07-07 Alexa Visits

IN THE DARKROOM As you can see, she took the bedroom I gave her and made it her own. Hey, whatever makes you feel comfortable, right?

THE CHISOS MOUNTAINS IN CLOUDS We couldn't very well pass up a photo opportunity like this, could we?

CACTUS WITH THUNDERHEAD We were on our way to Ernst Tinaja, even with the threat of a thunderstorm brewing. Clouds add so much drama to a photo anyway, right? Let's just hope it doesn't add too much drama.

PRICKLY PEAR BLOOMS Well, since we're here, why not?

ECHINOCEREUS IN BLOOM They look so odd when in bloom, as the flowers are almost as big as the cactus.

ECHINOCEREUS BLOOM CLOSEUP

RESURRECTION PLANT You can tell we've had some rain recently, as this one is opened up. When dry, they fold themselves up and lay flat on the ground, gray side out.

UH-OH A Volskswagen Jetta and I are pondering how best to navigate this rather large puddle. Is it deep? Only one way to find out and they did, as they plowed right through it. Turns out there's a nice, firm rock bed and it was only a few inches deep. Pepe had no problem at all.

MADE IT TO ERNST TINAJA The parking lot was a gooey mess, but we're here and off we go.

THE HIKE BEGINS

ALEXA IN OVERLOAD You can just hear the gears turning over in her head -- what to shoot and how best to shoot it.

SHE IS HAVING FUN, THOUGH

ROCK STUDIES BEGIN There is so much texture and color in this area, it's hard to capture it all, but I tried. I was hobbled a little, though, as the camera battery died and the spare was left in the bag in the truck. Good thing I always carry my little camera with me.

NICE FOLDING I'm always intrigued with folds in the rock. Amazing. Just think of the processes it took to do that.

RECLINING NUDE As seen by Edvard Munch ("The Scream").

BACK WE GO Well, I can hear the rumble of thunder, so it's time to head out of this little trap. I really hated to cut the trip short, but better that than get caught in a flash flood.

YEP, SURE ENOUGH Oh, that's just lovely, isn't it? So much potential for disaster. Check out the blooms on the ocotillo, though. They really stand out against the clouds.

OCOTILLO BLOOM

SUNSET IN TERLINGUA

ROCKHOUSE RUINS

THE RIO GRANDE AT BOQUILLAS We're taking a little hike into Boquillas Canyon to see what we can see.

MORE PRICKLY PEAR BLOOMS I just can't pass these things up, as you can see.

DESERT MARIGOLDS There was just so many of them, I had to take a shot.

DESERT MARIGOLD CLOSEUP

CANOEING THE RIO GRANDE You could hear these guys whooping it up way up where we were. They were movin' on.

BOQUILLAS CANYON Not quite as graceful and dramatic as Santa Elena Canyon, but impressive nonetheless.

TORREY YUCCAS IN BLOOM

LACCOLITH FORMATION It looks like a pan of cinnamon rolls, doesn't it? This is across the road from the Grapevine Hills Road entrance, in case you're interested in seeing it for yourself someday.

CINNAMON ROLL CLOSEUP Oh, what the hell, huh?

ON THE TRAIL TO CATTAIL FALLS What's a visit to Big Bend without a visit to Cattail Falls? Gotta be done.

LOWER POOL It always amazes me at the greenery in this area contrasted with the smooth rocks.

CATCHING A LITTLE SUN

LONGSPUR COLUMBINE These are such beautiful, graceful things.

MINI-WATERFALL

LOOKING UP THE FALLS I've always loved this particular view, for some reason.

REFLECTION POOL Yet another favorite shot of mine. Note the little greenery at right. Huh.

INDIAN PAINTBRUSH I think. It's pretty, whatever it is.

DOS PORTALES Always a favorite of mine, and of Lex's, too.

ROCKHOUSE RUINS They're everywhere out here. I love it.

YET MORE