On the return hike from the South Rim, I think that maybe I was stalked by mountain lion. I don't have any photos of one, nor did I ever even see one, but something was following me for a long time along the trail down from the South Rim. I could hear it in the brush, but ever time I would stop to look for the source of the sound, the sound would also stop. Then after a while there was a rush of pounding feet and the sliding sound of falling rocks across the path behind me. By the time I got my large self-- with backpack, walking staff, water jugs, and gigantic sun hat-- turned around, there was still tumbling pebbles-- but no animal. I like to think that it was just thirsty and trying to get to the water hole down the trail, waiting for a chance to cross my path-- unseen. I did see javelinas wandering around near the Chisos Basin Lodge, and I saw a large assortment of snakes, lizards and birds-- everywhere.

Wildlife, in the form of plants, is abundant over the entire area. Even though I made my visit in the hottest part of the summer, I found color all around. There were many varieties of cactus flowers, blooming shrubs, and the 30-foot agave blooms, among others. You can get all of the information on the geologic history, the flora and the animals at the visitor centers. You can buy books, pamphlets, brochures, and also hiking and road guides of all kinds.

There are many interesting places to visit on the way to or from Big Bend: The Davis Mountains, McDonald Observatory, Judge Roy Bean Visitor Center, Marfa-- known for its mystery lights, and the ghost town of Terlingua.  The famous Terlingua Chili Cook-Off is coming up on the 5th and 6th of November. I picked up a Big Bend area travel guide at one of my stops along the way. It was full of information on points of interest at all of these places, and more. When I recently called the National Park, I was told that they would send information upon request

Postscript: Some numbers to keep for future                         reference are:

* Big Bend National Park Service- 915 477-2251       ext. 158, Web Site- http://www.nps.gov/bibe/

* Big Bend Ranch State Park- 915 229-3416,             Web Site- http//www.tpwd.state.tx.us

* Chisos Basin Mountain Lodge in Big Bend                  National Park- 915 477-2291

* The Badlands Hotel at Lajitas on the Rio Grande        Resort- 915 424-3471

Prickly Pear Bloom

Cholla Blooms

Agaves in Shadow Outcrop

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