A 'Big Bend' in the Road

Hello Again Friends of the Blog,

Before we report on the Reunions of March Break, we want you to feel as if you have come west with us. So focus on these next two pictures to get in the cowboy mood ...



And now, follow us out to the land of big country and big sky ...




We are entering the territory of "Big Bend" National Park, where the Rio Grande River takes a big turn which helps define the shape of the great state of Texas.




We're here in a place you must come to see for yourself. It's a wonderful park to explore.

Peter reflects on the watery border between Texas and Mexico. It's not even a swim away. Shallow waters make this a mere 'wade across'.

On the Big Bend trails you might see a display of walking sticks like these, with a jar to put your donations if you wish one on your walk ..

See those amigos across the river? They come across by night to set up these point of sales. You can call out a friendly 'hola' to these folk. They hope you might buy one of their hand made creations. They are made from sorol, the stalk that grows from the giant desert agaves like the one in the picture below. (They also make a high potency liquor from this stalk.)

But, as you can see, since NAFTA one can get in trouble buying these delightful crafts...

To legalize this trade, the Park now purchases them in quantity and sells them from the Visitor's Center at a price significantly marked up.

At Big Bend, there is a natural "Hot Springs". The two of us enjoyed these quiet moments ..

And the more communal moments, when other hikers on the trail came to join us.

We dared to tackle the hairpin turns of this road of ascension, in order to camp the second night nestled in the splendor of Chisos Basin.


Hurray! We made it .. a place from which we did a lot of hiking. Here we are at the head of the wonderful "Window Trail". Come on along ...

We've included pictures from several of our hikes, so in truth this is a collage of trails. Below, one of our favourite walks toward "Mule Deer" peaks.


On the trails through this Chihuahuan Desert you will encounter wonderful cactus displays, like this healthy 'prickly pear' cactus.

This form of 'agave' is particularly unique to the Chihuahuan Desert.

Here - a red prickly pear...

Peter, checking out whether you're following or not ..

You are now entering Santa Anna Canyon, where the setting sun is still casting light.



The walls rise up dramatically around you ...


Taking a little rest in the cool of the evening ...

Back up on the 'Windows Trail' ...

The heights and the depths of it all ...

And now after 2 1/2 hours of trekking, you get to see the 'Window'!

Isn't it grand?


There are other creatures here to share the experience ..

More mountain top views ...


How do you like 'thumb' mountain. Thumbelina was impressed ...

On long hikes, one's mind plays games .. so enjoy the reults of this one ...

A 'trekker' Canadian bred
On his trail map read "Nipple" ahead.

But the quest that possessed him
Wasn't that which obsessed him,
Twas a dusty old hill there instead.

So, from the ridiculous ... to the sublime... we offer this desert cruxiform image for your Easter reflection...


May the Life that eternally emerges from the prickly thorns of human circumstance, fill you with authentic Easter hope and joy.

Your Friends,

Peter and Elizabeth