On the second day at Big Bend we set out to see the elusive Rio Grande as pictured in Terri’s mind. We headed to Santa Elena Canyon via Ross Maxwell scenic drive. There were a number of places to stop along the way to learn about the history and culture of the area. The first stop was the remnants of an old ranch, known as the Sam Neil Ranch. Neil and his wife ran this ranch until the turn of the century. They had a few animals and grew pecans and figs.
There was a functioning wind mill that still pumps water from the well. The water is not potable water.
The ranch also had remnants of part of an adobe structure.
This ranch is also where I got the pic of the Texas cardinal. It was a nice stroll and one of Terri’s favorite stops along the way.
The next stop was the Homer Wilson Ranch. This was, for me, a totally different experience. We got out of the truck and stood at an overlook.
From this marker, this is what we could see:
So way out there in the distance is the ranch. There was a hike to the ranch. It had not reached triple digits yet so we decided to hike down to see the ranch up close and personal.
until I saw this:
and a bear resistant storage bin with a sign that said you must cache your food AND water! Terri and I had a debate as to why they would want you to hike w/o water. I got a weird feeling and the hair on the back of my neck stood up…I did not even wait to hear Keith Morrison’s voice and I asked Terri if we could leave…She called me a sissy and we left.
They call this drive the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and it did not disappoint. As we were approaching a mountain, Terri pointed out it looked like the face of an Ape. I couldn’t see what she was seeing and then it was very noticeable.
Volcanic eruptions millions of years ago and erosion have created this beautiful area. The white in theses mountains is volcanic ash.
In these pics you can see the colorful layers that tell the story over millions of years.
Here is the view from the other side of the window:
The drive was beautiful. and serene. And then then there it was; the ever elusive Rio Grande River, as seen in the old Westerns, was within reach. It was Christmas and we were Ralphie! The Rio Grande was our Red Ryder BB Gun. The anticipation was building with every step.
As you can see, Terri was running ahead. This was her moment. and what a moment it was.
We are standing in the riverbed of the Rio Grande! Much receded, people were portaging their canoes to the mouth of the canyon.
Skipping a stone to Mexico click on link
Thank you God for getting us there safely. There was a trail that switched back up the canyon wall but it was now 103 degrees. we opted not to do the trail.