Texas Vacation 2022 - Day Three (Second Half) - Marathon, TX to Alpine, TX

 The second half of our day begins with the entrance to Big Bend National Park.  This is the point the whole trip was planned around.  Come along and just view the splendor, with minimal comments (well, I'll try).

Our first views of the park.

We have entered the park in the northeast section (see map below) and I'd read about a relatively new (2017) exhibit along this road.  The Fossil Discovery Exhibit share the area's paleontological and geological past of the park, complete with replicas of fossils found within the park.  Just as we enter the pavilion, I spot this piece of petrified wood and it's absolutely gorgeous.

A prehistoric turtle!!

And some fun.

Looking out from the pavilion.  This was once the ocean floor.  Roll that around for a bit.

Mister finally gets his camera out and I'd love to point out which pics are his from here on out, but we are both using the camera.  You'll just have to figure it out on your own.  These first two are his.

I've found an Alamosaurus Femur that is crazy cool.  Alamosaurus was one of the last land dinosaurs in North America at the end of the Cretaceous period.  The were also one of the largest dinosaurs to ever exist.  They used their height and long necks to reach plants high in the forest.  YES, it was forested too.  Researchers found their remains with Tyrannosaurus - indicating that they probably coexisted.  They were long-necked, plant eating dinosaurs and were up to 80 feet long and weighing up to 65,000 pounds.  Read that twice.  Goodness.  This particular one was discovered in a remote part of Big Bend and since motorized vehicles aren't allowed in the backcountry, a horse pulled a sawed-off canoe to transport the fossil.  Keep in mind that a femur is just PART of the leg, possibly 1/3 of overall height at the lower back.

That's it inside, we are off to check out the view.  Kind of looks like I have a cowboy hubby.

This graph sits at the top of the walk.

This is our view - looking west

Looking east - 

He's at work - 

Mister's perspective (I know these 6 are his)

Ahhhh, he's found me.

This is what I was looking at over the edge.

Back to the eastern overlook - 

The pavilion below.

On the walk back down, I notice the MANY layers in these rock.

On the road again, Mister stops now and then.

At stop at Panther Junction to actually check into the park and a "senior moment".  We are officially old as we bought the lifetime pass.  It's bugging Mister a wee bit, especially since his birthday is tomorrow and that's another number to add.

That's it for the national park today.  We take the route towards Terlingua and run into this:

Here is the Quilts Etc. LINK to share in my visit.  It is NOT a fabric store.

While in Terlingua, we are checking out the Ghost Town and the first thing we find is the cemetery.  A stop is absolute and I'm just unable to slightly close my eyes.  Picture really big eyes as I am floored.  

Across the street - 

A little down the road is the ghost town.  

AS we drive back out, I notice the side of the mountain - 

At this point we have turned south and passed through Lajitas.  We will be making a trek down here again, so are leaving places to explore for a second trip.  Lajitas is one of them.  We have entered the Big Bend Ranch State Park, the largest state park in the state and one we will explore better next time.  Highway 170, also known as The River Road.  It's basically skirting the lower edge of the park on our right and the Rio Grande - with Mexico on the other side - on our left as we drive.  Along the way, I spot the first bluebonnets of the season.

Views from the road --- it is GORGEOUS.

I've spotted some cool light on the hills nearby and Mister stops.  Of course, the clouds come in right then.

He starts photographing nearby cactus that is glowing a bit as well - 

As we goes to get back into the car, I'm pointing like crazy as the clouds moved briefly and he gets the money shots.

Continuing on ---- this really is a wonderful scenic drive, highly recommended, but almost roller coaster at times.

A pullout is ahead, with several cars, so we join in.  Must be good.

It is a beautiful gorge along the river -

Notice the old remnants of an accident - 

At this point, the people in the RV parked near us tell us that the road is closed ahead due to a fire.  UGH.  We are in our car trying to determine what to do when we notice that this couple is really having issues.  Finally, they start walking our way.  Somehow, they've managed to lock the steering wheel on their rig and cannot get the key to go in.  Mister goes to help and it takes brute strength from both of them to get the wheel to move just enough and once the key is in, it releases the wheel.  Golly.  They are finally on their way and we are still left with a decision.  We make the choice to risk it.  Forward we go, watching the sky and happy that the most beautiful parts of the drive are behind us, however, the roller coaster REALLY gets going now.  Wow.  Watch the sky with us.

Finally, we hit a spot where there is as vehicle stopping traffic.  The road is NOT closed, but we need to wait for the pilot vehicle to take us through as the fire comes right up to the road in places.  Well, alrighty then.

After about 10 minutes, away we go and I'm trying to snap a few pictures through Mister's side window as he drives.  We can't stop as it is a LINE of traffic.  No flames, but a lot of smoke.

It's now 5:00 and we still a bit of a drive ahead of us and need to check into our home for the next three days.  Straight north to Alpine, with no stops.  We do opt for dinner in Alpine, but it is a Monday night and 7:00 by the time we arrive so our choices are limited.  The Old Gringo it is.

This is a biker bar and we've been to those before, but this one actually has a drive-in garage for the bikers and is right downtown in Alpine.  We find a couple of spots at the bar, order a beer (for me - drink for Mister), and some dinner.  Seems like time to eat, right?  A trip to the restroom has me walking through another section and finding this very cool carved eagle.

Along with a table and benches.  Very fun.

A loaded baked potato is my choice and it's huge -- Mister can help finish it.  

By the time we drive the 9 miles south of Alpine, it's dark and we are hunting for our cabin.  Challenging, for sure, but it happens and I aim for a shower and bed, while Mister sits outside staring at the crazy star-spattered sky.  It is DARK and so much is visible.  He'll take picture tomorrow night, for tonight, he's just enjoying it.  The temperature has definitely changed, though, and it's COLD out.  I'm staying in.  Since we arrived after dark, pics tomorow.  Here is our map for today.  See ya on the flipside.