Travels with Tom Big Bend State Park
Rancho Viejo Campsite
Tom at Elephant Rock north of Presidio, TX
We were all so excited having waited for this day for a long time. We were up with the sun, grabbed a coffee and hit the road for Presidio, Texas, the gateway to the interior of Big Bend State Park and “the other side of nowhere”. In Presidio we topped off our gas tanks, bought a few items at the grocery store and picked up our camping permits at Fort Leaton State Historic Site. Turning off the pavement onto Casa Piedra Road signaled the time to let some air out of the tires for a smoother ride on the rough roads that were ahead.
Our first two nights were at Rancho Viejo, the site of some ranching ruins where you camp next to the old windmill and pila surrounded by mesquite trees that were humming with bees and other pollinators busy with the work of springtime.
Kiki in her element
The Windmill and Pila at Rancho Viejo
Here we hiked, explored the dry arroyos, watched the beautiful sunsets, and relaxed.
Collaborating artists
Relaxing in camp (Can you spot the goober in this picture?)
Tom and I hiked up the trail in the morning. The blue arrow shows the campers.
3 Responses
Our travels to Seminole Canyon, the Gage Hotel, and Big Bend Ranch State Park were filled with so many memorable adventures. Spending that time with y’all was just a wonderful experience and I was so happy we could do the trip together. Exploring the trails and hiking with David in the desert, seeing 4000 year old pictographs, painting with Rebecca, relaxing in the White Buffalo Bar at the Gage Hotel and dinner at the 12 Gauge, partaking a variety of adult beverages, cooking so many fantastic meals, stepping right next to a rattlesnake on an early morning hike, driving the scenic route along the Rio Grande, and dealing with a sheet metal screw puncturing a tire on my truck are some of the things that stand out the most. It’s always an adventure when we travel together. I had a great time being with y’all and thanks again for helping it all come together.
Sounds like you all had a great trip! The camping and overland vehicles are getting good use.
I saw three goobers sitting in chairs.