The MoBiles: Big Bend National Park, Texas-Rio Grande Village Campground

October 10-14, 2016

We spent a few VERY HOT days in Big Bend. Some afternoons the temperature reached 102! As such, we would mostly venture out in the early mornings and evenings to enjoy some of the beautiful scenery.

First, we checked out Boquillas Canyon.

And the Hot Springs. But sadly, the river was up and covered the springs. It fact it was flowing so forcefully, it sounded like an ocean.

These are some pictographs we saw on the way to the hot springs.

Then, we headed to Castolon and Santa Elena Canyon.

And since the river was running high and prohibited us from crossing to the trail in the canyon. One observer said to be careful because the mud was like quicksand. We witnessed this as a couple began to try and cross. The man quickly began sinking. Before the woman could even get close to him, he was in mud up to above his knees. With her help he pulled one leg out. Then, when trying to pull the other leg out, his previously freed leg disappeared again! He was free from the mud in the next attempt but then had to turn around and pull the woman out. Surprisingly, they did not give up then. I am not sure if they ever made it across but I did see them later in the park so at least I know they did not get swallowed up!

Next, was our trip into the little Mexican town of Boquillas (with a population around 100).

It was quite an experience and we had a great time. We walked to the river (through the port of entry) and hopped into a small aluminium boat that was paddled across by a Mexican.

There we met our guide, Alejandro and hopped onto burros and rode into town.

We practiced our Spanish skills since he spoke only a little English. I think we communicated quite well! He toured us around town showing us the school, hospital, water tower, hotel and restaurants. We also learned some interesting information like how they have no gasoline station or grocery store and must travel 3 ½ hours one way each week to get groceries (usually an overnight trip for them). Before 9/11, they were able to buy some of these things from the American side. And of course, 9/11 hurt their tourism business tremendously.

Then we had a relaxing lunch at one of the two restaurants. The owner was extremely friendly and we enjoyed our conversation with him.

We bought a few souvenirs then hopped back on our burros and headed back to the river crossing. The kids thought it was awesome!

Back in the park, we hiked to the Ernst Tinaja. This area was really beautiful!

Adding to the beauty, were the swarms of butterflies that we ran into at the little pools along the trails.

Our last day was spent in the Chisos Basin, which by the way is like 10-15 degrees cooler than the area where we were camping. We hiked the window trail then drove back to the campground.