Balanced Rock - Grapevine Hills

Rick and I hiked the trail, made the climb, and low and behold, we had the place to ourselves! I've been here many times, and this is the first time it wasn't overrun with fellow hikers having a snack under the shade of the rock! Great hike, and although the light wasn't great, I'm happy with what I got.

Sunrise, Study Butte, Texas

I was walking the dog as the sun peaked over the horizon to the East, and at first glance it looked like there would nothing but grey clouds in the offering. A minute later I turned around, and bang, everything began to change. I rushed back to our camper to get my camera and tripod to get an image before it was gone. I didn't catch it at it's peak, but still got a shot that shows the beauty of this cool calm morning in the Big Bend of Texas......

Desert endings

Crow Town movie set

This is all that's left for the movie set as of March 29, 2017. During our first visit here ten years ago we saw several structures and some posters on the walls of the remaining buildings, all gone now. I think the movie Streets of Laredo, starring James Garner was the film this set was originally built for, but could have seen more action after that.

The only remaining structure from the Crow Town movie set.

Another look at Santa Elena Canyon at the end of the trail. A remarkable place that makes you feel very small.....

Volcanic ash piles have weathered into beautiful subjects for early morning images.....

Volcanic area along Ross Maxwell drive.

Wide view of Ernst Tinija. It's huge!

Closed Canyon is part of the Big Bend State Park System, and is an enjoyable hike that leads thru interesting rock formations, and also has a few ups and downs.... Wear good hiking shoes and take plenty of water.

This image was taken in the Cantina part of the Contrabando Movie set just off Hiway 170, also known as River Road. Texas Parks and Wildlife Depart manages the property, and has decided to tear the set down, except for the Cantina. Several popular movies from the 1980's utilized this set, but time has taken a great toll on the structures, so they had to go. Not sure how much longer the Cantina will survive!

Desert endings

Desert endings

Desert endings

Desert endings-2

Desert endings... Terlingua, TX.

This historic church on the hill in Terlingua, Tx., is usually locked, but this morning we found the doors open and couldn't resist photographing the interesting interior.

Pictographs above the river side trail to the old hot springs in Big Bend NP.