Thirty-seven terrific TOWNies spent all or portions of November 14-22 in Big Bend. Eleven women camped in tents or RVs. And twenty-six shared lodge rooms. Two women brought their respective families. We were very busy as you can read below!

Among our activities were: horseback riding in the back country, visits to Boquillas del Carmen in Mexico, hiking, a Rio Grande rafting trip, back country exploration via off-road vehicle, night sky viewing at Dugout Wells, campground breakfast provided by the campers, birding, happy hour provided by Jenny and Jan, geocaching, and dinner at the Starlight Theater in Terlingua to celebrate MarilynF’s 69th birthday.

Some of our hiking trails included: Mule Ears, Pine Canyon, Lost Mine Trail, Grapevine Hills, Oak Springs, Cat Springs, Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail, Sam Nails Ranch, Homer Wilson Ranch House, Closed Canyon, Rio Grande Village, Boquillas Canyon, Tuff Canyon, Cottonwood, Ward Springs, Castolón, Blue Spring, and The Window.

Mammals we spotted included: black bears, a ring-tailed cat, a mountain lion, coyotes, and foxes. And birds seen included: Verdin, Red-Tailed hawk, Mexican jay, Cactus wren, Canyon wren, and Canyon towhee.

Below are the Happy Thoughts shared by some of the women:

LisaS – What a wonderful trip, full of beautiful sights, fun and fellowship! The sheer size of the park could be overwhelming, so it was nice to share it with close friends. It was great being able to go out with small groups on activities of interest, but I also loved the group dinner, the campground breakfast (an amazing spread!), and the happy hour. Thanks for all your effort to make this such a successful, fun, and safe trip.

SusanW – I enjoyed spending time in Cottonwood Campground and the Chisos Basin Campground with the wonderful group of campers. Each time I visit, I try to go someplace new (Pine Canyon) and someplace old (Ernest Tinaja). I enjoyed not having any reservations and I was able to go when and where I felt like going. Weather was perfect and I’m ready to go back with all you TOWNies!

JoanB – The trip to big bend was incredible. The immense vastness swallowed sound and stress and allowed only relaxation. I loved it and plan to return. Thanks to Marilyn and Jacque and all the other women who shared their experience and fellowship with this first timer!

MariaM – Planning challenging hikes and going on them. Horseback riding. Excursions to Boquillas del Carmen. Social gatherings like breakfast in the campground, happy hour, and Starlight cafe in Terlingua.

LisaMcM – So hard to pick a favorite experience, but I have to say third time is the charm! My third trip to Big Bend and I finally got to dine at the Starlight Theater with my family and the wonderful ladies of TOWN. The chili was worth the wait.

PattyE – Loved the Santa Elena canyon tremendously… Beautiful… Boquillas crossing and town were both unique. The town offered a rural setting that I had never experienced in Mexico in the past.

KarenP – I most enjoyed the beauty and diversity of both the scenic surroundings and the amazing women who are TOWNies!

MarshaK – I think my most favorite time was the sound of the wind. Mesmerizing but uplifting.

JuneA – I loved the Boquillas Canyon Trail with the people painting the beautiful landscape, the little boat parked across the Rio Grande with the Mexican singing. His beautiful voice was echoing through the canyon.

AdelaR – I had a great time. Big Bend is a beautiful place; the only thing, I wished I had gone 30 years ago before I got so old so I could do and visit every part of the park.

And JacqueA – This was my third trip and Dug Out Wells is my favorite destination with its peacefulness and calm. Perhaps my master naturalist training is paying off, as I noticed the greater diversity in the BBNP geology this trip and was amazed at how much I had overlooked. Each vista takes on a different perspective when viewed at different times of our 24 hour day.

Thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts and to everyone who participated in the trip!

JacqueA