Big Bend Getaway

Lost Mine Trail overlooking Mexico

The last few days I've taken a much needed break from routine and spent some time in our National Park. No gigs, no booking, no building, no dishes or laundry, just convening with one of the greatest national parks in the country. There is a rumor that Big Bend National Park could shut down this weekend indefinitely along with all the other national parks in the country because Congress members are using public programs and workers as pawns in their game of chess. 

The Peaks of Being a Musician

One of my favorite songwriters, Johann Wagner (Austin, TX), joined me for a couple of shows in the Big Bend area. We were slightly rusty as a duo, since it had been about a year since we toured together, but it didn't take long to find our stride.

Boquillas Singer

There is a promising rumor that the border at Boquillas will once again open be open to Americans and Mexicans who wish to explore each others' cultures. Until then, this man's voice reverberates back and forth between both countries, as he stands on the edge of the Rio Grande, singing at the top of his lungs, ignoring the perceived borders.

Exploring the Big Bend

Having a friend visit is always a good reason to go exploring Big Bend. This last Summer, I traveled through a half dozen National parks, including Yellowstone, The Grand Canyon, and Glacier National Park, and I must say that Big Bend holds its own when compared to these more well known parks. Big Bend is the least visited National Park in the country, but has the highest percentage of return visitors. Those who make it all the way here, come back for more. The last few days, I did a lot of hiking, including 14 miles in the Chisos within 24 hours. The 14 miles included my first venture up Emory Peak, the highest summit in the Big Bend. Here are some photos:

a glimpse into the window

Starlight Theater Closes / River Trip

On the Starlight Theatre's last night ever, I ran into Billy, my river guide friend and he asked me to join him on a river trip the next day for the maiden voyage of his new boat through the Santa Elena Canyon. In the few years that I have been here, I had not done the full 21 mile downstream trip through the Canyon, I am almost embarrassed to say. Since I had to wake up before 7 am, I wasn't able to stay at the Starlight after midnight for the 50 cents any drink in the house deal and If I did, I don't think that I would have made the river trip.

UPDATE - 2008 Summary

I am traveling and performing music around Texas. Here is a link to some December 2008 photos of the Big Bend area. 

I have also been posting some articles on TreeHugger.com and PlanetGreen.com. Here is a link to one that got alot of Diggs:

The Bad News of 2008 is also the Good News