Day Three – Big Bend

Day Three, Monday

We were scheduled to move out of  Villa Terinlingua on Monday, but Cynta was kind enough to let us move early afternoon so we could catch day three sunrise.  We drove into Big Bend National park and caught yet another magnificent sunrise, the photos just don’t capture how pretty it is….I think the singing birds and peace and quiet need to be incorporated to fully appreciate it!

The wildflowers were abundant along the road, the yucca plants were in full bloom as well as the cactus.  We were on one of the two main roads that run through the park…we took our time stopping whenever one of us spotted something to shoot.

We ended up in Rio Grande Village, where there is camping area and a small general store.  This area also is where Boquillas del Carmen is.  I am including a link to an article about this tiny Mexican town.  The crossing into Boquillas village has been closed for 11 years; the village has always depending upon tourist to survive.  We were there on Monday, on Wednesday the crossing opened  for legal travel back and forth!    http://bigbendgazette.com/2013/04/10/boquillas-crossing-open/

So like I said, this crossing has been closed however the residents of the village do cross over, leave handmade items on the American side for sale with a little cup requesting payment.

Jesus, a villager, uses his canoe to cross over, sit on the bank and serenade the Big Bend visitors with whatever song you request.  His voice echos thru the canyons.

We had a wonderful walk, and being in the shade was wonderful because the temps were climbing fast…in the high 90’s.  We had to leave the park to relocate our “camp” to the new digs.  The new place was OK, it was clean and a place to sleep but after having been spoiled at Cynta’s place we were all a little unhappy….not a big deal 🙂

In the afternoon, back to the park to Grapevine trail…not really sure why they call it that but at the end is the famous Balancing Rock.  I hiked most of the trail, but I am afraid of heights, particularly when the edges of the trail go straight down! 🙂  I chickened out and let the rest of the team enjoy.  Wanted you to see the balancing rock, but it is NOT my photo…found it on google.

Caught the sunset as we left the park and headed back for dinner…spaghetti and sauce.