Life is a patchwork of experiences
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.
Continue reading “Terlingua and Lajitas – A Tale of Two Cemeteries”
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.
Continue reading “Let My Big Bend Photography Inspire Your Next Visit”
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.
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
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.
Continue reading “Big Bend Lodging: Finding Paradise in Eve’s Garden B&B”
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.
“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?
Continue reading “On the Trail to Balanced Rock in Big Bend – Taking a Hike Down Memory Lane”
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.
I can’t resist a reflection photo when I see one, so I had to take this one of the canyon walls reflecting in the Rio Grande in Big Bend’s Santa Elena canyon area. The river was too high and the bank was too muddy to hike to the mouth of the canyon, so I had to be satisfied with this early morning view instead – not a bad alternative.
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.
In the historic Castolon district in Big Bend National Park , you can still view the remnants of human habitation and learn about the farming history that began here around 1900 and continued through 1961. The site also includes the remains of a military outpost that was built in 1916 in response to the revolution going on in Mexico at that time. The area is especially scenic with the 3000 foot Cerro Castellan Peak hovering over the terrain.
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.
