The Desert, the Mountains, the River

Leaving for Arizona tomorrow

We were in Terlingua, TX just a few miles from Big Bend National Park for 7 days in late February.  We had never heard of this National Park before but we absolutely loved it.  The Rio Grande runs along the south of the Park and takes a big bend - hence the name Big Bend.
We took several hikes and saw so much beauty!

The Desert

Purple Prickly Pear

Century Plant

Buckhorn cactus

Yucca Plant

The Mountains

The River

We took a few really great hikes.

Last few steps of Iron Mine Trail

Iron Mine Trail

Santa Elena Canyon Trail

Off-roading to Santa Elena

Tuff Canyon Trail

Grapevine Hills Trail - Balanced Rock

Boquillas Canyon Trail

Burro Mesa Pouroff(dry falls)

Window View Trail

We were also lucky enough to take a great canoe trip down the Rio Grande.

One of the stops on the canoe trip was the Hot Springs of Big Bend.

The Big Bend National Park was created by FDR in the 1940s.  Before then, people lived and ranched on this land.  Senators used to frequent the Hot Springs pictured above so a small village was created.  Many of the buildings throughout the Park were destroyed after it was created until it was realized these buildings may have historical value.  So what remains are some of the ruins.

General Store

Post Office

Hot Springs Motel

Dorgan Home (ranchers)

And a flower in the desert.