Big Bend

“I'm taking a trip to big bend in December for 10 days. any ideas about places to see in the park?”

“If you want to take a day hike, I highly recommend you leave the rangers station in the Basin and hike up to the South Rim. It is an excellent place to camp if you are overnighting in the backcountry. Make sure you are in tune with the back country permit system there as I had to attend a desert hike class before I could get my permit.

If you have a high clearance vehicle (preferably 4WD), I would take the river road from Castallon to Boquillas crossing.

Take an afternoon and go down to the hot springs on the bank of the Rio Grande and soak in the hot mineral water. A hell of a way to watch the sun set.

A really neat hike is over and into Santa Elena Canyon. There is a very neat micro environment there you won't expect to find in the desert.

Out of the park, make sure you go eat a steak at the LaKiva on the banks of Terlingua Creek.

If you have time in route, go by the McDonald Observatory in Ft Davis.

Hope this helps.”

“What days are you going to hike?”

“we're goin from the 14 until the 21. my bad it only gonna be about 8 days. we still may change the length but the 14 will be when we leave for sure”

“Backpack to a camp on the Chisos SE rim. You could see it in a long day hike, but you'll enjoy it more if you spend more time.



Spend penty of time in the Chisos where you get a lot of scenery per trail mile.

Big Bend Ranch State Park opened up a ton of backcountry opportunity last year, especially if you have 4-wheel drive. If you don't, hike the Rancherias Loop.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/big_bend_ranch/

Some of my pictures:

http://www.thebackpacker.com/pictures/pic/dtfy3nduymj.php”

“I think the south rim is the best place I have ever camped.

Watching the sunrise across the desert floor was awesome.

But don't think it won't get cold up there, I woke up one year to snow.”

“Toejam, those pictures are killing me. I really want to go back out there. Hopefully NGB and I can go down there in the next year.

It is the only place in America that keeps pulling me back like it does.”

“The place is magical! You'll have to check out BBRSP.”

“I went every year for about 10 years. I haven't been back since 2002. If I only make one trip next year, it will be to BBNP.”

“A few years ago over the Christmas holidays I took a Rio Grande trip in BBNP with stikmon and another friend. We paddled from Rio Grande Village to La Linda though Bouquillas Canyon. We spent 5 nights on the river. It was one of the best trips I've ever done.”

“Hey rloyd -

Check out BigBendChat.com”

“Owl, did you guys float the canoes, or drag them over rocks and mud?

Just curious, stikmon thinks canoes are ATV's”

“I'm already planning next spring's trip to BB, this will make 4 years is a row and 8 out of 10. There's just something about that place I love.”

“Opie:

LOL. We had plenty of water but if you want to enjoy stikmon's epic Buffalo trip again here's the URL:

http://www.thebackpacker.com/trailtalk/thread/17110,-1.php”

“I agree with Chuck D. I doubt I can make it in '09, but I will definately get there in '10.”

“Going to Big Bend changed my view of a desert. By far one of the best places I have gone to.”

“strickly forbidden without the authors permission. Since I wasn't consulted I will hold all parties in violation of the rules responsible.

In the future, please consult with me and I'll gladly grant your request to reprint, talk about and make fun of any of my trips.

Now with all that said...please carry on and come visit me and Khatru in Hardy Arkansas at the Ozark Classic Crafts Mall (shameless plug excused).

Be well all...its nice to be remembered. Thanks.

Marc”