Choke Canyon State Park
Blog 304: Adios Laguna
Our tram tours ended, the work completed, and the gig was up. After four months in extreme SE Texas we pulled up stakes and plotted a new course. Our friends, Al and Carolyn, organized a farewell feast for us, and then we said our goodbyes and hit the road—time for the refugees to flee!
We took the tried and true trip to Harlingen, north on US 77, east on 70, north on 286, east on 357, and then east on 22 onto Padre Island. It rained most of the day with some occasional thunder and lightning, so we were happy that we found a site on the first-come, no-reservation Malaquite Campground overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
Padre Island National Seashore
This national park stretches for 80 miles, ending at the Port Mansfield channel (no bridge). If you have 4-wheel drive, almost all of it is drivable. There are three very reasonably priced campgrounds in the park, plus open camping for free on the Gulf beach for 60 miles.
Walks on the Beach
From our site, we had a two-minute walk to the Gulf beach, where we were entertained by the antics of shore birds with the relentless murmur of seductive waves providing background music. Jack just loved his at least one-a-day runs through the sand.
Birding Trip
The park offered a free, two-hour birding tour which I participated in one morning. Just coming from a renowned birding area, I was pleased with the variety of birds we saw, especially the rare apolomado falcon.
Short Trips
We had the chance to explore most of the Park’s hot spots, and also took a daily 14-mile drive to the outskirts of Corpus Christi for Internet and Verizon connection. One time we headed north up to Mustang Island and Port Aransas, where they are in the middle of hurricane recovery.
Choke Canyon State Park
Soon it was time to head west, catching some of the beautiful wildflowers along the road through the west portion of Texas Hill Country. We stopped overnight at Rockin J RV Park in George West, and then on to Choke Canyon State Park. One of the nicest state parks we have ever stayed in—large sites with most all having a water view, easy water access, and lots of trails to explore.
Del Rio
After three pleasant days there, we headed west again, spending one night just outside of Del Rio at the Trav-L RV Park. Nothing fancy, just an overnighter to prepare and rest for our upcoming national park stay.
Big Bend National Park
We continued on 90 as it first headed north and then west over the Pecos River and through some gorgeous, but lonely countryside. Both traffic and winds were light, the road was (relatively) smooth, and the temperature mild—just about a perfect driving experience. We saw three javelinas roadside and one badger that stopped in the middle of the road, stared at us for 10 seconds then retreated back into the brush. After this pleasant journey we made it to our destination, Big Bend National Park. Once at the entrance, however, we still had 51 miles to go to get us to our Rio Grande Village campground. Here we dry camped with our good friends Kathie and Gary and their new canine sidekick, Tucker.
It had been four years since we visited the Park in a dry, windy November. Our March weather was much more pleasant with spring knocking on the door of the seasons. Cacti were showing their yellows and reds, and the vibrant ocotillo flowers added contrast to the mountain browns.
Campsite
A pair of gorgeous vermillion flycatchers claimed the territory that our campsite was within. We saw both mates snagging flies and other insects out of the air, with the male doing double-duty, chasing his mate (it is that season, you know) and running off other males attempting to invade his domain.
Hikes
We had the chance to do a few nice hikes during our stay. The Nature Trail at the edge of our campground started along a marsh, headed up a rocky hill, and ended at the Rio Grande. We saw a swamp rat and had a pretty vista to gaze at. The Boquillas Trail was also quite pleasant—after some ups and downs, it ended again at a canyon with the Rio Grande running through it. The Hot Springs Trail was also nice, ending up with the springs adjoining the river.
Walking Birding Tour
We took a ranger-led, hour-and-a-half, walking birding tour just a mile from our campground. Perfect weather, an excellent interpreter, and lots of birds made for a great morning. We saw kestrels, woodpeckers, vultures, and the rare (not so common) common black hawk.
Day Drives
We loaded up the pups and headed off for a couple driving tours. One day driving to the dinosaur exhibit, another taking the 21 miles back to Panther Junction, and then heading southwest taking the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. After stopping for a picnic at Castolon, we headed west, stopping to view Santa Elena Canyon. We then took the road less traveled and looped back on Old Maverick Road, a rough gravel trek at 10-miles-an-hour to Panther Junction, and then another 21 miles back to camp.
A very interesting, pleasant, and peaceful four days.
Old Trucks
Finally found some old Texas trucks! Here is a good-looking toy truck and four others.
See you next time.