I’ve been going out to Big Bend since I was a kid. My dad was a school teacher which meant two things - he had summers off and no money - so vacation was usually a two week camping trip to Big Bend each summer. My brother and I did some backpacking there after we each got done with our military enlistments and then I started going back regularly to motorcycle, camp, and hike.
I’ve been trying to do the Uncle/RTB rides each year but this year I wanted to make a week out of it. My wife Dawn really loves the area, but is not into motorcycling so we came up early and spent Sat through Thur literally smelling the flowers and then I got to get my fix on Fri and Sat.
Of all the trips I have made to Big Bend, this has been the most magical. First, of course, having Dawn there to share probably my favorite place in the world, was great. Second, the flowers this year - Oh. My. God. - the flowers this year - the blue bonnets, and every friggin thing else - blues, yellows, greens, whites, pinks - all through the desert. I’ve never seen anything like it there. Third, but definetly not last, our hosts - Dan and Tana. Wow - how lucky we got.
We rented an AirBnB called La Cabana Terlingua which is a beautiful adobe one bedroom house just up the hill from Uncle Roger’s Rancho Neglecto. The house was great, but Dan and Tana are awesome. Dan is a retired National Park ranger who’s dad was also a ranger. In fact, his dad was the first head National Park ranger in Big Bend back in 1946. Dan spent ages 1 through 12 growing up in the park. Dan went on to become the head ranger at Yellowstone National Park before he retired, a post, by the way now held by his son, a third generation National Park Ranger.
Well, I guess retirement did not suite Dan so when the Texas State Park system came a calling with an offer to head up the Texas State Park system he took the job which he held for 11 years. A pet project he took on in that role was opening the Big Bend Ranch State Park - yep. Although it was owned by the state it was under lock and key. Dan got the park surveyed, trails set up, etc and opened that puppy up. A project a lot of us are very grateful for. Pete (Shadman) and I spent the better part of a week there back in 2012 riding **** near everything in the park that can be ridden.
Dan and Tana sort of adopted us over the week and we got to spend mornings watching the sun rise, sipping coffee and solving the world’s problems and Dawn got to hang out with them on Fri and Sat as I went riding. Great, great people and some great new friends. By the way - no one is allowed to book this property for future RTB’s. I’ve got dibs dadgumit. (They did just open up a beautiful newly remodeled bigger adobe house for AirBnB you are welcome to - we want to hang close to Dan and Tana).
Heading out on Friday afternoon
Taking a drive in Terlingua Ranch
Chillin at La Kiva on Saturday evening
Sunday brunch - Big Bend style
Taking a trip up paved River Road to smell some flowers.
Last year I rode Pinto Canyon road for the first time. The valley on that road I think is the most beautiful view in the entire area. So this year we brought the Jeep so I could show Dawn this special place. I’d love to watch the sun set and rise from the valley.
Here’s a great mailbox along Pinto Canyon.
The Valley
Heading back to Terlingua
La Cabana Terlingua
Breakfast in Lajitas
Sunrise
Hiking Lost Mine Trail (probably my favorite in the park - close 2nd is the South Rim trail)
Sunset
Dan took this pic from his porch as Dawn and I sat in awe for about an hour watching the sunrise.
We proably sat around a little too long.
But at least we had company.
Shyest Longhorn in the state.
Dawn told me hiking all day was doing nothing for my BO - so I decided to take a bath at Roger’s place.
Nuff said...
On Friday Dawn headed to Lajitas to try and get some work done. WiFi was no cooperative so she headed back to chill with Dan and Tana, meanwhile I...
Hit River Road with the new riders group. I learned the wisdom Philip Bartlett tried to impart on me when he told me the best way to lead this group is from the rear. It was a good ride, but could have benefited from splitting into smaller groups and try to segregate by riding ability. Lesson for next year.
Meanwhile - Tana gave Dawn a tour of their recently opened new AirBnB rental. Nice digs.
Sunset at La Cabana Terlingua
Saturday was a trip to Top of the World - I was looking forward to this ride as I’ve never done it before. Thanks JT for the perfect GPS track!!!!