Big Bend, Texas

[Kevin]

Bob Wright posted a picture yesterday of Boquillas Mexico, and crossing the Rio Grande with donkeys. My dad was a college professor and one of his classes was a block class of environmental studies. We would drive to Big Bend in Texas and camp and float down the river on the years there was enough water. And we would always go across the river to Boquillas. Dollar tacos and they have a bar.

Big Bend is unique in several ways. It is the only national park with a mountain range entirely within the boarder. Also, the mountain range goes East-West, not North-South, which is not at all common.

We went down there I guess 7 years ago. At the time it wasn't allowed to go across to Boquillas, so we just went on some hikes etc. Here are some pictures.

Here is the road in West Texas looking South towards Big Bend, South of Fort Stockton.

Here is Santa Elena Canyon, looking West, so Mexico is to the left. It's the Santa Elena Mountains.

Here is a view looking South across the river by Boquillas

The Rio Grande

The river isn't very wide in spots, here's my daughter trying to start an international incident.

This was on the road up to the Basin. It's a hotel and campground in the park, with a bunch of hiking trails.

Here are only three pictures I could find from the days of those field trips we took.
I'm the good looking one on the end ....WITH THE HAT! This was in Boquillas at the local watering hole.

Here's my dad, This wasn't in Boquillas, but in some other little village also across the river, but up near Santa Elena Canyon. I simply cannot remember the name though.

One of the locals.

 

[Poco Oso]

Great pics Kevin. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Tensaw]

Yes great pictures and story. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Kevin]

Thanks, Big Bend has always been one of my most favorite places in the world.

 

[Cholo]

Really cool, Kevin! I first spent a few days there while on my bike in the summer of '10. I liked it so much that I went back with my sister in '11. It's def. one of my favorite NP's.

I'm envious that you've been to Boquillas, MX. Both times I wanted to wade across that river because I've never been to MX. Cool pic of your daughter. I'd have crossed it with her, for her benefit ya know

 

[Bob Wright]

Kevin,

Appreciate those photos. I remember very distinctly that one building there with the arches, but the columns were bare when we were there.

And interesting story: We were in Marathon, at the Gage Motel, when I met an old gentleman. Got to talking to him and he told me a lot of stories of old time Texas. Also told me the Government had bought their ranch To make up Big Bend National Park. He began to get repetitive, and I began to wonder about his stories. Back at the motel I asked about him. The clerk said, "That's old Mr. Green. Yep, his stories are true, but he does ramble a lot."

The next time we were there, we went to the Dugout Wells area and there was a newly erected sign with an old photo on it. It read "The Green family home."

As near as I can make it, he was about 91 at the time I met him.

Bob Wright

 

[Bob Wright]

And, one more Big Bend story:

We had noticed that it was a long grade from the park headquarters to the old Mineral Wells area. I commented that once out in California, we coasted down a long grade and it was nine miles before we had to use the accelerator. So we made it up to coast from the headquarters down toward the Mineral Wells. We coasted until I had to give the car some gas. The distance: fourteen miles!

Bob Wright

 

[Bob Wright]

Yet another story from the Big Bend area:

We, Nita and I, were staying at the Big Bend Motor Inn in Study Butte, Texas. It was October, and Columbus Day was approaching. I needed to cash a traveler's cheque, so I asked the clerk at the motel:

"Monday is Columbus Day. Are the banks going to be open?"

The reply: "BANKS? We ain't got no banks. What you want a bank for?"

"Well, I need to cash a traveler's cheque, as I need some cash."

"Oh! Well,for that, we use the restaurant. They'll take care of you."

At that time, the nearest bank was in Alpine, Texas. A resident told me it used to take him one week to do his banking. Two day's ride there, one day for banking, and two day's ride home.

Last time I was there they did have an ATM.

Me and a little mare named "Fancy" near Study Butte. I'm the one with the hat.

Bob Wright

 

[Kevin]

Wow! Yes Bob, I’ve been to Dugout Wells, that is incredibly cool you met Mr. Green. I have heard the gov’t bought up some private land to create the park. I know it used to be a place where people would go to soak in natural hot springs. There is still a hot tub off the beaten path down by the river.

Plus, you know the Gage Hotel is now a very upscale hotel. I guess it’s really, really expensive. I’m not sure if it’s always been like that or not. I’d love to stay there, but can’t afford it.

On one of the field trips, we did stay at the hotel used in one of the chainsaw massacre movies.

You’ve got some great stories, thanks for sharing.

 

[WendyZXZ]

Those are great pictures, love the bear family!

 

[loiblb]

What alwas gets me is how void of any noise it is in the park.

 

[arfmel]

And the stars... I spent many a night sleeping in the open in the Big Bend. You can see clouds of stars you wouldn’t believe if you’ve never been that far from city lights.

40 years ago you’d about have the park to yourself at Christmas time. Now there are times that there’s a line of cars at the entrance, waiting to get in.

 

[exavid]

It's nice to get away from crowded spaces. I could read a newspaper by starlight in the winter nights Kotzebue, AK. I really miss seeing the Milky Way and so many of the constellations and of course the Northern Lights which were really something to see. I've driven and motorcycled through West Texas, interesting country, seems most anyplace that doesn't have a lot of people is good for the soul.

 

[mexicanjoe]

It sure is a nice place to go....However during the International Chili Cook off in Lajitas is a different time and place..5- 15,000 people in differing states of inebriation... Mr Allee, a retired Texas Ranger, was in charge that day..... He asked us to enforce 2 rules: don't let then kill each other, and don't let them drive drunk...... I manned a check point and slept outside in my departmental SUV and enjoyed it.

My family hails from a small village near the Sierra Madres North of Chihuahua.... I spent many nights there without benefit of electricity, or any modern amenities. Ive woke to the wound of a rooster crowing, a river flowing and the smell of fresh air... A horseback ride into the backcountry with my boyhood cousin........ I do miss those days.. Everyone should experience the Big Bend country once in their life... it is a life changing experience, trust me or my name aint mexicanjoe.

 

[LuckenbachTexas]

But 350 miles north of there are real mountains with snow caps and trees.

Nice pics though.

 

[jimd441]

Big Bend was my introduction to the West 43 years ago and remains one of my favorite places.

Jim

 

[Armybrat]

Wonderful pictures & stories... thanks all!

I’ve lived in the Austin area for 61 years since moving here after my Dad retired from the US Army. Love Texas, but it’s hard to believe I have never been to Big Bend!

 

[mikewriter]

Many years ago I bought 40 acres of land - cheap - near Study Butte. Interesting area, hardly ANYTHING out there! Quiet, clear night skies - LOTS of stars. Haven't been out there in years, but would like to go back, see if it's changed any?

Mike Holmes

 

[arfmel]

Study Butte has changed a lot over the past 40 years. You would be surprised.

 

[mikewriter]

I'd like to go check it out!

Mike