the night before, but that's where we found out the campgrounds were full. On our way in that night, though, I saw a peregrine falcon, and we got to see four javalinas crossing the road! No pictures, but it was pretty darn to see them!

Ocotillo

Yucca

After talking with the ranger and getting set up with the Jr. Ranger booklets, we set out for the Santa Elena canyon. We stopped along the way for pictures and hikes. When we went to Panther Junction visitor's center, we learned about a lot of different cacti that we saw all over the park. Ocotillo and prickly pear are all over the park. We liked to see the century plant, which does NOT live to 100, but does take an awful long time to flower, and then dies right after that.

Dinosaur Fossil Exhibit

They asked that all guests not post pictures of the dinosaur exhibit until after January 14th, which is when their grand opening is. But if you're in the area on the 14th or after, check it out. It really was a very cool exhibit. It's an open air exhibit, which works great every day except the day we were there. 30 degrees and howling wind. Cold as can be. But we did love seeing it, just didn't stay long!

Homer Wilson Ranch

We took the short hike out to the Homer Wilson Ranch. The structure is still in really great shape, and it was a very pleasant walk. It was down in a valley, so the wind was not as fierce. By the time we headed back to the car, our winter coats felt ridiculous to us. But then at the car, we all wanted them back on!

Mule Ears

We stopped just to see Mule Ears. Bill tried to line me up just so, and G followed suit on my camera. I look like I'm sporting devil's horns!

Bill at the Rio Grande

Hike to the Canyon

The hike to the canyon took us through trees and on sandy soil. It was a fun hike, but we did have a few falls. The incline was a bit steep, so Bill and I felt that in our knees and hips. Oish. We got to walk right alongside the river, and not a one of us fell in. Not for lack of trying. It was a great hike with a lot of great pictures. Check this hike out, it's just really cool. And the canyon wall to the far left? That's Mexico. I breathed Mexican air, even if I didn't feel Mexican soil.

Sun Almost Gone

Sunset

Taking pictures at sunset is always a bit tricky. The Chisos mountains are so pretty with the setting sun, it was challenging to find exactly which area would be best for a picture. It was definitely worth driving through the park at night in order to see this! On our way through the park at night, we also saw an animal. We're not sure what it was--coyote? Mountain lion? Who knows? If only I had gotten a picture, because memory fades quickly!

Coyote

But we did get to see a coyote up close and personal as we were leaving the park. This guy was just walking the road. Did not care one lick that cars were trying to drive. So we took pictures as he sauntered by us. As we watched in the mirrors, he got right behind our car and just walked in the middle of the road away from us. We also got to see a roadrunner right before the border patrol stop. So cool!!!!