Dear Jake & Amelia,
We drove into Big Bend and were blown away by the beauty. The mountains are spectacular. The prickly pears, Spanish daggers, yuccas, lechuguilla, ocotillo and Devil's Cane are in bloom. The sotols and century plants are sending up their flower stalks. Big Bend is vast with grand vistas, sweeping panoramas and beautiful sunsets. It lies within the Chiuahuan desert. The desert climate is modified by the Rio Grande and the Chisos Mountains. Each area has it own climate, temperature and ecological system creating an incredible diversity of plants, birds and animals. 

We drove across the Park to the Rio Grande Village. The day was hot; the land, dusty and harsh. We thought we saw a snake skin in the road so we turned around. It was a 4 foot long diamond back rattlesnake. He moved off into the bushes, unhappy, lifting his head and vibrating his tail, creating that unmistakable rattle. It was a warning to watch our step here in rattlesnake territory.

That night a herd of javelinas came through the campground. People banged on pans and shouted to scare them away. The next morning turkey vultures scoured the camp for whatever they could find. Families started packing up their villages.We watched a road runner at close range, stirring up dust with its beak, later squatting down, spreading its wings and tail.  

We ventured out onto unpaved roads and walked trails. We camped in Chisos Basin, up inside the mountains. Bear boxes were provided at every campsite. Mountain lion warnings were posted. In the morning we watched clouds blow into the Basin and the mountains disappear. We drove the winding roads with little visibility until we dropped down below the clouds. As we drove past the Basin we could see a cloud sitting like a cover with white fingers dripping down the rocks. We enjoyed Big Bend and watched our step while we were there.

 Nancy & Peter

Home   Across America    South Central    Previous Postcard    Next Postcard    Nancy Fulton Art

All Rights Reserved   © 2001  Nancy Fulton & Peter Miner