Big Bend was stunning, active & awe-inspiring. I didn’t expect this kind of beauty from Western Texas. Our group (Zoe, Kate, Geneva, and Kaj) embarked on this *senior* adventure early Friday morning. After a long week of finals and eight hours of driving (and a wrong turn that almost landed us in Mexico again), we arrived upon the beloved national park for a four night camping trip. We had mapped out our forthcoming journey and strategically stuffed essentials into the back of Geneva’s van Aretha. For the most part we were primitive roadside camping but actually my favorite campsite was on Colima Trail, which was tucked six miles from any road. The landscape there was foresty and lush; there were also canyons, rocky cliffs, and many types of desert through the park.
My favorite moments from the the trip were hiking up to the highest point of the park, Emory Peak, with Geneva, wading like hippos and covering ourselves with clay in the oasis of the Rio Grande, and catching the electric colors from the sunrise on South Rim. Some of the most testing moments came towards the end of the never-ending hike down Blue Creek Canyon, when we spotted a black bear on our morning hike of South Rim, when there was an insane sand storm the first night, and when Geneva woke up to a coyote’s howl in the middle of our last night. Although we were always looking, I’m glad we didn't spot a pack of Javelinas or a rattlesnake.
Food-wise, we were killing it. We had a constant supply of pop-tarts, graham crackers, trail mix, and Clif bars to fuel our hikes. My most prideful creation was an apple - graham cracker - peanut butter - honey drizzle taco. We created dope black bean, cheddar, bell pepper tacos on the last night. Despite my reluctance in trying it, I learned that packaged room-temperature refried beans are not that bad, especially when mixed in with taco ingredients. I averaged five tortillas a day.
The most important part of the trip was being able to spend time with friends, away from the distractions and throes of civilization. It was a gift to have the time to read and write. I loved the rhythm of our life in Big Bend -- rising and falling with the Sun, stretching, walking around and pausing to behold our beautiful surroundings. For the most part the park was completely deserted (intended) and we had an entire view to ourselves. Our group procured help from friendly park rangers, a couple that was photographing the stars, and from US Border Patrol agents. I was surprised that most of the people we passed on the trail were over the age of sixty -- I hope to have the physical ability and motivation to travel like them when I reach that age.
Planning was definitely necessary for this trip -- our survival depended on the food, water, and shelter we were carrying on our backs -- but once the trip got started, the execution came easy. I have to thank Zoe and Geneva for teaching me how to pack up my belongings correctly, prop up a tent for the first time, etc., and especially Kate for planning the memorable trip. The conversations we shared on the trip reached all quarters and I'm so grateful for my friends. Texas is absolutely beautiful and I feel lucky to have to gotten the chance to breathe and enjoy one of the best corners of it in my last month in the state (for now). Tumbleweeds forever!
