As I read about the fallout from the recent government shutdown that meant National Park employees were unable to work, my thoughts turned to the trip Ken & I took to Big Bend National Park last fall. I also realized that I had never written about our trip or shared pictures here on my blog. Over the coming weeks, I will share pictures and experiences as we hiked the paths and took in the rugged beauty of the Big Bend area. Our national parks are truly a treasure that deserve to be protected and fully funded. If that means a little higher taxes, I’ll gladly pay. (Thankfully, as I’m writing this post, the Senate appears to have passed a temporary funding bill that will allow the parks to reopen.)

Sunset view of The Window in Big Bend National Park

One of most popular hikes in Big Bend is the Window Trail that leads downhill to an opening through which all the rainfall in the park flows. The three mile hike begins along a hot, dusty downhill path.  At this point, one would never guess what a beautiful view awaits. Another surprise that awaits returning hikers is that cool, downhill path is a hot, uphill trek later in the day!

Desert path at beginning the Window hike

Numerous piles of bear scat reminded us that we were sharing the park with wild creatures who call Big Bend home. Fortunately, the only creatures we crossed paths with were birds, spiders, and insects.

 

That desert path transforms as it winds along between steep mountains. Walking through here, one feels isolation in that vast area where the silence has a sound all its own.

 

We were fortunate this year to find water flowing as we neared the window even though the water made the rock path slippery, and we had to remove our hiking boots when the water became calf deep. I was ready to turn back when the path became jagged rock under our bare feet, but Ken convinced me to forge on.

Water pooled in low areas of the rocky path close to the Window

When we reached the opening, no one else was nearby and we enjoyed a snack and a rest while soaking up the view. Remembering the awesome view helped me keep my attitude right (mostly) on the hot, dry trek back uphill to the Basin where we were staying!

Resting at the opening before starting back