However, we were jones-ing for a longer, sight seeing jaunt. Where else, this time of year, but the Big Bend National Park area of Texas. You won't find a drier or warmer area of the state.
Ready to load:
We left home on Tuesday, early, as soon as the cold front passed and the rain was reduced to a slight drizzle. We opted, of course, for the lesser traveled US-90A to San Antonio, then US-90 to Del Rio for the first leg. Not much sight-seeing thru here... we got stuck behind a large, wide load for 15 mph speeds and the trooper escorts refused to let anyone pass. So, somewhere near Seguin, we headed a few miles north to I-10 to the Alamo City, then re-aquired Hy-90 there to Del Rio, where we overnighted.
We left early for Big Bend, wanting to get there early as we had no reservations, and since we wanted to camp, we knew the campgrounds filled early in the day.
We were headed for Cottonwood Campground, near the SW corner of the park. We did arrive in time to secure a spot, erected the tent beneath a good tree for shade most of the day.
We spent the rest of the afternoon & Wednesday riding & exploring the Park.
Nice canoe/kayak launch on the Rio Grande River
The Blue Bonnets were starting to bloom in the sparse soil
Friday morning we broke camp, leaving to ride the "River Road", Hy-170 from Terlingua to Presidio. Big Bend, in our eyes, was just ok. Both of us having been reared in the Croton Breaks area of NW Texas, it just looked kinda like home.
Now, the "River Road" was a spectacular ride. Hills & twisties, following the Rio Grande, is a ride I would go there for... a few pics along the way.
I wanted to cross the river, and be an "illegal immigrant" to Mexico, but there were signs warning of a $5K fine for crossing... plus the sheer wall on the other side didn't leave much for footing.
From Presidio, it was on to see the old Fort Davis. An historic walk thru history with many exhibits of the old Buffalo (black/negro) soldiers of the time.
We drove thru Davis Mountains State Park, and stopped to eat at the Black Bear Inn, inside the park. We were either very hungry, or the food was excellent, LOL. But it was a buffet style, with chicken fried steak, french fries, cod & catfish fillets, shrimp, veggies, a great salad bar and chocolate cake for desert. There were some nice looking camp sites available in the Park, but since we had been camping for a few days, we opted for a motel & hot shower.
Starting for home on Saturday morning, visiting places we missed on the way down. There was a nice rest area just west of Seminole Canyon State Park, right on the Pecos river, with a good view of the bridge over the river, the tallest in the State.
A drive thru of Seminole Canyon State Park, didn't look all that much different than the scenery from BBNP to here. Their main attraction is the cave art from lost tribes. But, with my arthritic back, hips & knees, we don't do many trails.
Only one other point of interest along the way back, was in a rest stop near Eagle Lake. There was this very large Live Oak tree. The photo doesn't do it justice, the trunk was near 4' in diameter.
The end of another journey. Six days, 1860 miles.
Already planning the next ride... when is sorta up in the air.
