Big Bend Country

Big Bend Country is a region of extremes.  The desert is dry and hot in the day and cool at night. The desert area is part of the Chihuahuan Desert of Mexico.  The rugged plateaus have short grasses and brush. Trees grow on the mountain slopes as their tall peaks cause precipitation to fall from passing clouds.  Look at that speed limit!!!  We did encounter some highway maintenance, too.  Speed may be 80mph; but, we putts along between 58-62mph...a sweet speed for our rig and sightseeing.

 

Today we started seeing wind energy in the form of huge windmills atop ridges near Sheffield, TX.

Fort Stockton would have dried up if it weren't for the Yates Oilfield, located about 40 miles south of town.  The oil field is part of the Permian Basin, one of the most prolific oil and natural gas producing areas in the world.

Fondly known as Paisano Pete, this 22-foot long Roadrunner welcomes you to Fort Stockton. 

 Balmorhea State Park, Toyhavale, TX, lies in the desert flatlands and the foothills of the Davis Mts. with its popular San Solomon Springs.  Toyhavale's name is a blending of two words:  its first half is from a local Indian word for "flowing water", combined with vale.  For thousands of years, the San Solomon Spring provided water for Native Americans and, later, for Spanish explorers and soldiers.

Today, the 25 foot deep pool over the springs attracts swimmers and divers.  The historic San Solomon Spring Courts motel, built by the CCC in the early 1940's, offers an alternative to camping.

Jim tested both dive boards at the springs without getting wet.

The San Solomon Spring pool was constructed by the CCC during the depression.  Today the waters from this spring irrigates approximately 10,000 acres of farmland and provides an aquatic oasis for a variety of activities.  Here one can find the endangered Pupfish and soft shell turtles.  Cottonwood trees surround the pool.  There are two diving boards for those brave enough to jump into the cool 72-76 degree waters.  This is the world's largest spring-fed swimming pool.  San Solomon Spring is one of the greatest wonders of the Chicherahuan Desert.  One million gallons of crystal clear water flows per hour.

As we were unbuttoning our rig to stay a night, J commence to holler for me as I was inside. When I finally made it to the door, there stood a Roadrunner wanting a handout. One friend said they love hamburger.  Hmmmmm

Then bunnies...cottontails by the numbers running thru the brush...up/down the road...all around our campsite.  What a treat.

Leaving Balmorhea SP we started seeing Texas butte mts, slag, draws, and washes.  Rivers were mostly bone dry.  Once there was  "No law west of the Pecos".  Also standing near the highway was a lone coyote waiting for an easy meal.

Van Horn was to be our next stop; but, there were NO SITES available due to 1000 pipeline workers taking all their campsites for 1 months stay while building the Comanche Trail Pipeline.  This is a Texas intrastate pipeline designed to transport clean-burning natural gas in an agreement with Mexico.  This will be a 195-mile, 42-inch diameter pipeline originating outside Fort Stockton, TX, in northern Pecos County.  The pipeline will deliver in West Texas and terminate custody at the US-Mexico boundary just south of El Paso.  Projected finish is 2017.

Border Patrol was seen several times near Sierra Blanco as we were getting close to the Mexican border.

With this said, we pressed on to overnight in a much different campground.  Next blog.  Take care, be safe.  See you by the campfire.