As I mentioned previously, Big Bend is quite a distance from the RV Park. We drove through a very little town called Terlingua on our way to the National Park. This was the only town for a 100 miles.. People in Terlingua drive 80 miles for groceries. Like I said, Big Bend is in the middle on nowhere! We drove to the visitor Center in Panther Junction. We told the Ranger we were interested in doing a hike, but nothing too long or strenuous as the heat was already creeping into the high 80’s at 9 am. The Ranger suggested:
He explained it was his favorite because it was, in his opinion, the most beautiful. What he failed to elaborate on WAS:
My heart dropped and then I think I peed a little. Terri has made me lug a back pack with an emergency blanket, a commando saw, binoculars, whistle and bear spray. Now I thank Terri and God for the bear spray, but not quite sure yet what to do with the commando saw. It’s in the triple digits with the lows in the high 70’s, so why the blanket? In my backpack, there is no spray to repel a mountain lion and I am not going to try to saw the mountain lion in two.
Ever have a moment in life when you think you are going to be the subject of an investigative report on Dateline. This was that moment for me. The show will start with a shot of the mountains of Big Bend and as the camera pans out; Keith Morrison, in his creepy voice will say, “They were on a trip of a lifetime. For all intents and purposes, well prepared …or… were they?”
I truly was afraid, but felt better when I saw other people on the trail. When it was all said and done, hiking the Lost Mine Trail with Terri was my favorite part. The Ranger was right. It was beautiful. We did not do the whole trail, but made it to the section where you can look out over a cliff and see Mexico. 
Here are some additional pics:
