Texas and New Mexico trip - Big Bend 1
May 16, 2017 23:09:42 #
It is a fairly long drive into Big Bend from Marathon but I like to drive at a leisurely pace in order to see the landscape and be able to stop for photo opportunities when they present themselves. My plan was to drive to the center of the Park and then head southeast to the Rio Grande and Boquillas Canyon. On the way was a Golden Eagle that was hunting and who landed in a tree, but it was too far away for my 100-300 lens to get a clear shot. I do, however, have a wonderful shot of a big brown birdlike object - sitting and flying. Then there was the raptor on the side of the road near a dead javelina that had a white underbelly and feathered legs when it took off. Finally, there was the Roadrunner - which I got a wonderful shot of the bushes and tail feathers as he bid me a fond farewell.....beep....beep. I fared better with the landscapes - they didn't move! Did you know that Big Bend has dinosaurs? Neither did I until I saw the sign for the Fossil Exhibit. There is a T-Rex head, a crocodile head, huge fish, a Triceratops, and other fossils that have been found in the area. I started to see blue and found that there were Bluebonnets growing in the desert. From what I have found out, there are 5 species of Bluebonnets in Texas, and the State Legislature had quite a time deciding which species would be their State Flower. After much debate and argument it was decided that all 5 species would be the State Flower. I turned left at Panther Junction where the Park Headquarters is and headed down to the river where there were several overlooks, and took a hike to the Boquillas Canyon Overlook. I could have continued on into the canyon itself which was downhill (which meant uphill on the way back) but decided not to do that in 90 degree heat. My introduction to Big Bend was a resounding success and I headed to Terlingua to my motel for the night.
Rt. 385 into the park. The hill reminded me of a dragon's back
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Prickly Pear in bloom
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Desert Bluebonnets and other wildflowers
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The Chisos Mountains from the desert floor
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The T-Rex skull in the exhibit building
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The Rio Grande from Boquillas Canyon Overlook
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Ancient grinding holes at Boquillas Canyon
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Finally - something that held still for a photo
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The south side of the Chisos Mountains
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This is why you watch where you walk
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May 16, 2017 23:38:02 #
May 17, 2017 07:27:03 #
mas24 wrote:
Nice shots on download. Typical Southwestern scenery.
Thanks for looking and commenting. I enjoyed the variety on this trip - grass, trees, flowing rivers, wildflowers, desert, and everything inbetween.
May 17, 2017 10:03:44 #
I've always intended to go there, but my travels have taken me elsewhere. Nice images. Thanks for taking us along.
May 17, 2017 10:23:25 #
May 17, 2017 11:34:13 #
May 17, 2017 12:09:39 #
AzPicLady wrote:
I've always intended to go there, but my travels have taken me elsewhere. Nice images. Thanks for taking us along.
I had always wanted to visit in the spring, but until I retired that was not possible. I was able to get all sorts of blooming plants this trip. Thanks for coming along on my trip and your comments.
May 17, 2017 12:09:58 #
May 17, 2017 12:10:38 #
May 18, 2017 00:40:38 #
These are wonderful shots, AuntieM! I'm glad you're driving slow enough to take in the scenery! Are you travelling alone? Stay safe..and keep shooting!
May 18, 2017 09:13:13 #
sailorsmom wrote:
These are wonderful shots, AuntieM! I'm glad you're driving slow enough to take in the scenery! Are you travelling alone? Stay safe..and keep shooting!
I am driving alone. I love being able to stop where and when I want to for as long as I want. Thanks for looking and commenting.
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