BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK - TEXAS

 At the end of the Lost Mine Trail; the supreme hike in the park. The switchbacks were remarkable; some of them cut through the granite on the side of the cliff.

 this is the view from the top

 On the ridge leading up to the top which was the definitive end as it plunged thousands of feet down to the Chisos Basin.

 at the top was henry and his dad and henry 'tested' continuously with admonitions from his dad continuously; "don't drop the jerky", "don't go so close to the edge", "don't disturb the people eating lunch" and then the final one "don't throw down that water canteen cuz i won't be able to catch it". well, Henry did of course so the water container fell and fell and fell and the dad tried to catch it and lost his balance and there was a silent rage (well, almost silent rage) response and the dad just walked off and left Henry who sulked and clambered on rocks and annoyed other dads. Quite a scene.

 This was our second hike and the day started out really cold and windy with no sun.

 However, we went all the way down to the Rio Grande and on a trail into Santa Elena Canyon.

 eventually we got sun and the wind died down and it was lovely. Nice to see all that green. this picture was taken close to our lunch spot.

End of the line as the cliffs came right down to the water. There were quite a few kayaks in the water and one canoe. On the other side of the river is Mexico.