Canoeing on the Rio Grande River

Thursday's sunrise over the Chisos Mountains was a spectacular vision of color and light as we drove west. We had to be at Big Bend River Tours in Study Butte at 8:45am. Another couple from Canada joined us for the fun adventure canoeing the Rio Grande River. It was Ashley's first time across the border when we stopped along the river bank for a picnic in Chihuahua Mexico.

We launched the river tour at Big Bend Ranch State Park, which abuts the National Park. We enjoyed our short time in Texas' largest state park. Between the two parks and including Mexican's national park along the river border, this is one one the most magnificent, light-pollution-free, dark sky in North America for star gazing. And what an amazing show we've had each night, despite the moonlight! The Milky Way in clear view.