# 327 - Big Bend National Park /  by Dave Hileman

OK, I am overwhelmed with trying to do this on a single page. A massive park with four distinct parts and much more to see and do. It borders the Rio Grande river on the south for 118 miles and extends across more than 800,000 acres. We did not see it all in four days. Our sample included a bit of each zone but missed a lot of things in all of them. On the east we did three short trails and some of the history of the area, in the west we hiked the Santa Elena Canyon, it was spectacular and we did two old ranch hikes, an amazing overlook and some of the history of the area. In the central high mountains the scenery changed from desert to pine, oak and maple forested areas. Here we did lunch at the nice lodge, a 2 mile hike and some shorter trails. We also did Balanced Rock - see earlier post, and lots more. I found it an amazing place. More photos when I get the time at home to more carefully edit them

Big Bend National Park, Texas

Big Bend has Beautiful Sunrises

Rock Wren in Santa Elana Canyon

1500 Sheer Walls of Santa Elena and the Rio Grande

Oh Deer /  by Dave Hileman

Yes, I know you can see deer in almost any urban back yard. BUT I watched this cautious mule deer (I think) come down a large mountain side alone and easing toward the pool where a refreshing drink of water awaited. Yet an abundance of caution, as the recent phrase went, kept him alert. I was well protected from his sight by a bird blind but I knew he was aware of me yet he came so close and then from about 20 feet - five from the water, just stared. There were lots of birds to and fro but at the last moment he turned and went back up the mountain. I hope he returned and got the needed drink. Special moment at Davis Mountain State Park in Texas.

The Great Race /  by Dave Hileman

Actually not a race even though some of the kids were suggesting they race. All novice paddlers, their first time I think, but they listened well and seemed to be going reasonably straight. What an adventure for a group of middle or early HS kids. We saw the same group on a trail later. Very polite.

# 423 Acorn Woodpecker /  by Dave Hileman

I saw this bird for the first time at Big Bend National Park in the Chisos Mountain area. One of my “targets for this trip and I was really excited to see it after the failure to photograph the Red Cockaded - though I have seen the latter before in Virginia. This is one of two positive ID birds so far with 3 more possible. I’ll have another next week. A roar of joy goes up across the land.

Rio /  by Dave Hileman

This is Terlingua Creek where it curves left to meet the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park. The 1500 foot cliffs on the other side of the Rio are in Mexico and the the Rio Grande flows between towering rock walls. We will hike into the canyon about 3/4 of a mile and it was a wonderland. I will eventually get to process some of those next week.

MOOSE DOWN! /  by Dave Hileman

Unfortunately we stumbled on a National Geographic film crew a few days ago. They were doing a multi-place show about Big Bend. Cadillac, recalling his glorious debut in film and thinking as only an addled Moose can, that since they had a director, camera & sound tech and even a gaffer and a grip, they must be the ones to shoot the Great British Baking Show. And he did not see Paul Hollywood so, taking no chances he stowed away in a light case. He took three pounds of Butterfingers, an old slice of bread, all my apples! and a can of soup. Good luck with the can. Of course they found him as they got into St. Louis. He started whining right away with his “need” for a very large, extra hot, spring onion latte and a stop at Ted Drewes for ice cream cause he was deprived for the trip. And where was the next bakery he could evalutate and did they keep Paul Hollywood’s special chair…..and are returning him postage due. We expect him some time in a week or so and he will have a lot of WORK to catch up his reviews and pay off his debt. Again.

King /  by Dave Hileman

This is the barn on the King Ranch where the new Ford “King Ranch” series is introduced and photographed for the first time for the public. Then a commercial is shot on the property. King Ranch editions are in the Ford truck line. The King Ranch is a 1,000,000 acre conglomerate with everything from beef to cotton, to oranges and sod, to saddles and hunting. And lots of horses.

On Balance /  by Dave Hileman

Rusty, Cindy and I hiked to Balance Rock in the Big Bend National Park. The hike was about 1 mile each way with the last 2 tenths pretty much of a rock scramble. Cindy did really well but it was a challenge. At the top a young women - who also had to tell three “older” people where the trail was took our photo, not sure what happened to the settings but this is what we got and we are appreciative of the memory. The most difficult park was on the 6 mile Grapevine “improved” dirt road. We will allow the park service their definition of improved but I will suggest it does not align with my definition. The 12 mile out and back took about 90 minutes.

Camping Recap - Week Eight, another bonus post /  by Dave Hileman

We were again at three parks over the week, one state park, two commercial ones, unusual for us.

We spent one night at Seminole Canyon State Park, Del Rio, Texas. It was on a mesa with a good view but it was very cloudy and we had cold rain. The sites had gravel base with power and water and the table was under a shelter.

Our next night was at Marathon Motel and RV Park. The sites were on gravel but with a lot of mud seeping in because of the rain and snow, not a regular occurrence. The had full hook ups at a reasonable price and some unique features including a nice courtyard and great views. The laundry was difficult.

Finally at Study Butte, Texas, we spent four nights in the Paisano RV Park while we toured Big Bend National Park. It was very convenient to the West entrance and to the Santa Elena Canyon area, a jewel of a hike! The RV park is a step above the area with some nice touches, full serve and friendly hosts.

We are off for Fort Davis and Guadeloupe Mountains this week.

Desert Nursery /  by Dave Hileman

Small cactus find a great start in the shelter of mesquite and some other rugged desert plants. The cactus grows and is protected in its most vulnerable stage by the host plant. As the cactus grows often the other plant will die. This is one of the cacti we saw in this stage of growth. This one is bursting with signs of spring.

