2023-9-18 Big Bend Rio Grande

 Monday morning, Teri, Myrt, Elaine, and I headed out to Big Bend National Park. Paisanos RV park was only a couple of miles from the east end of Big Bend. We got quickly checked in and headed into the park. That is where the actual drive begins.

Our destination today was the far west side of the park at Rio Grande Village but we first stopped at Panther Junction Visitor Center. We watched a great film about the park.

In addition to the film, there were a lot of great displays and more information about the park.

On our way west again.

There is a tunnel on the way. It's a large tunnel because lots of large and tall RVs pass through on their way to the two campgrounds on this side of the park.

There are two campgrounds at this end of the park. One, Rio Grande Village, is full hook-ups but is just a parking lot situation with RVs across from each other and right next to each other. The other campground is nicer with grass and shade trees but no hook-ups. Water spigots are available.

There is also a day use picnic area with tables and shade and lots of roadrunners.

This area was part of the Daniels ranch so there were lots of trees they planted and a left over irrigation system. Things were green here due to the dike irrigation and there were even ducks in a pond.

We brought a picnic lunch with us so it was a great place to eat. We cleaned up all traces since there are bears and javalinas in the park.

Some industrious guests from across the border had items set out for sale next to the parking lot.

The heavy pipe box on the right is where they want you to put your money. If you buy, the items can be confiscated by the rangers as contraband.

This house/store is left over from the days of the Daniels ranch and the early 20th century. The irrigation ditches are still in working order.

This is the Rio Grande river.

We drove on to the Boquillas overlook. Half the parking lot was covered with items for sale. It looked more like a store and not very homemade. We didn't touch them but I really wondered if a "made in China" had once been on the back. This was a big operation. Since the park posts it as contraband, you really have to wonder why they don't remove it.

These are buildings in Boquillas across the river.

Speaking of Boquillas, five of our group crossed the river in a rowboat at the Boquillas landing and rode the donkeys into town this day.

To see a lot more pictures about this side of the park and crossing over to Boquillas, Mexico, and the town itself, check out my visit in October 2019 at https://photos.app.goo.gl/nZxdxGPYKy7mohxPA.