More Big Bend and Terlingua, TX

Hi all

Working with slow internet has got me to skip days of posting to this blog.

I, as you, would rather be out enjoying the beautiful weather and country.

Monday we went to the east side of the park.

It is at least a 1 hour drive to the end of the road and much longer if you take side trips.

And, of course, we did for a few extra photos.

Went up in the mountains and enjoyed the views and cooler temps.

Was only temporary as we still had a long way to go.
Had to stop and get some cactus flowers
a Century Plant flower stalk, just starting
and the road ahead.

And along the way, WE DID FIND HIM!

Have to look close at the plate!

Lots of desert to cross to get anywhere.

End of the road was a very nice overlook of the Rio Grande and Mexico.

Got to watch “illegal” border crossings.

Some Mexican Nationals cross the river and set up little displays of goods for sale.

The Park newspaper notifies visitors that this is illegal crossings and commerce.

Looks like everybody wants to get some of my dollars.

From there we went to the "historic" Hot Springs.

Right along the Rio Grande and a 105°, just like a hot tub.

And of course a flowing shrub along the path.

The road in was rough, narrow and in one part of the canyon it was divided one way.

On the way back we stopped at a “oasis” where a natural spring had attracted settlers.

Now just a windmill and picnic area for us to eat a late lunch.

Also flowers, these may have been weeds.

And a parting shot of desert and mountains.

Back to the BWB for sunset and supper.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yesterday, Tuesday, we went to the Terlingua Ghost Town.

The town was originally established as a mining town.

Cinnabar deposits were mined for the mercury.

Now the area seems holding on only due to the tourist economy.

First we visited the Cemetery.

Was a bit more depressing than usual as almost all of the dates we could read were younger than me.

I guess life in the desert is hard.

We then went up to the Starlight Theater and the store next door.

Some locals adding "color" to the front porch of the store.

Shopped and bought a few things for gifts while we looked at most everything.

Was fun and enjoyed the lack of crowds.

Found a few interesting items along the road,

A dragonfly? Or maybe a wasp?

And some of the ruins of the ghost town.

Home to the BWB and some adult beverages and balancing the check book.

Once that was completed we went out for supper.

Food was good and now we have left overs for supper tomorrow.

Weather was perfect for sitting on the patio.

This pretty girl decided either we were dog friendly of very sloppy and would drop lots of food.

She stayed with us almost the entire time we were there.

She did belong to one of the servers and apparently spends lots of time at the establishment.

Home to BWB and a long walk with the fur kids.

Early to bed and slept great.

Today, trailer duties, laundry and packing up to travel to Ft. Worth.

About 600 miles and we have 2+ days to make our way leisurely across Texas.

Make your day great

Tom and Millie