Marathon, TX

Big Bend is BIG, BIG, BIG.   There is no way to describe the size of this park.  It is wild and you are pretty much on your own if you get hurt hiking or camping.  We met a woman who had fallen on a trail and broken her leg in past years hiking here.  She was transported to two different hospitals across southern Texas before she got to a medical facility that could cast a broken leg.  If you're looking for friendly rangers...don't go here.  They were very anxious to pull people over and inspect their vehicles along with asking dozens of questions.  They were not anxious to make people fee welcome or to offer ranger programs.  You're on your own down here.  But...it is so worth the trip.  

Since there are few filling stations in Big Bend and the prices are high, our first stop was in Marathon to fill up with groceries and diesel fuel.  We stayed at the Marathon Hotel and Rv park and enjoyed walking around the historic downtown area.

Up at sunrise to look for wild animals.

I had my hunting dog with me.

a  mountain lion ready to attack???

 

Ran into some javelinas strolling through the front yard!

In front of the Gage Hotel

A trip into downtown Marathon and a visit to the historic Gage Hotel was rewarded with a nice cold beer.

Looks like some cattle got pretty thirsty.

The lobby of the Gage Hotel.

 

Last cold beer before Big Bend??? OH NOOOOOO