Big Bend National Park, Part 2

At the end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is the Santa Elana Canyon, where we went on a nice hike to, and then above, the Rio Grande. This is a very scenic canyon, and is featured as part of raft trips by several outfitters. We wanted to do this raft trip, but couldn't; they don't go when river levels are too low (which is usually the case?).

Picture 1 is Rose looking at the entrance to the canyon.

Picture 2 is taken where the river enters the canyon. And picture 3 is taken on the hiking path from a higher vantage point looking back at the river outside the canyon.

Later that day we went on the drive to Rio Grande Village, which ends at the Boquillas Canyon. While the hike to the canyon was not difficult, the temperature was 104 degrees. But of course that was a dry heat so not objectionable. Ha!

Picture 4 shows some knicknacks and walking sticks that were posted in several spots along the hiking path. Taking something and leaving money behind was supposed to help support poor Mexican children.

Although picture 5 doesn't do it justice, this was where, as we entered the canyon, an enchanting (though male) voice rang out from the Mexican side, singing Celito Lindo ("Aye, yea, yea; Gone now is sadness"). He was a good singer, and his voice carried well in the canyon. And sure enough, shortly on the path we encountered a jar and a sign: "Please contribute money to Victor, the Mexican singer."

Did I mention that it was 104 degrees and the river was all but dried up? Picture 6 shows Rose walking in the river bed, where I suppose there was once a river.

























Our last day, we encountered a Dutch couple who invited us to stay on the porch of their cottage to talk and watch the sunset. We did.

Although we don't have any associated pictures, our favorite hike within the park was the Lost Mine Trail, for those taking notes.