Roadrunner!

When we first got to Big Bend we were so exited to see the roadrunners all over the place. Now we don't go more than a day without seeing one.

I (Lupe) came home for lunch as I do most days. When I was heading out to go back to work I stopped in my tracks when I saw this roadrunner on the truck.

I thought he was going to run off but he did not.

Turns out he wanted to get in the truck with me to go to work. 

He struggled to get in but could not make it in.

He was not happy when I jumped in the car and did not let him in.

They look cute but every time I see one it reminds me of this scene from Jurassic Park: Lost World.

"If you don't know what happens you need to watch the movie."

Our First 2018 hike in the Chisos, the Lost Mine Trail

Our first hike in the Chisos Mountains during our 2018 stay at Big Bend happened during the two days we were camping at the Basin Campground.  We knew we wanted to hike while up there but weren't sure which one we had time for.  

We did the Windows Trail and (secret) Falls trail in 2014 but never got to the Lost Mine trail.  Lost mine is known for having incredible views of the Chisos most of the way up and that was absolutely true!  The hike took about 3 hours and we ascended about 1800 feet to about 6800 feet in elevation.  

We camped at the Chisos basin campground for two days so we'd be near the hike, and hiked the Lost Mine trail early in the morning to avoid the heat of mid-day.

Here's a photo of the great view from the top. Bliss Moment! 

Here's the photo album of the hike

Boquillas Canyon Hike 2018

This is our second time hiking Boquillas Canyon, the first time was in 2014 when we camped for a week in the Chisos Mountains.

Boquillas Canyon is about 6 miles from where we live in the park

We typically start our hikes early in the day, since we are here in Summer.  The mornings in Big Bend are beautiful, cool and sometimes breezy.  So, hiking early is the thing to do when it's hot.

Rio Grande overlook about 1/2 mile into the canyon hike

Boquillas is one of the 3 major canyons in Big Bend National Park; the other two being Santa Elena and Mariscal Canyons. According to the Texas State Historical Association, the word Boquillas means "little mouths" in Spanish.  This probably refers to Boquillas Cayon's relatively narrow canyon mouth.

The mouth of the Canyon

There is lots of brush at the beginning of the hike

Hiking in we found the ever-present, hand-made metal art left by Mexicans from across the river. Some of the stuff is really nice and you want to buy it (they leave a jar for money), but the park says it's illegal to do so.  So, no goodies on this trip. Maybe we'll get some in Boquillas (the city across the border) which is legal.

Mexican trinkets for sale along the trail

We were so lucky this time to see horses in the canyon across in Mexico. Walking along the river we saw a group of mares with their foals.

Another group of hikers in the water started walking towards them and the horses spooked and crossed the river to our side.

A friendly Mexican man met later, named Jesus, crossed over himself, followed the horses and chased them back over to the Mexican side.

When we reach the end of the hike into the canyon where the trail ended at the water, there was a beautiful rock wall I may investigate further next time.

Lava rock wall

Panorama looking back from the end of the trail

You can find the photo album for this trip here.