I didn’t have to get naked anywhere today, thank goodness! But, I thought I’d take a second and explain the jackets, the hats, the vest, and the long pants.
I thought once we got to Big Bend the weather would be hot. Well, it’s not, although we’re pretty far south – I mean I can see Mexico. But, the days tend to start out a little chilly and the wind is always blowing. The High Country of the park can be 20 degrees cooler than the rest of the area. The further down into a canyon you go it can hot and it’s better to layer up than be left in need of clothing.
Today, our choice was to take the route to Castolon Visitor Center and take a side trip to the High Country. 24′ RV’s are all that are allowed in the high country because you go through a series of tough switchbacks getting up there. But once there – the views are magnificent. Roughly 6,000′ in elevation and yes, it was 20 degrees cooler than where we started from.
As you climb into the mountains the vegetation changes dramatically!
Pictures can’t do this view justice at all! Take my word for it – it is absolutely epic! Put Big Bend on your Bucket List, for sure!
There’s a handicap accessible path to walk out on (it’s concrete) and this is where that view was!
The views just don’t stop! After looking star-struck for over an hour we decided to get back on track to Castolon Visitor’s Center. This Visitor Center was actually an old fort and some of the original structures were still there.
On the way to the Visitor Center we ran across a marker that was talking about the Homer Wilson Ranch.
Can you believe this was actually a working homestead up until 1945. There is absolutely nothing around this place and I have to wonder how the owners got supplies. I mean, some stuff you can make yourself or grow yourself but you still need supplies. It amazes me when I see places like this.
So, Trapper took the hike down to the homestead and I stayed behind, hanging out at the water cache. What’s a water cache, you ask?
I looked inside and there were gallons of water with dates and last names written on them. We ran in to four hikers that had been out on a 3 day hike and they explained that for the hikers, they scout their trail ahead and leave water in these bear proof boxes. They fill up their bladder tanks at each cache and keep on hiking. Interesting.
We finally make it down to the Rio Grande to Santa Elena Canyon. A 1500′ canyon wall separating the US and Mexico. What an experience looking at what nature has created. Enjoy the pictures.
We made our way back to the campground and it seems that every night all the campers would converge and talk about what they did that day. It was fun hearing of different places and experiences and getting to know our neighbors.
Tomorrow we’re off on the last leg of our Big Bend journey. Stay tuned!