Windmill Sunset

Windmill at sunset. Few things say Texas like a windmill. Here is one as the light of of a classic big Texas sunset lights up the sky.

Lost Peak Mountainside

Tree trunks on the side of Lost Peak in the Guadalupe Mountains.

To reach this hike you have to first goto New Mexico and then drive back into Texas at Dog Canyon on the north side of Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

The trail works it's way up the side of Lost Peak as it ascends into the high country of the Guadalupes. These tree are high on the flank of the mountain.

Santa Elena Canyon Sunset Glow

The "V" notch Santa Elena Canyon at sunset.

It was the end of a very heavy overcast day. The sky was so heavy there was no chance of a sunset (or so I thought). As such, I was out looking for locations to photograph the next morning when I noticed that the western sky was starting to glow. I was not at a very good location for the sunset and I knew it would likely be over before I could get to one so I watched the light in the "V" of the canyon.

Santiago Peak and the Dead Horse Mountains

A panorama of Santiago Peak and the Dead Horse Mountains. The Dead Horse Mountains run from the eastern side of Big Bend National Park north west toward Alpine.

This view is from US385 somewhere south of Marathon looking toward the park.

Oasis

A Longspar Columbine with bee at a hidden oasis in Big Bend National Park.

In the desert a place with water is bound to be special. There are several springs, seeps, etc that have neat things to be found there. Usually shade, flowers, birds, wildlife, etc.

After a hike across an open sunny hillside, one finds this small shady oasis with water flowing for at least a few dozen feet. Nestled among the rocks here one finds bright yellow Longspar Columbine.

I just happen to find one with a bee in it.

Rio Grande in Santa Elena Canyon

Rippled water in Santa Elena Canyon-Big Bend National Park.

On a hike into Santa Elena I noticed the ripples on the water and the shadow of the canyon wall. It had a certain simplicity to it so I made this image with a bit of rock in it for good measure.

Castolon

The Castolon complex on the western side of Big Bend National Park.

Castolon was both a farming and military center in the desert. Flood plain farming was done along the Rio Grande. This place also became an Army outpost during the Mexican Revolution. Most of the buildings in the complex date from the post.

Today it is fairly well preserved and serves the only cold beverage for 40 miles.

Prickly Pear and Mule Ears Peak

A large clump of Prickly Pear cactus with Mule Ears Peak in the distance.

The western side of Big Bend National Park is a great place to explore the mountains, canyons, and desert lowlands. One such area of neat vistas and hidden places is Mule Ears Peak. A maze of trails leads into the desert and countless finds. This clump of pear cactus was one I spotted on the way to Mule Ears Spring (a great destination).

It stood a good 5' tall and had dozens of pads.

Goat Mountain

Goat Mountain in Big Bend National Park.

Goat Mountain is a peak of volcanic origin on the western side of the BBNP. It is visible from the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive between Sotol Vista and the Mule Ears Overlook. The road passes right beneath the big "V" notch on the western face. A field of tuff and boulders lies at its feet. It is a great location to see the forces of geology in action.

The Wind

Windmills in the Delaware Mountains of west Texas.

Texas can be a windy place, especially in the western part of the state. In several places around the state giant wind farms have sprung up where dozens or hundreds of windmills harness the wind to create electricity. Texas leads the country in the generation of wind power and is set to take the next step forward with even more huge wind projects.

These mills have been up for several years and line the ridgeline of the Delawares. The Delawares are just south of the Guadalupes and the wind can howl through this area so these are sure to be generating power almost non-stop. To let you know how windy it can be here I have camped at GMNP when the National Weather Service has clocked 75mph winds in Guadalupe Pass (yes, that is hurricane force). I sure am glad I have a good tent!