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.
Beautiful Light
We raced to Ross Maxwell Drive to catch the sunset, but the view to the West was a bust. Turned around and looked at the Window, and grabbed this pano.
Lost Mine Trail
Near the summit it pays to look behind you as you walk the trail. The early morning subdued light really brought out the colors in the rocks. Nikon D850 also helped bring out the vibrancy of the minerals and lichens that adorn the side of the mountain.
Lost Mine Trail
Broader view looking East on the summit trail.
Panorama Near the summit of Lost Mine Peak
Three frame piano. Our early morning trek to Lost Mine Peak found the mountains in Mexico still shrouded in clouds and fog. Beautiful view!
Hot Springs Ruin
Hot Springs Ruin 2
Terlingua Graves
There's a feeling of solitude and solace at sunset in this place of many graves that mark an era long past. It's quiet and reflective, and although there were many people walking around me as I photographed, they were silent and respectful of the history that brought most of these souls to their final resting place.
Terlingua Sunset
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......
Moonrise over the Chisos Mountains
I was watching the sunset to the West when I turned around and saw the moon brightly shining thru a pink layer of evening sky. Quiet and serene in the desert as the sun slowly traded places with the bright moon......
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.
Another look at Santa Elena Canyon at the end of the trail. A remarkable place that makes you feel very small.....
Burro Mesa Pour Off, dry waterfall.
Neat ruin just off the Ross Maxwell Drive, near Santa Elena Canyon.
The only remaining structure from the Crow Town movie set.
View from the back of the movie set, called Crow Town, along River Road. The movie filmed here was Streets of Laredo, starring James Garner.
From the top of the M'Bob Overlook along River Road.
More of the ash pile in the volcanic area.....
Castalon Peak with the desert view in the foreground.
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!
Santa Elena Canyon at the end of the trail. What a view!
Near the entrance of Closed Canyon.
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.
The view from this adobe ruin in the Terlingua Ghost Town is one that may not be seen much longer. Unfortunately, vandals destroyed several of similar structures a few weeks ago, and there isn't a good way to secure the area. It's ashamed that these historical buildings were attacked by thoughtless individuals that should be jailed if caught!
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.
The Terlingua Ghost town Cemetery makes a great subject for images in the pre-sunrise hours.
Desert endings
Ernst Tinaja is full of surprises, and this cave near the water is a neat experience.
Santa Elena Canyon thru the window of a ruin near the canyon.
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!
