There are many small canyons that the trails lead through and most have a small stream at the base. Throughout the park you can see Javeline, a small pig like creature. The one of the right was part of a small pack that was crossing the road.

The closer we get to the Rio Grande River the most hills we encounter. All have interesting views and we try to stop and take them all in. The photograph at the right shows part of a 360 degrees view we found at the top of one trail. I believe the photograph at the right was taken from the Casa Crande Mountains.

Just about every park or monument we visit in the western United States seems have a monolith that just begs to have it picture taken and Big Bend is no exception. The campgrounds in the park are terrific and most have electricity. Since the weather is warmer here in southwestern Texas and the sun is out we spend the latter part of the afternoon sitting outside reading books. To our amazement, a rather large herd of Javeline wander in the campground. Jeanne runs to the neighor's RV to alert them to the animals.

One of the park's features is a raft trip down the Rio Grande so, naturally, we sign. Unfortunately, January is not the best of times to raft down the river as the water level is low but the guide informs us that the trip will still be very interesting. The start of the raft trip is wide open but leads to a huge canyon.

Normally, the raft will hold 6 to 8 people besides the guide. Due to this being January, we are the only one going so we have plenty of room and exclusive services of the guide. We stop several times to look at small canyons on both sides of the river. One time we stop and talk to a Mexican in Mexico. The guide interprets for us as neither of us speak Spanish.

The trip takes about 4-6 hours and includes lunch along the way. The guide has a folding table, small ice chests of food and we have a wonderful, relaxing lunch on a huge sand bank. Then it is back to the raft and continue down through the canyon.