At the McDonald Observatory
Just got back home from my eight day trip to Big Ben. My husband and I woke up early on October 1 and headed off to Balmorhea State Park. This park is know for its spring fed pool. The water is a constant 72 – 76 degrees. We arrived early evening – just enough time to take a quick dip in the pool with our snorkels. The great time about going this time of year is that we were practically the only people in the pool area.
The next day (Friday-Oct 2) we decided to drive down to Fort Davis and take a look around. We drove up to the McDonald Observatory to took a look at the new telescope. We then ate a picnic lunch at a spot off the road. We then decided to drive back into town and check out Fort Davis. We spent the afternoon looking around at the buildings and hiking on some trails. The funny story about this trip was going through Wild Rose Pass. As we were driving though the pass, Marc saw what appeared to be roses growing beside the road. Of course, we stopped to take a look. We laughed so hard when we discovered that the “wild roses” were really plastic roses that were woven onto the plants. After all that hiking we were hot and tired and ready for another dip in the pool at Balmorhea.
On Saturday (Oct 3) we pulled our trailer down to Fort Davis and met up with some friends. It was a rainy day but we managed to go to a flea market that is held the first Saturday of the month and to some other small shops. The most fastinating shop was the Broom Making shop. The owner was kind enough to demonstrate how brooms were make in the 1800’s. I was so impressed with his broom that I bought one. It looks exactly like a witches broom. And it is a good broom too. That evening we all went up to the McDonald Observatory for an evening program. The only disappointment was the cloudy weather. We were unable to look through a telescope.
Broom Making Shop in Fort Davis
Sunday (Oct 4) we head on down to Terlingua. Terlingua is an interesting spot on the road. It is a hot and dusty place. We did meet with the outfitters to pick up the needed “sort of” water proof bags to pack for our trip down the Rio Grande River. After packing our bags we decided to take a short hike in Big Bend. We drove up to the Chiso mountains/basin and hike a trail up the mountains.
Hiking the Chisos Mountains/Basin
Monday (Oct 5) we start our trip down the river – in canoes. Now I thought this was going to be a river rafting trip and all that I was going to have to do was sit in a raft and hang on. No, I was going to have to paddle. Luckily, the food was with our guide. I was real nervous about the whole canoeing ideal. Marc and I have paddled around lakes but never in a river where we would encounter rapids. It was not to far down the river that we turned over our canoe. Not surprising since I do not know much about canoes. After that first dumping experience we were paddling pretty good. We saw all sorts of sights – birds, horses, cattle. But it was not until we got into the canyon that it was most impressive. There was a spot that our guide called the Texas and Mexican gates that was very scary for me. It was a place with these huge boulders that we were going to have to get our canoes and supplies around. After much walking around and looking things over the guide came up with a plan to get us through this spot. I was glad the guide made it though. Marc and I were not so lucky. We ran our canoe into the canyon wall and the next thing I knew we were once again in the river. It was not too much farther that a spot was found for us to camp for the night. Our guide’s name was Bobski. I was impressed at how easy he made canoing look. I was also impressed with his cooking skills along the trail. For supper, we had salad, potatoes, steaks, and brownies for dessert. He also served a Merlot wine with our meal. I really thought for a camping trip that this was five star treatment.
Our River Guide and Gourmet Camp Cook
On Tuesday (Oct 6) I was a little apprehensive about canoing. I did not want to spend time in the water again. I had a fantastic day. We did experience some rapids but they were the type that Marc and I could handle. The temperature in the canyon was also cool too. It made me feel small to look up and see these massive walls of stone on either side of the river. It was also a very quiet place.
In The Santa Elena
Marc had a hard time with the silence but it was something that I enjoyed. We canoed out of the canoe and then our trip was over. We drove back to our trailer and then spent the evening at the laundry mat washing our smelly, wet clothes.
Wednesday (Oct 7) – We woke up and the air was cool. We decided that we would hike around Big Bend until lunch and then pack up our trailer and travel a few miles to get a head start on our way back home.
We camped at Seminole State Park just outside of Del Rio. This park featured a canyon with Indian Art on the walls. We were not able to see this. They take guided tours for this and they did not have one going on when we arrived. However, we stumbled on a fantastic sight. We hiked a trail called the Windmill trail. We came to a spot in the trail that had a spring. Marc did some investigating and discovered a spot for Monarch butterflies. There must have been about 25-30 butterflies by this spring.
Butterflies
Thursday (Oct 8)-We are home. We clean up our trailer and now it is time to get back to everyday life.
Reflections 