After about a 72 mile ride from Fort Stockton TX. we were at the north entrance of Big Bend. We registered at the entrance then went to the camp ground and picked out a sight then settled into our spot. I am writing this with my not so great memory so it may not be in order but will do my best to remember everything of interest.
The next morning when we woke up and were having our coffee as the sun was coming over the mountain it started to warm up, and fast. At 0630 it was 47 and by 0800 it was 61. We decided to take a hike to the end of Boquillas canyon. It has a very steep climb up, then descends by a sandy rocky path to the bottom of the canyon where the Rio Grande runs through canyon. The river is the boarder between the USA and Mexico. The path along the river was mostly rocks and gravel with lots of sugar cane patches. the canyon walls are very high and too steep to be able to climb. It was like that to the farthest point of travel allowable due to the walls coming right down into the river, with a large sand dune in front of them. It is about a one hour hike to the end. At the start of the canyon entrance along the trail in many spots there were walking sticks, trinkets, and other things for sale. They are put there by the Mexicans from across the river. We looked around but could not see any body around at all but us two. After a short walk we then saw the Mexican men sitting on the other side watching their goods. They were somewhat hidden in the cane and beside very large boulders. There were jars at all spots to put money in to pay for their things. Don't know what they would do if someone didn't pay. But, we did hear of some shooting from the Mexican side on rare occasions from the Rangers. It is against the law to buy anything from the Mexicans. If caught doing so it would be taken away from the buyer and if they could catch the people who were selling it they would be jailed then returned to Mexico. Coming back from the end of the trail there were three Mexicans on horseback who rode across the river, (it is shallow enough to wade across only a couple of feet deep and about 100 feet across) they were selling hand made trinkets. The boarder patrol does not bother them unless they cause any problems. They said we should not buy their stuff, but I wondered why. The walking sticks were $6.00, but in the park stores the same walking sticks were selling for $18.50. I think I now know why. Protecting the boarders in this area is a joke. They leave the Mexicans alone because there is no place for them to go if they do cross, it is empty flat land for over 50 miles or so north of the boarder. Ok back to the canyon, after a long walk to the end and back we went back to Speedy and rested while having a welcomed lunch. The park has over 200 miles of trails in it. They range from somewhat easy, short walks to very strenuous and primitive routes through rugged desert back country. Emory Peak is the highest peak in the park at 7,832 feet. The trail was difficult, rising 2500 feet on five miles of trail.
Not for everyone that is for sure. We went to see just about everything there was to see and do on the east side of the park. Then we moved to just outside of the west entrance of the park and stayed at a RV Resort in the town of Terlingua TX. We spent time in the old Ghost town outside of Terlingua, and enjoyed all of the things in that area. When we went to leave that area is when we had the trouble with Speedy. Which led to a $200.00 bill to a local rv repairman, then a $2,700.00 towing fee to El Passo. Spending 4 days at the Freightliner dealership and a $763.69 bill to pay. All of that for a $93.51 part. There is just to many things we did, and things we saw to tell them all here. Many fond memories that will last a lifetime. (and some not so great) If any of you get a chance to go to Big Bend National Park do it, you will not be disappointed, of this I am sure.
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