Bye Bye Big Bend

Tuesday's plan: Break camp & pack the car (not a small feat), hike Santa Elena canyon, and drive to Alpine.The wind had died; it was just bit cool yet still sunny .

After a picnic before hiking (more leftovers from the Austin farmers' market) we arrived at this narrow canyon along the Rio Grand on the west side of the park. It was the first place that we'd seen more than a few people during our entire time in the park.

We ended the hike with a little rock skipping contest (Scott won). 

I briefly emigrated to Mexico.

Then it was time to leave... so many places await and it takes FOREVER to get to them!

We found a great hotel in Alpine: The Maverick Inn. Funny-- some of the same people we saw on the Santa Elena trail were staying there too. We had dinner in a (related) historic hotel; tried a few of the local beers from Bend Bend Brewery. Decided we needed a souvenir.

In the morning, after running through most of the town's historic areas, we left for Marfa.