Day 7 (Click
on photo to look at photos)
It was farewell to The Big Bend this
morning. My week was just about up - it was time to pack up and get
back to Midland, and then to Dallas for my flight home.
The morning drive up from Alpine was splendid - a very clear crisp
morning, still some snow on the ground, but very little north of
Alpine. Time for a last photo of the area - and the straight as a die
road, a few more plants - and through the oil well lined roads that
lead to Midland and Odessa.
I'd had a great time, and wondered whether I'd ever be back again.
After a couple of weeks back home, I can now answer that question.
Without doubt I'll come back. The area has imprinted itself on my mind
- I've now seen it in spring and in autumn - almost winter in many
ways. It's been very different on each occasion - and I now want to
come back in earlier spring to sample yet another time of year. What
would I do differently this next future time?
I would stay in or nearer to the Park. Alpine was a good base, and I
enjoyed the driving. But to get the most time, and to see the Park at
sunrise and sunset without difficulty, I would need to stay there. I'd
ideally like to travel with a companion, or more, so that there would
be two vehicles travelling - the Park is so huge, that if the back
roads were passable, then I'd want to do more of them, and in case of
problem a second vehicle would be a useful safeguard.
It's not everyone who would like this type of vacation - but for
interest, scenery, atmosphere, light and shade, clear air and good
exercise, - well it really can't be beaten.
I'll accept enrolments now!!