Coffee /  by Dave Hileman

by Cadillac Moose, PhD, CoFe

The people I travel with have been seeking out the occasional coffee - other than the pot or two they make each day, of course. Two outstanding places were the Kingsville Coffee Cup and Pleasant Perk in Pleasanton both in Texas. On this trip I have been latte deprived for days at a time so when they get near a place that is good and knows lattes, well, extra large for this Moose. Now, the Kingsville Coffee Cup was reviewed last year but not by me, so here is a good review. The thing to note is that it begins with the barista and the coffee and the water and the cup. Kingsville hits the grand slam on all of these, Bruce being the Coffee Artist. The Perk was also well done and had the added benefit of pastry, at Kingsville you had to go next door for fresh pastry. Oh the challenges of this life. One of the most special things about the coffee shop is that really neat, cool people get to meet me. Just think how their day improves with on cool, culinary Cadillac Moose encounter.

The Great British Baking Show will have to give me the nod here cause Paul Hollywood is English and they drink tea, egad. No contest here Paul.

This super family at the Perk just loved meeting me, Note the excitement. Really nice kids and they were having a fun day starting with some coffee. Way to go!

Bruce and the PrettyOne in deep philosophic discussion about the brew.

Park #326, Amistad National Recreation Area /  by Dave Hileman

Of all the categories of National Parks like Monuments, Historic Sites, Battlefields etc. the National Recreation Areas are my least favorite. They are usually manmade reservoirs and most of the activity is on the water or fishing. I don’t have a boat and I only fish at places where it comes filleted and broiled on a plate. The ANRA is really no exception however we did two short trails covering a little more than a mile. It was through a high desert environment with lots of cacti along side this massive lake. However nearly three years of severe drought has left the lake levels very low it it was less impressive than it would have been a few years ago. We did stop at the VC, got a stamp and brochure and the two short hikes, so number 326 is in the books.

                                   Amistad National Recreation Area, Texas

Spring bloom for Prickly Pear Cactus

The railroad bridge over the Pecos River

Yacht Club, Disney /  by Dave Hileman

Breakfast, I never knew this could be breakfast. The PhotoManiac eats a bowl of dried grains pounded into unnatural shapes and covered with milk. Everyday and twice on Sunday. The NiceOne varies, yogurt, fruit, oatmeal but really not too much. If Paul Hollywood had to eat this whatever taste buds he might have would just quit. (GBBS please call soon!) Then we go to the Yacht Club at Disney. THIS IS BREAKFAST. Why don’t we have this everyday. I mean, wow. Three dark CHOCOLATE waffles with cherry compote & mascarpone cheese and even the Driver got pancakes laden with blueberries and real maple syrup. For breakfast. I did not want to leave. In fact you can get a room right in the place and you don’t have to stay in a mobile pill. Why do we live like this? Where is the National Moose League when you need them to advocate for better breakfast. And at the Yacht Club for a couple of dollars you could also get all the pastry you could eat to go with your breakfast. Of course, we did not - no miracles on the Boardwalk for me. I think I will go and ruminate a bit. Dark Chocolate Waffles, Cherries, Cheese, Maple Syrup…..

Glow /  by Dave Hileman

I did enhance this a bit but after several tries to catch the late afternoon sun lighting up this already golden grass, well I could not help myself. This is at Ochlochonee River State Park. This is also where our neighbor RVer almost stepped on a pygmy rattle snake.Eek.

The Critter /  by Dave Hileman

At Ochlockonee River State Park they had three interesting animals, white squirrels - not albino but a large population of variant grey squirrels. The had a pied bald deer and Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. The squirrels were as pests as the ones at home and everywhere, we saw the deer, it was interesting but it was at night so no photo. The bird was my main target so I did not see one. I did see lots or other woodpeckers and spent time in the right habitat but no luck.

No I will not toss you some food.

Not a R-C

Not a R -C

Boardwalk Deli at Disney's Boardwalk. /  by Dave Hileman

By Cadillac Moose, PhD, RyE

A luscious key lime piette was enjoyed along the boardwalk sitting in the shade at Disney. Being Disney, it was not inexpensive but also being Disney, it was pretty good. I realize that “pretty good” is not the detailed and sensory review you have come to expect from me but I am a bit depressed right now. It as been 7 long weeks and the Great British Baking Show has not even texted me. I cannot believe with my talent on tap they are still going to shoot next season with Paul Hollywood. Besides, I use my real name not some glamorous appellation like say, Cadillac Las Vegas or Cadillac Miami Beach. Hmmm, maybe that is the issue. Anyway, 7 weeks, I blame the PhotoCentric human, I need more spectacular baked goods. Now. Maybe I can get Dennis to send me some really good baked goods. Wait, anyone could! I know that it might be hard so send cash, i will buy my own. Dennis, send me $50 so I can buy scores of great baked goods and I’ll talk to Rusty and get some from him, he will want to keep up with you for sure.

The Verdict; 3. 75 Antlers. (Would have been 4 but plastic spoons and flimsy napkins.)

Ordinary /  by Dave Hileman

Every bird photo does not need to be a rare, white spotted arctic curlew, Dave. These two mockingbirds arranged themselves nicely on a dead branch. They were at St. George Island State Park along a trail on the bayside of the island. I liked the pose, the angles and the dead branch that matched their coloration.