Thursday, March 6 - Boquillas Canyon & Hot Springs

After a brutal wind storm, that kept us awake from midnight until around 2:30 am this morning wondering if our tent was going to blow away with us in it, we awoke to find all had survived. I think I need to write a review on the new tent and give it an A+ for exceptional wind resistance. We broke camp and did two hikes before leaving Big Bend. The first was to Boquillas canyon, a beautiful 1.4 mile walk to the river with a view into the canyon. To make the hike we encountered 2 Mexican nationals. One was crossing the river back to the Mexican side, the other began singing from a rock on the other side as we entered the canyon. The latter referred to him self as the "singing Mexican Jesus". The nationals come across the river illegally and leave trinkets and carved walking sticks along the trails asking for money. As a hiker you are warned not to buy these items as you risk prosecution and having said items confiscated.

 Our second trail took us to the hot springs near Rio Grande Village. Back in the 1930's there was a resort at this spot. From 1942-52 Muggy Smith operated a general store after the resort was no longer operating. It felt really good to soak our feet in the thermal pool after our earlier hike.