So after years of my only contributions to conversations about Big Bend National Park being "Yeah, I'd really like to get out there", Doc, Jake, and I decided to make the trek out to the gigantic bend in the Rio Grande River (Jackson will have to wait for the next trip :)). Our trip began with a 6am departure from San Antonio. After a seven hour drive that included a stop at Judge Roy Bean's courthouse, we arrived at the Ten Bits Ranch just outside of the park boundaries.
| The Ten Bits Ranch is a small collection of themed rooms run entirely using "off-grid" solar power. Although there isn't TV, and only one phone, they do have free wireless Internet! |
| Our launch point for the excursion was the Bank building, which I must confess had the best views of any of the rooms. However, the impressive landscape all around makes every room a winner. |  |
 | Of course we had to check out the on-site horseshoe pit first thing, but the awesome rock formations around us called. So after some brief direction from Jennifer and Steve, the proprietors of the ranch, we were off on our first hike of the trip. |
