April 21

We got up at 5:45 a.m. this morning, packed up the tent and gear, and drove to Chisos Basin Campground. We were afraid it would be full. Luckily it wasn't, and we got a decent site. Set up the tent and drove up to the lodge. We had the buffet breakfast. We looked at the Visitors' Center, bought some ice for the cooler. Then we walked out the Window Trail, which has a great view through a saddle between the mountains. It faces west, so there should be a good sunset if it doesn't get cloudy.

After lunch, we drove the road out to Santa Elena Canyon. Stopped at the geological and historical markers along the way. Many great geologic features. Volcanic activity and a tuff canyon were interesting. Stopped in the town of Castolon. Not much left there, a visitors' center, store, picnic and rest area. Drove down to the Rio Grande. There is a trail, which John hiked, that follows the river up the canyon for a while.

Drove back to the lodge. We are in the gift shop with our computers plugged into the only electrical outlet waiting for them to call our name for dinner. It is 7:35 p.m. here. We should be able to see the sunset from the windows of the dining room.

More from Big Bend again tomorrow...

John and Elaine