Big Bend State and National Parks (March 2019)

Jen's Account of the day: April 1st

Happy April Fo...no one cares. After a quick breakfast of bacon and eggs we set out for the Mule Ears Spring trail. It was only about four miles round trip and featured probably the best variety of blooming desert plants I’ve ever seen. Oh, there was a spring too, I guess. And a frog.

We again finished our hike before it got too busy and scarfed down some NutriGrain bars before heading off to explore the Big Bend Ranch State Park. Matt didn’t express interest in stopping at the visitor’s center in Lajitas until we’d past it, so down FM-170 we went, tragically unguided.

The route is stunning, and, compared to the National Park, practically empty. We’d identified several places we want to hike tomorrow. We turned around at a small town before we got all the way to Presidio. We stopped at the trailhead for the Hoodoos (one of the places we want to hike tomorrow) and ate our packed almond butter and jelly sandwiches. We spied some impressive picnic benches covered in fake teepees for shade with grills that we fully intend to take advantage of tomorrow.

We got back to the cabin between 4 and 5 tired but happy and ready for some drinks. We made some grilled steaks and not-grilled brussels sprouts for dinner. I think I may have fried my old Garmin GPS watch trying to install an update. Matt finished his whiskey sour and has gone to take a nap.

Mouse over the pictures for commentary, click for large images


Day 2 of the Trip - Day 4 of the Trip