Big Bend Day 4

This morning came a little too early after the long day yesterday, but you have to use the ends of the day in Big Bend, because the middle is so hot! We drove into the park and headed down to the Castolon area, which is quite remote. We made a few stops, mostly at overlooks, but we did stop for a short hike at Sam Nail Ranch. We also enjoyed looking through the donkey ears, which reminded us of yesterday's ride.

We hope Seth always loves holding our hands.

The clouds were cool in this picture.

Just having some fun along the trail.

The mules ears are in the background.

We also stopped at Tuff Canyon.

Yes, they were seeing who could spit the furthest. 

We wanted to get to the end of the road to do a hike into Santa Elena Canyon, where the Rio Grande river enters the basin. This was the busiest hike, and we managed to get the last parking space in the large lot. Then we hiked down to the edge of the river. 

We had to cross a small inlet, but it was dry. Mark liked spotting turtles on the bank, though. Then we climbed a large embankment and headed up the canyon wall. Steep switchbacks carried us up above the water, and then we slowly descended back into the canyon. The trail was really busy, but we got to a point where the walls provided a bit of shade, so it was really pleasant. Again, we spotted turtles right there in the Rio Grande. 

We stayed in the shady canyon for awhile, and then headed back toward the Visitor Center. It was pretty small, and there wasn't much to look at, so we moved on. Lunch was at a picnic area and Mark was really excited because of all the birds. We spotted a scarlet tanager and a gray hawk, both of which were new. Then we coasted back to the duplex.

The trail along the Rio Grande was beautiful.

We had to keep reminding ourselves how close to Mexico we were.

Mark chose this trip to see birds, and he was right!

Finally, the trail faded into the river.

The narrow canyon at the end was pretty.

The boys spotted several turtles swimming right off this rock.

This guy looked like he was begging for food.

We laughed at this selfie for a while!

Mom sure is going to miss Mark.

Most of Big Bend didn't look like this.

Mom made lunch at a small picnic area.

We loved the bright red head on this bird.

Mark was excited to see this hawk.

During the heat of the day, the boys watched some TV while Mom and Dad rested. We were heading back into the park for dinner at the lodge in Chisos Basin. We were still hoping to see the bears or cougars that are possible. 

At dinner, we were surprised at the prices, but there was nowhere else to eat within an hour, so we enjoyed what we could. Seth and Mark had burgers. Dax loved his trout. Dad had a steak, and Mom enjoyed her ravioli. Then, we must not have been too upset with the bill, because we ordered and split two desserts. 

Dax is all about trout at these places.

Seth spilled his water!

The dessert was okay.

The view back toward the Window was spectacular.

The boys were still on the grind for bears and cougars, so Seth, Mark, and Dad went hiking around the Chisos Basin. They saw only deer. Dax's foot was really hurting and starting to look infected from the injury he sustained at the hot springs the day before. He ripped the nail and got moss under it, and it was getting swollen and red. He and Mom stayed in the car and chatted, where they saw deer and rabbits as well. 

After it got dark, we drove back to the duplex, hoping to see something in the dark on our last night in the park. This time we weren't so lucky. 

The desert colors are really nice.

The sunset on the Window was different this night.

Dax and Mom stayed back together.

They did spot some rabbits.

And they saw a deer near the van.

It was a long fly day back to Utah, but it had been worth it.