Category: Texas

Reflections From 2018

2018 was an especially good year for travel. I was fortunate to be able to travel somewhere fun almost every month, both in the US and overseas.

Many of the locations that I visited were new to me, including a new continent-Africa. I also revisited some of my favorite cities-London, Istanbul and Washington D.C. I have written about my experiences for many of these destinations-but some are still sitting in my draft que, waiting to be finished (one of the resolutions for 2019 before I start traveling again).

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Looking for Things to do in Big Bend? – My 25 Big Bend Experiences to Inspire Your Next Itinerary

I think the Big Bend area of West Texas is an undiscovered jewel in our National Park system. My first visit was in 1990 and I loved it then and loved it even more on a recent trip in September which was a perfect time to explore the park. The weather was not super hot (low 80’s during the day) and it was not at all crowded since the busy season had not yet started. So, for those trying to figure out what to do in West Texas country, I am sharing my 25 favorite things to do in Big Bend to inspire your next trip itinerary to one of the least crowded National Parks in the lower 48 states.

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Terlingua and Lajitas – A Tale of Two Cemeteries

The historic west Texas towns of Terlingua and Lajitas share a common location as gateway towns for both Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. Though only fifteen minutes apart, their personalities are as distinct as their heritage. On my recent visit, I found that both towns are very much a reflection of their historic cemeteries: Terlingua is wild and woolly while Lajitas is more sedate and proper.

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Let My Big Bend Photography Inspire Your Next Visit

I have been posting many individual Big Bend photos from my recent visit to the Big Bend National Park area of Texas. I have gathered up 25 of my favorites into this one post for your enjoyment and reference.  So let my Big Bend photography inspire your next visit to one of my favorite National Parks.

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PhotoPOSTcard: Sotol Vista Sunset

Another great spot for watching the sunset in Big Bend National Park is the Sotol Vista viewpoint. When I got there just before sunset, I found that the area had recently experienced a wildfire. The ground was still charcoal black, many of the sotol plants were yellow and dried out, and there was still a slight burnt odor in the air. But none of this detracted from the view across the desert toward the Santa Elena canyon in the distance as the sun dipped below the clouds for a spectacular sunset. Make sure you catch a Sotol Vista sunset when you visit.

Thanks for visiting.

Rose

Please note that my visit to the Big Bend area was hosted by Visit Big Bend but all content is my own.

PhotoPOSTcard: The Other Big Bend Park – Big Bend Ranch State Park

Everything is bigger in Texas, so it should not be a surprise that a state park adjacent to Big Bend National Park contains almost 300, 000 scenic acres.  For almost 30 miles from Lajitas to Presidio, the El Camino del Rio, or River Road follows the meandering curves of the Rio Grande river.  Big Bend Ranch Sate Park offers camping, hiking and river rafting activities. No time for any of that? Then just a drive along this scenic route and enjoy an ancient volcanic landscape sculpted by wind and water.

Thanks for visiting.

Rose

Please note that my visit to the Big Bend area was hosted by Visit Big Bend but all content is my own

Big Bend Lodging: Finding Paradise in Eve’s Garden B&B

I like to find interesting and funky accommodations when I travel. That’s not saying that I don’t stay at chain hotels when I just need a quick night’s sleep as I move from one location to another. But when I want to experience the real personality of a destination, then I prefer to stay in a unique local establishment. My first night’s Big Bend lodging at Eve’s Garden B&B in Marathon, TX was one of the most unique, colorful and tasty stays I have ever had.

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PhotoPOSTcard: A Little Bit of Italy in Marathon, TX

No, this is not Italy – this is still Texas. The Gage Gardens in Marathon, TX is a beautiful garden in the middle of the desert. It’s a surprisingly green and lush landscape amid the dry native desert that surrounds it. The 27 acre garden includes ponds, walking and jogging trails and a nine hole putting green.

Thanks for visiting.

Rose

Please note that my visit to the Big Bend area was hosted by Visit Big Bend but all content is my own.

On the Trail to Balanced Rock in Big Bend – Taking a Hike Down Memory Lane

“I’m tired” whined my three-and-a-half year old son. He was dragging his feet and kicking up sand on the flat part of the Grapevine Hills trail to the Balanced Rock  in Big Bend National Park. As I trekked along the same trail 28 years later, I could still clearly hear his voice across time and space. How had the years flown by so quickly?

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PhotoPOSTcard: Balanced Rock Viewpoint

The balanced rock hiking trail is one of the most popular day hikes in Big Bend National Park, probably because it is fairly easy. The first 9/10 of a mile are level and only the last 2/10 require a scramble up and over rocky terrain. The reward is a lovely view across the desert toward the Chisos mountains through the “window” formed by a very large balancing boulder.

Thanks for visiting

Rose

Please note that my visit to the Big Bend area was hosted by Visit Big Bend but all content is my own.