Big Bend National Park - Along the Back Roads

For years I have wanted to drive through the
back roads of Big Bend and didn't have
the time or the right vehicle to do so.
On this trip time & auto was right,
but what the hell are two old people doing
driving through the badlands?!?

The first view after getting off the main road
is the back side of some of the Chisos Mountains.

As you can see the day was perfect.
It was clear and cool.
No chance of heat stroke if we get into trouble.

This is spectacular country... in every direction.
However, even a chigger couldn't make a living out here.
Desolate.

We did happen upon one patch where a seep or perhaps
a spring exists where small trees grow along the gully.

A previous traveler left this mark.

Glenn Springs Road

Rough, wash-board, rutted roads.
We were forced to travel at 5 to 10 MPH (miles per hour)
most of the day.
It took the better part of 3 hours to travel 30 miles.

Finally we reach civilization at Rio Grande Village.
Here folks camp along the Rio Grande
where the Daniel's Ranch once stood.
Grass and cottonwoods were planted by the settlers
which made this a livable area.

Silhouette

The mountains in the distance are part of
Boquilles Canyon.

Coyote visiting the area
he knows where food can be found.

The Rio Grande in the distance at Boquilles Canyon.

Only a few years ago people visiting this part of the park
could wave at the townspeople of Boquilles, Mexico.
They would then come over in a flat boat and take the
visitors across the river to their village.
It was special, but no one knew how special until now.
Now the park department buys wares such as walking sticks
from the villagers and sells them at the shops
because it would be illegal to buy from the villagers.
See the attached link to visit Boquilles
and a tradition that is lost.

To be continued...