Gone Camping: Big BeND National Park
December 8th, 2022Overall: Our inaugural family camping trip was unforgettable. When my friend Chelsea asked if we would like to join her family about eight months prior, I had yet to know what to expect. My most recent camping experience as an adult was a solo one to the Kalalau Trail in Kauai 10 years earlier, and my gear was dusty at best. Thanks to a recommended packing list from Chelsea and her husband Andy, we survived and were inspired. Being in nature and having the basic activities of life consume us – such as adjusting to the weather (60's for the highs, 30's for the lows), preparing meals, and maintaining the campsite – felt like a great way to be together. Also, the hikes and sights blew our minds. About 6 hours from San Antonio, getting to Big Bend was a little trek but worth it. As we drove into the park and saw the diverse terrain, Drew questioned, "How could we not have visited here before?" Foodie Highs: We split meal duties between the two families, and each one was tasty and plenty. We had everything from pancakes, eggs, and bacon on the griddle, to warm chili and chicken tortilla soup which was vital for the cold evening temperatures. Chelsea and Drew made desserts from scratch in the Dutch oven, in addition to smores! Chelsea even went out of her way to prepare gluten-free, sugar-free, and dairy-free muffins (in addition to some chocolate chip ones!) to help support my short-term dietary regimen. Best memory: Seeing the kids have so much fun together. Abby and Lincoln, wanting to keep up with Chelsea's more seasoned outdoorsmen, pushed themselves to complete hikes and climb high boulders. There was endless playing!
Lessons Learned:#1. Drew and my sleeping bags were supposedly rated to freezing temperatures, but I, at least, was cold at night, so a trip to REI is necessary before our next Fall camping trip. #2. An extra tarp or two for wind blockers or other uses is priceless. #3. I don't know if dry hair spray made my hair look better, but it felt luxurious on Day 3!
Other notables: Day 1: Balanced Rock Hike. This was the kids’ first actual hike. We have been to Friedrich Wilderness Park in San Antonio and a few other small trails in our community, but this was the real deal. About two minutes in, Lincoln proclaimed he was hungry and tired, so I planned to stay back while the others went ahead. Drew convinced him with a piggyback ride to keep going. When they reached the ascent portion at the far end of the trail, he climbed it all alone! Abby and Ada mounted boulders and found shade under them all along the way, following Miles and William. We ate lunch by the Balanced Rock before slowly making our way back. Chelsea's mother, CinD, was the main photographer in the group, and Andy preferred the off-the-beaten-path route as he slipped in and out of the large boulders. Chelsea and I had some time alone on the walk back to chat and marvel at this beautiful time together. Day 2: The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. We spent several hours on this drive, making recommended stops along the way. The Sam Nail Ranch, Sotol Vista Overlook, and Mule Ears Viewpoint were unique in their own way. When we made it to the Santa Elena Canyon, it was hard to believe we were looking at Mexico and could throw rocks into the Rio Grande. As Chelsea stated when we had lunch there, there was so much beauty in one day you might almost take the backdrop for that picnic stop for granted. Many more reasons to come back. The great memories and scenic drive inspired us to visit again. We would love to consider a rafting trip in the Rio Grand, visiting Mexico through the Boquillas Crossing, hiking the Mule Ears trail, and staying a night in Marathon – a cute little town we passed through on the way into the park.
Lessons Learned:#1. Drew and my sleeping bags were supposedly rated to freezing temperatures, but I, at least, was cold at night, so a trip to REI is necessary before our next Fall camping trip. #2. An extra tarp or two for wind blockers or other uses is priceless. #3. I don't know if dry hair spray made my hair look better, but it felt luxurious on Day 3!
Other notables: Day 1: Balanced Rock Hike. This was the kids’ first actual hike. We have been to Friedrich Wilderness Park in San Antonio and a few other small trails in our community, but this was the real deal. About two minutes in, Lincoln proclaimed he was hungry and tired, so I planned to stay back while the others went ahead. Drew convinced him with a piggyback ride to keep going. When they reached the ascent portion at the far end of the trail, he climbed it all alone! Abby and Ada mounted boulders and found shade under them all along the way, following Miles and William. We ate lunch by the Balanced Rock before slowly making our way back. Chelsea's mother, CinD, was the main photographer in the group, and Andy preferred the off-the-beaten-path route as he slipped in and out of the large boulders. Chelsea and I had some time alone on the walk back to chat and marvel at this beautiful time together. Day 2: The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. We spent several hours on this drive, making recommended stops along the way. The Sam Nail Ranch, Sotol Vista Overlook, and Mule Ears Viewpoint were unique in their own way. When we made it to the Santa Elena Canyon, it was hard to believe we were looking at Mexico and could throw rocks into the Rio Grande. As Chelsea stated when we had lunch there, there was so much beauty in one day you might almost take the backdrop for that picnic stop for granted. Many more reasons to come back. The great memories and scenic drive inspired us to visit again. We would love to consider a rafting trip in the Rio Grand, visiting Mexico through the Boquillas Crossing, hiking the Mule Ears trail, and staying a night in Marathon – a cute little town we passed through on the way into the park.