Monday, March 22, 2010

Big Bend NP,Lost Mine Hike. day 3 part 1

Howdee all,

Yep..as the sign says below, Bear and Mountain lion Country,

So far we haven't sighted either.Big bend ride and birds_007

  We awoke a bit to late to take the long scenic all day drive…so we opted to go hiking. Big bend ride and birds_003

 

Lost Mine Trail

Length: 4.70 Miles

Elevation Gain: 1300 Feet

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Lost Mine Trail_001

“The Lost Mine Trail is perhaps the most important hike to undertake if you only have a day to spend in Big Bend. It's not terribly long, provides an interpretive guide to the plants, animals and geological formations seen in Big Bend..”

 

Lost Mine Trail_003   The trail starts out through a montane woodland of species generally only found in Mexico, but whose range just crosses the border in Big Bend and perhaps a couple of other mountains in West Texas. These include Mexican pinyon pine, and the weeping juniper, and the red peeling bark of the Texas madrone. In the case of the first two, the Chisos are the only place in the U.S. to see them. Other common species on this trail include Alligator juniper, evergreen sumac, and a variety of scrubby oak species, including Emory oak and Chisos red oak. In the understory are agave, yucca, sotol, and cactus species.Lost Mine Trail_015 Totally different vegetation than in the valley.

Lost Mine Trail_009

It was a fairly easy hike for us..Lost Mine Trail_012 We did have to stop and catch our breath a few times.

Jeff checking out a Sotol plantLost Mine Trail_018 Heres a bonsai growing on a rock for Dad.

Lost Mine Trail_027  The trail was rocky but had areas like below with steps made of stone.Lost Mine Trail_030 Beautiful views around every corner..Lost Mine Trail_041Great hike, considering how short it was and not very difficult.  

Lost Mine Trail_044  If you look closely in the photo below..you will see pinks, blues and yellows in the rock.

Lost Mine Trail_049

It was a beautiful day..light winds..mid sixtiesLost Mine Trail_062Besides the views..we saw Black tufted titmice, Acorn and Ladderback Woodpeckers,Mexican Jays, Juncos and a few other birdies.Lost Mine Trail_053  So…. I decided that my first love is hiking…Birding, mushrooming,rockhounding, shell collecting…all close seconds…

Lost Mine Trail_070Birding while hiking works just fine.. Lost Mine Trail_072So…the coastal birding will wait..Lost Mine Trail_073I have lichen to look at…  Lost Mine Trail_068more Big Bend views to check out.. Lost Mine Trail_081and a few more pounds to shed…

Lost Mine Trail_083I think I will stay here a bit longer…Lost Mine Trail_080

End of day 3 part I

part 2

Cattail falls Hike

3 comments:

  1. Yes, it is tough when we have too many loves.I find myself wanting to do and see everything. But I have to decide what I want to do and see most!

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  2. Oh now I definitely am going back to Big Bend after seeing this post and your next one! What lovely country.

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  3. Diane,
    Isnt this lifestle great for so may wants..just keep going and seeing..We are blessed!

    Appalachian Lady
    ou must come here again..just make sure its not the summer..great in the winter spring..

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ok what do you really think?????