Big Bend / El Paso

Big Bend National Park, El Paso, New Mexico

Sunday, October 25 ^th :

After I dropped Tina off at the kennel I decided to go to the 5PM Saturday Mass so I could leave earlier on Sunday. I left home at 7:45 and arrived at the Holiday Inn in Alpine at 4:30. The traffic light so I was on speed control most of way and only did a short stop at Junction for gas and a hot dog.

Watched some football in the room and rested the eyes. I thought I saw James checking in later when I went to get something from the car, but wasn't sure. When I met him later it was the one I was guessing. His hair is shaved/balding his dad. We reviewed the next day schedule and agreed to meet 7 AM for breakfast.

Monday, October 26^th :

The first day of hiking I planned out was to see the dinosaur exhibit, then hike to where some fossils can be viewed on a trail. This day takes us to the Mexican border on the east side of the park.
Go to Day 1

Tuesday, October 27^th :

The plan for the second day at Big Bend was to drive the Ross Maxwell scenic drive all the way through the park with occasional stops for scenic overlooks. There was also the St. Elena Canyon Overlook and trail at the end of the highway that sounded interesting. The trail and overlook are on the Mexican Border west side of the park.
Go to Day 2

Wednesday, October 28^th :

The plan for the third day at Big Bend was to do the Chisos Window View Hiking Trail. As we made the turn onto the road to the visitor center we stopped for a few pictures. There were ice crystal on the vegetation along the road. At the visitor center, the ranger suggested we do the Window View Walk from the center first then go to the camp ground and start the hike from there. We took his suggestion and were glad we did because it saved us a 1/2 mile each way and the return 1/2 mile would have been a steep uphill struggle.

Somehow we missed the turn for the Ross Maxwell drive, so we blew that off and instead checked out the Dagger Flat Auto Trail.
Go to Day 3

Thursday, October 29^th :

The plan for the fourth day was to head to El Paso and visit with James and Diana, then with my Sister Christine and Gerald at James' new house in El Paso. Along the way I made a stop at the Marfa Lights viewing area and at the Elmgreen and Dragset Prada Marfa Store.
Go to Day 4

Friday, October 30^th :

I didn't have a plan for the fifth day. James led us on a viewing tour of El Paso with stops to see the mountains and overlooks to the city. He kept pointing out the border wall and the other side of the border.
Go to Day 5

Saturday, October 31^th :