Big Bend National Park

We stayed at a beautiful farm/inn at Albuquerque (Los Poblanos) that was a real treat after the hotel just outside of the Grand Canyon.  The room was comfortable, complete with a real fireplace, and the breakfast we had the next day was just awesome.

We knew we had another long day in the car to get to Ft. Davis, TX.  As soon as we finished breakfast, we loaded up and hit the road.  We were going to go to Carlsbad Caverns National Park on our way through, but due to icy road conditions, the park was closed (good thing I checked).  Instead, we made a short stop at White Sands National Monument on our way through, and then proceeded on to Ft. Davis.

We got in around 9:30 pm, with the last few miles slowing us down due to icy roads, but nothing major.  That would not be true the next day, when we drove the two hours south to Big Bend National Park.  We had to pass through Alpine, TX.  Apparently winter can hit this place hard, as the roads were nightmarish, and stayed that way for a good 30-40 miles past Alpine.  Interestingly enough, we took a different route home from Big Bend to Alpine, and the roads were pristine clear until literally we turned a corner into Alpine, and the freakish icy roads returned.

Big Bend National Park, itself, was pretty spread out.  The Chisos Mountains had a band of frosty/icy conditions on the plants, but shortly after lunch that quickly melted away.  We even found a place where some flowers were blooming.

I had wanted to see Santa Elena canyon (to the left), where the Rio Grande exits a narrow canyon.  I think it is more of a sunrise place, but still pretty, nonetheless.

From there, we made our drive back to Ft. Davis, and eventually survived the trip home.  I forgot to mention that gas was sold out in Alpine, so we had to wait until Ft. Stockton; even then, the first place we went to was also out of gas.  That was not a good feeling - though luckily the next exit had gas (and was doing brisk business).

Well, back to the books for me.  Cheers!

Marc