Never Stop Learning

The week goes on in Fairbanks. Orientation, paperwork, and preparation are the main aspects of the day.

And now for the grand finale from my road trip…

I woke up the next morning excited for another day of adventure in Big Bend. However summer was quickly moving into the desert and temperatures were supposed to reach at least 100 degrees. So over breakfast we made a plan on how to keep cool but also make the most of the day. We started with a trip to the Hot Springs just west of Rio Grande Village. It was already getting pretty hot as we sat in the hot tub like water looking over the Rio Grande. I’ve never been much for slowly poaching myself, so we didn’t spend long. We savored the moments we had to ourselves in the hot springs and then meandered back to the car.

Later we headed out in my awesome air conditioned car down one of the backcountry roads in the park. We set a goal and headed down the rough, yet accessible road. Along the way we were mostly passed by adventure and dirt bikes (motorcycles), but also a few trucks. My friend pointed out a beautiful rock outcropping and we got out to get up close and personal, and I am so glad I did. The rock had some amazing dimension and texture. It was a completely different experience up close than it was from the road.

As we conditioned down the road soaking up the air conditioning, temperatures outside reached 105 degrees. We headed to an old quicksilver mining site hearing a few scary scrapes and bumps under my car. When we arrived at the mine I checked under the car and everything looked normal. A light haze had blocked some of the heat and made the hike up to the mining area bareable.

That creepy abandoned feeling surrounded me as we approached the crumbling brick buildings. Cactuses starting to bloom lined the way and added color to the earthy landscape. We went up to the top of the ridge and surveyed the desert. We decided we would head back to the main park road once we got back down.

We drove to the new fossil display north of Panther Junction. We went back in time and learned of the various animals that once roamed on the same spot we stood in very different environments.

Later we ate dinner in the backyard and watched the sunset and the cats before heading to bed. The next morning my friend and I parted ways.

I decided to cross the border and visit Mexico. I walked to the Rio Grande and paid a nice Mexican man to row us across the river (as I didn’t know how deep the water was) and walked into town. Boquillas del Carmen is a small town off the grid. I enjoyed a nice lunch at José Falcons overlooking the Rio Grande with a couple that welcomed me to sit with them.

After looking around the town a bit I made my way back to America. I checked in at the customs station and called an agent from the Border Patrol on the phone to check back into the United States.

I then headed out of the park to spend the rest of the day with my friend that I had stayed with in Lajitas. We had some dinner together and spent some time catching up with each other. Of course we spent lots of time giving love to her two dogs Moo and Too (for short). The next morning I would be heading north.

The day started out lovely. I watched the sun come up in the desert over vast, open land.

I had decided to go back to Carlsbad Caverns to visit the actual main cavern. I felt silly saying I had been there but had never been in the namesake. 5 hours, some poor driving, and a side of the road pee later I had made it.

I waited in a ridiculous line to get my ticket to go down into the cavern and then skipped my way down into the depths. I took a million pictures as I walked down. Trying to hurry, but also trying to soak up the beauty of this underground world.

After making my way through all the pathways I waited in line for the elevator back up. It didn’t feel like it took too long, but the line was definitely at its longest when I got in it. Of course the elevator ride was short and sweet. I ate a quick lunch in my car and hit the road for Albuquerque.

Another 7 hours, an empty tank of gas, and more poor driving later I made it to my reserved KOA sight for the night. I set up my car bed and fell alseep for the long drive the next day.

I woke up at 5 and practically rolled from the back of my car into the front seat and started driving. I started the day out with missing a turn and having to go 15 minutes out of my way, but things went smoother from there. A long day of driving later and I made it to my Idaho Falls destination. I stayed at another amazing Airbnb that left me refreshed for the final leg (before a few days rest) to Spokane.

In a little over a day I’ll be headed to Bettles. I might write a post on my experience with getting supplies and food up there. Thanks for reading 🙂