It's not widely known, but immediately to the west of Big Bend National Park is one of Texas' largest state parks. The fifty-mile highway through the park runs, for the most part, right alongside the Rio Grande. We decided to do the drive and also take in a short hike into the slot called Closed Canyon.
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The Texas sun wasn't going to be a factor today, since the incredibly high canyon walls kept us in plenty of shade. Of course, that made photography more of a challenge.
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For most of the walk, the canyon floor was flat and easy; but there were a couple of places that became a bit of a footing challenge. At least for the old lady. Eventually I felt I could go no further. Some people returning from the bitter end of the canyon said I wasn't missing much; while the canyon ends in a pour-off into the Rio Grande, it wasn't possible to see the river from the endpoint of the hike.
It's always amazing to see how plant life finds a way even in the most inhospitable environment. Inside the canyon, the greenery was thriving in stone. I especially liked the prickly pears topping the cliffs and clinging to the sheer walls.
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On the drive back to camp, I stopped to admire (and photograph) the many wildflowers the desert was already offering in February. They would be gone so soon!
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Across the road from the flowers were some picnic tables under, um, interesting canopies. They seemed particularly ironic since down on the river, we spotted a group of canoe-paddlers being twirled about in a vicious headwind.