We made a "great circle' trip of the surrounding area and saw lots of interesting things! Included in our wanderings were the Big Bend NP and a 70 mile scenic drive along the Rio Grand west of BBNP.
Our route was east from Alpine on US 90 to Marathon, then US 385 south to BBNP where we picked up SR 118 to the northwest to Ranch Road 170 west to Presidio, then US 67 north to Marfa, US 90 east back to Alpine.
As we headed south on US 385 we found ourselves losing the greenery and pastureland and entering a desert zone, not sand dunes like the Sahara, but a very limited rain zone. As the usual grasses and tree disappeared, they were replaced by the dozens of bushes and plants that thrive in the low rain zone.
Here's what it looks like:
Desert in the BBNP
More DesertOne of the oddest plants that has adapted to the desert conditions is the Ocotillo. Here are a few of the pictures we took today. You can see more and get more info on the Ocotillo by clicking the above link.
Ocotillo in BBNP Desert
Ocotillo Flower
Looks like a pretty benign plant, right? Here's what's hiding in the little leaves:
We also had a cacti lesson today. Not all cacti are green:
I'm having trouble getting the program to accept more pictures, so I'll post this now and continue with another post.
MMG and DDG
Ocotillo FlowerLooks like a pretty benign plant, right? Here's what's hiding in the little leaves:
We also had a cacti lesson today. Not all cacti are green:
I'm having trouble getting the program to accept more pictures, so I'll post this now and continue with another post.
MMG and DDG
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