53 degrees this morning. Revisited the Rio Grande Nature Trail - no fog at all this morning.
Again saw the Mexican on horseback and watched turtles sunning themselves.
After breakfast of oatmeal, we headed to Cat Tail Falls, a trail not shown on the Park's maps but recommended by a ranger at the Panther Junction Visitor's Center. On the way we took these pictures of a tarantula crossing the road, one of about a dozen that we saw this trip. (Hairy and about 4-6". ) Non-aggressive and moving right along, we are told later that it is mating season and they are "on the move".
We also saw this javelina along the road. Also called a collared peccary, they are not really related to pigs though the nose surely appears to be! About 20-24" inches tall, 40-60 pounds.
The several mile long road into Cat Tail Falls trail was very rocky and rough, and we got out at one point and filled in some holes with loose rocks, but made it to the parking area. The first mile of the trail was on a closed road through desert, then it switched to a smaller trail that led another mile into the mountains and a beautiful water falls. Beautiful agave.
The end of the trail is a mass of huge boulders which we scrambled over. Quite an oasis here, with pools and a small stream. Lots of blue dragon flies and Greg spotted a tarantula on a nearby rock. We enjoyed a snack and some water before heading back to the Trek and back out the crazy road with only one small scrape!
Took showers at the store and talked with some fellow Roadtrekkers who bought their 1993 Trek on Craig's List! They spend summers in Homer, Alaska and the rest of the year in West Texas doing seasonal" work. We have run into people from Chicago, Minnesota, Sante Fe, Washington, Louisiana, Germany, Australia as well as other Texans.
This cottontail was visiting the empty campsite next to us. We climbed the nature trail yet again for sunset, and more impressively, moonrise, pictures.
Later we drive to the Rio Grande Overlook and try a few night pictures. We are the only people around and the stillness and silence is awesome.
Greg reading at the campsite.
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