Goodbye Big Bend

We left BigBend this afternoon and had an amazing time there. Only real downside was the smog from Mexico, which was obscuring some views depending on which way the wind was blowing.

Yesterday we let the smog dictate a different hike mid way through. We started up Emory peak, but opted for the South Rim trail when we were almost to the top. And just like that an 8 mile hike became a 13 mile trek. 13 miles with the elevation change turned out to be a little beyond the range of my knee which was acting up on the descent. We had fun though, but were very happy to make it back to the visitor center for an early dinner.

This morning we woke up bright and early from after our second night of camping to try to catch some sunrise photography at grapevine hills and balanced rock. We were a bit late due to slow travel on a dirt road, but had fun and still took some good pictures.

We are passing through Alpine, TX for laundry and dinner on our way to New Mexico for Carlsbad and Guadalupe National Parks. I even got to talk to Lena tonight who now says Texas when asked where mommy & daddy are. Can’t wait to see her in “3 days” (as she said).