This will probably be my last post for perhaps a week or so. We are heading to the Big Bend country of west Texas Monday morning. This time we are renting the Lajitas House at where else, Lajitas, Texas. Check this link to see what we will be enjoying for three days: http://www.lajitashousebigbend.com/ I am sure we will be sitting on that patio sipping a margarita or two, and aiming my camera at all the great surounding areas.
We will probably check out all of our favorite places in Big Bend National Park; Santa Elena Canyou where we may see some Peregrine Falcons. Rio Grande Village camping area is a great birding area, plus we may see a Bobcat or a Coyote. There is also a great Nature Trail with a board-walk crossing some wetlands.
Floating the Rio Grande - photographed from another raft.
I don’t think we are planning on rafting the Rio Grande this trip but here is a photo of Ann and I preparing to go on a previous trip. The little half-day float trip that we ususally do is really easy. Just a few little water rapids splashing over the bow, just enough to make it fun, without worrying about capsizing.
Ann and I preparing to run the rapids of the Rio Grande River
The ruins of the Sam Neil Ranch is a great place to see lots of small birds. You may also be surprised by a bunch of Collared Peccaries, commonly known as Javelinas. You may smell them before you see them. However, they are also quite noisy.
This jacal, or dugout, is on the Old Maverick Road. It has an interesting history. It was built by Roberto Luna after his marriage, who lived there until his death in1953 at the age of 103. He farmed off the land.
Roberto Luna's jacal.
You can’t ignore the Chisos Mountains, the dominant range that is visible from every point in the park. Elevations around 8,000 feet. The Basin is an area in the middle of the mountains where the Lodge and camping area are located. The floor of the Basin is at an elevation of 5,000 feet so you are surrounded by the peaks. Great birding there, also.
Chisos Mountains
Driving west from Lajitas to Presidio on Hwy 170 is one of most spectacular scenic drives in the country. At one point, called locally the Big Hill, you are about 450 feet above the Rio Grande River. This drive is a must if you are in the area. Here is a photo of Ann standing precariously above the river. Don’t step back, dear. 🙂
Ann at the Big Hill
So,when we get back, maybe I will have some more interesting images to show you. By the way, click on any of the above images to see enlargements.
I am still transferring pictures into my iPad. Holy Moley, Batman, I hadn’t realized how many images I had wanted to move. I have come across some pictures that I forgot I had.
Texas Tweeties by Bob Zeller 