Since we had a show in Marfa, we thought we should go see Big Bend since it's so close. It's one of the few places in Texas I have never been. Until now. Big Bend National Park is the big bend in the Rio Grande which gives West Texas it's familiar shape on the map. What makes it so special is a combination of geologic factors: as I understand it, an ancient mountain range spanning the state (mostly eroded or buried now) was formed by plate movements in the time of Pangaea. The activity caused a string of volcanoes, which erupted and left behind beautiful formations that we now call The Davis Mountains, and Big Bend. The basaltic layer collapsed in the Pre-Cambrian days, which left us with the massive mesas and buttes, and the Chihuahuan desert strewn with volcanic rocks. That kinda sums it up, but really it's just beautiful scenery.
You should visit in the fall, winter or sunrise. We didn't get there early enough to stand the heat.
After our show at El Cosmico, we had all our gear plus the PA system to break down and put away, in the dark, cold desert wind. By the time we all got to bed (or cot as the case may be), it was around midnight. The night was restless and cold, with no sound barrier against anyone who passes by the tent talking and laughing with friends or starting their motorcycles before sunrise. So we tried to sleep-in a little, which meant 9:00am. Made breakfast of oats, boiled eggs and cherries, and hit the long road to Big Bend. The drive there is just as awe-inspiring as you could imagine.
Excuse the bug-stained windshield.
Big Bend:
The temperature reached 105 degrees fahrenheit, and I think the humidity was strangely high, estimating between 40-50%, due to the weather system moving across the state. We were roasting. Poor Suzi was miserable, and a bit delirious, dehydration was trying to take hold. Nothing like a nagging mom making you drink water every 4-5 steps! The air-conditioned scenic drive was better than the hike.
We drove back to El Cosmico in Marfa, exhausted and coated in sweat. Off to the west were huge storm clouds with wicked lightening, whipping winds, and a bit intimidating for sleeping in a tent. We showered in the open-air stalls cold water and let the wind dry us while we watched the lightening show. Behind us was a beautiful setting sun. We didn't see the actual Marfa Lights (an inexplicable anomaly much like the northern lights), but we had a nice view just the same:
now thats what i see when i think about texas beautiful country,always wanted to see the marfa lights too
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