The weather had definitely turned warmer. On two of our evenings at Terlingua Ranch, I was able to sit outside and bask in the sun with my glass of wine until the sunset - what a treat! Scott had several political meetings and was able to get enough wifi up at the Bad Rabbit Cafe to attend. We had breakfast there each morning so we could catch up on our emails. On our second day at Big Bend National, we drove up the narrow winding road to Chisos Basin. A lot of work is being done on the road so we had to wait in line for a while until it opened up. This area contains camping spots, a store/cafe, and a motel-type lodge. The Basin Loop Trail was perfect for us - 1 mile up and 1 mile down. At this altitude 2-3 miles is plenty for the two of us. The scenery was spectacular and it was perfect weather for hiking - bright sunshine and about 68 degrees.
In the afternoon we drove down to the Rio Grande Village, another campsite and store along the river, and enjoyed a picnic at a beautiful spot under old Cottonwood trees. At the ranger's suggestion, we drove down to Boquillas Canyon. Before COVID visitors with a passport could cross over to Mexico here. It is now illegal to cross and to buy souvenirs. But we couldn't resist buying something at one of the two spots where a group of hand made items were piled up with a bottle to deposit the payment. They were right at official spots and demonstrated hard work and initiative on the part of some Mexican artists. Signs were posted along all the highways in southern Texas warning of livestock in the road and on the way down to Terlingua we passed through a herd of burros. But the panhandlers on this road took the cake. A group of horses (who had crossed over from Mexico) blocked the road and begged for treats! One horse put his head right in our window.
It was a long drive back to our trailer at the ranch. Happily, I have a selection of meals frozen while in Dallas so it's easy to put dinner on the table. Our trailer has a 3 burner stove with an oven and a microwave (only usable when we have electricity). We also brought a toaster, bread machine and Instapot. All the conveniences of home!
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| Views from our hike in Chisoa Bain |
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That's the trail on the right - well marked and
gradual. |
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The highest mountain here is 7,800 feet and the
Basin itself is at 5,134. |
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| The view across the dessert on the way to the Rio Grande Village on the river. |
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| Horses stop traffic for a handout |
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| They looked very healthy! |
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| A view of the river |
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Scott and the souvenir pile We got one fo the
walking sticks. |
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