beautiful big bend

my muscles are sore but my heart is full after an amazing weekend at big bend national park. 13 of us made the 6+ hour journey across the southwest texas desert friday night, through the border town of del rio, where i had the best entomatadas ever for dinner, and then onward through counties more populated by cactus and sage than people until we reached the entrance to the park. 45 minutes later we found our home for the night--the basin campground. it was pitch black but the stars were bright and beautiful company as we set up our tents and prepared for bed.

the sun rose early on us the next morning and an amazing site greeted us. tall, reddish brown mountains on every side, and trees, lots and lots of trees. we packed in our gear for the trip up to the south rim, where we would be spending the night. it was a long, long, uphill climb (6.5 miles) on the pinnacle trail that took us up and around the mountain. we left our base camp at 11am and 5 hours later reached the first of many amazing sites along the south rim. from the rim you can see down into the valley endless hills, the rio grande, and the mountains of mexico in the distance. it was breathtaking and exhilirating. after a brief rest, we journeyed on to a higher cliff where we rested and enjoyed a gorgeous sunset and a delicious dinner-szechuan chicken (it's amazing what can be done with a small fire, a pot, and some canned chicken and couscous)! after dinner, we hiked a little further (in the dark) to a wooded camping area where we spent the night.

sunday morning came too soon, but the prospect of finishing the journey gave us all momentum and we made the downhill trip in just under 3 hours. every step of the way there was beauty to soak in, company to cherish, and moments to savor. i remember talking with a girl friend as we meandered down the mountain--this is the kind of thing that teaches you about yourself--handling adversity and challenge, learning to accept help from others, stretching beyond one's comfort zone. for every lesson learned and friendship created or renewed, i am grateful.