Big Bend National Park

We are burning daylight, pilgrim, so I need to type short and sweet here.  We  have some hiking to do.
Right now we are at the campground store at Rio Grande Village, the campground at the east end of the park.  They have wifi.  :)

Here is a look down on our campground.  That is the Rio Grande on the left, and Mexico beyond it.

At various places in the park, Mexican entrepreneurs sneak (sort of) across and set up little honor jar trinket stands.  However, they do keep a close eye on them from somewhere in the brush, because they come out and greet you (and check to be sure you are paying).   

They come from this vilage across the river.  Notice the horseman down by the shore on the other side.  He may be one of the vendors, or maybe not, I don't know.  I bought a walking stick and our guy rode up on a burro.  He spoke reasonable English and was a nice guy.   Yes, it's a little disconcerting at first, but it's harmless.  We are all conditioned to think the worst.  The park and/or border people could stop this in a minute if they thought it was an issue, but they don't.  They do put up signs warning us not to buy stuff.  CYA for them.

The park is home to some defunct ranches.  At this one, the windmill still pumps water onto the ground, making for an oasis.

One of the most popular sights is the Santa Elena Canyon.  Mexico on the left, USA on the right.

Notice again how small the river is.  This is just a few hundred yards downstream from the canyon.  It's about 15 feet across.

Here is another shot of the village, known here as Boquillas Del Carmen.  The mountains in the back are the Sierras Carmen.  Our guy said the village name is not the same over there, but I forgot what he said it was.