A Visit from Don

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Details: Created on Thursday, 28 July 2011 12:02; Published on Thursday, 28 July 2011 12:02; Written by Abe Connally

Tropical Storm Don is expected to hit the Texas coast early Saturday, and should be closer to Big Bend by early Sunday. Don’t worry, it will have almost completely faded out by then, but the best you can expect is some nice rain in the area.

August is supposed to be one of the best months for visiting Big Bend, and that’s not just because of the awesome Summer Discounts, or the fact that families are desperately trying to cram more vacation into their river_from_above summer break from school. Frequent rain brings life to the natural surroundings of the park, and usually cools everything off—making for great conditions for a visit.

Rio Grande Adventures

Like was mentioned last week, the Rio Grande continues at a slightly higher lever than normal, and Don might keep those levels up for our continued enjoyment. But it can’t be stressed enough the importance of safety. Check out this article to see why safety matters. A family decided to jump in and ride the current on simple pool inflatables, and in doing so they put their lives in danger.

Once again, there are outfitters that offer safe rafting trips and adequate rafting gear. Don’t misjudge the currents and get yourself into trouble. The family in the article was lucky to run into some Border Patrol agents. If you find yourself in danger, you might not be so fortunate.

A Word about Maps and GPS

Another key safety issue was brought up in this article. Many people camp and hike with the help of a GPS, but those devises are only as insightful as the maps they are based upon. If the maps are old, then the information they give may be inconvenient or down right dangerous! If you hike with a GPS, don’t trust the digital map only. Ask park officials where you can find an accurate, up-to-date map of the park to use for comparison.

With river levels still up and (hopefully) rain on the way, Big Bend sound like the place to be! Being prepared and properly equipped ensures you’ll enjoy your stay.

Worth a Thousand Words

There are some views you just can't take in all at once. Like a dazzling sunset or breathtaking field of wildflowers—you just can't appreciate such beauty in the moment, a moment that is often over before you realize it, the forms and colors of that marvelous vista already fading in your memory. Perhaps it was with the goal of preserving such scenes that the first camera was invented, a goal that you may still share when you visit a place as beautiful as Big Bend and the surrounding area. Why not take a look through our new and improved photo galleries to see what amazing sights have been preserved by astounded visitors and appreciative locals? When you see the mountains, plains, flora, and fauna displayed in those images, you'll be glad the gallery contributors took their camera along.

Birding in Big Bend

Among the many activities available in Big Bend National Park that highlight the region's diversity of wildlife, birding can be enjoyable and promising. Big Bend engulfs a vast area, bounded by the the rushing Rio Grande valley to the south, containing high peaks in the Chisos Mountains, and boasting both desert and forest climates between the two. It embodies the very diversity that makes America great, providing countless opportunities to spot more than 450 birds in one area.

Your Big Year is Here

What are your new year's resolutions for 2012? Did you keep your resolutions for 2011? While the top resolutions each year include losing weight, learning something new, traveling, or getting out of debt, here's a new challenge you can take on this year: spot all the bird species in Big Bend National Park.

Big Bend Video Collections

Big Bend has some of the most spectacular scenery in Texas, if not the entire US. Our big sky country rivals any other state and our night skies are as dark as anywhere for excellent star gazing. The beautiful light and great scenery make for a photographer’s paradise.

Trails and Wildlife

There are many things you may love to do in Big Bend National Park in the heat of summer, but running or jogging is probably not one of them. With 90+ degree temperatures, there simply is no such thing as a nice July run in West Texas. With the dry weather we've had this year, you have truly hostile workout conditions. That all changes this time of year, though, as temperatures drop and the sun gives us a break for a few months. What a great time to get out on some trails in Big Bend!

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