Big Bend National Park, February 24 Arrival, Day One- by Caroline

Arrival- We camped at the Rio Grande Village in the Southeastern corner of the park. It was as the name suggests along the Rio Grande Village and literally a stones throw from the Mexican border. The first night we attended a Ranger talk on stars. We had an opportunity to see Jupiter and it's moons via his telescope. Stargazing in Big Bend is ideal because of the virtual lack of light pollution!!

Day One - Hot Springs by Caroline

Today we went to the hot, hot springs. First from our campground in Rio Grande Village we had to walk up a road to the trail. It was my first hike in the desert. It was over three miles. It was so.so hot. We went up and down and up and down steep hills and rocks. There were only a few switchbacks.

It took us about 2hrs. just to get there. My Dad thought he would see a rattlesnake around every corner! When we finally got there the hot springs were wicked hot to us. We soaked in the hot springs and cooled off in the Rio Grande River.

Across the river was Mexico. There were two men and a little boy there and a horse and a donkey and we waved "Hola"! Some of the people cross over and leave wire and bead animal trinkets for sale.

We met this man at the spring who was very nice to offer us a ride back to the campground in the back of his pick up truck - literally!!! I was hot and tired and didn't want to hike all the way back so Mom, Peter and I rode home. Dad and Will insisted on hiking back on the trail.

The ride home in the truck was fun!! On the road we went 45 mph. We were driving on a cliff and I looked over and it was scary. It was the end of the day, we ate dinner and went to bed.

Typed by Mom- Yes, it's still legal in Texas to ride in the back of a pick-up truck!!