Big Bend NP, Day Two

Day two in Big Bend National Park was a full one on the trails. We did eighty miles through the southern portion of the park. Half of that was on dirt roads labeled for high clearance vehicles and the rest for 4X4s. As off-roading goes these were all easy, but your Prius would not fair well.

This route took us along the Rio Grande River, where it forms the border between the United States and Mexico. Because the road is above the flood line of the river we could not see it through the vegetation in most places.

Rio Grande

Rio Grande

Our first stop, Rooney’s Place, a ruin down by the river. Rooney was a settler in the early twentieth century. There were stone walls (without mortar) along a rock outcropping. It was originally several rooms, but the two walls where we had our picnic was all that was left.

 

Rooney's Place

Rooney's Place on the Rio Grande

 

Nia is a city girl and not sure of all this.

In the 1800’s hardy settlers tried ranching and mining here under the threat of Indian attack and rustlers marauding across the boarder. Cinnabar (quicksilver) and silver mining were profitable into the early 1900s, but by 1947 all mines were shut down.

Mariscal Mine (Smelted mercury was originally taken by mule to El Paso).

Now, as we drive through the park, we can see cattle on the Mexican side of the river, but no homes along our route. This is a very lightly populated area on both sides. It takes a hardy soul to make a living down here, but the people I spoke to that live here love it.

Before leaving this morning Barbara took a few pictures of where we were staying. This is Callie Stillwell’s store and now museum. Callie made a life here in the early 1900s after her husband died. The store supplemented the meager earnings of the ranch. Her decedents now run the place.

Hallie Stillwell Museum

Stillwell Store and campground.

Texas Bluebonnet?