Our Practice Hike

If you are familiar with Big Bend National Park, one of the signature hikes is to a place called The Window. It's a five-mile round trip that is considered a relatively easy hike with a change in elevation of only about 800 feet. The catch is it's all uphill on the return, which is when my knees and legs were already spent. (I am not a hiker! I'm a walker.) We had planned to be back by lunch, so we didn't take any food, only water. And the water was definitely a good thing to have, but I could have used some extra fuel too as we walked back up. I was kicking myself for not even stashing a breakfast bar in my pocket. Not smart! This was a learning experience that helped make our big hike the next day somewhat less demanding.

I didn't take my camera on this short hike either and I missed some great shots! We saw two white-tail deer on our way down. They were so used to people they did not move or bolt as we came by. I could have stuck out my hand and touched one buck's nose. He just watched me with slow blinking eyes as I stepped quietly past him.

The view from the Window looking west. Really spectacular!

Again, due to the road construction we were not able to leave the basin until 3 PM. And since our hike to The Window took longer than we expected, we had to cool our heels a bit after lunch. But when we were able, we drove 30 miles southwest to St. Elena Canyon. The sights on this drive were over-the-top in desert variety and beauty. At Sotol Overlook, our destination looked puny and unremarkable compared to the rest of the desert all around. But when we arrived at the viewing area for the canyon and realized the rock butte was actually 1500 feet high, awe set in.

St. Elena Canyon from Sotol Overlook.                       The same canyon as we got closer to it.

St. Elena Canyon up close and intimidating.

The sun was setting quickly as it does in the winter, so we did not hike into the canyon. Instead we read the information about the explorers in the late 1800s trying to figure a way down the rapids of the canyon from on top. Apparently the water is so mineral rich it acts like a lathe on the rock to cut a path right through it. They say you can hear it scrap the sides of your canoe or kayak as you move through the water. 

Hats off to the brave men and women who first attempted that trip. In fact, I would like to bring attention for a brief minute to the nameless, faceless, resilient group of scouts, trail blazers, rock haulers, and builders. Those that planned and executed the paths for trails of this national park and then carved out, in many cases, the way for the rest of us. Or built railings, or secured stepping stones with cement, or built benches for resting. Even the signage with identification of campsites and distance information. Whoever you are, I am thankful for your effort, sweat and dedication to your task. My life is enriched by all your collective contributions. God bless you all in this life and the next!

Well, our drive back was nothing short of extraordinary. A feast for the eyes! Here are some of the better photos I was able to get.

Volcanic formations and ash beds.                                  Volcanic ash turned back to stone.

               "Mule Ears" formation.                                 The Window from outside the basin.

A red-tailed hawk posed for his picture.                Sunset over the foothills of Chisos Mountains.

Dinner back at our room consisted of lasagna for Butch, and tamales with seasoned rice for me, all left-overs from our freezer at home warmed up in the mini-microwave. No lollygagging on the balcony this night! We needed our rest for the big hike to Emory Peak the next day.