Seniors Discover Natural Wonders

Big Bend. Ever heard of it?  When I told my wife that I was writing a blog on Big Bend, she said, “That’s in London and it’s a big tower, right?”  I said “wrong.”  Actually point of information: Big Ben is the nickname for the great bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London. Seniors, have you been there? Don’t say “NO”, say “NOT YET”.

Big Bend National Park is located in SW Texas. It has national significance as the largest protected area of Chihuahuan Desert topography and ecology in the United States. Included in this park are more than 1,200 species of plants, more than 450 species of birds, 56 species of reptiles, and 75 species of mammals.

Why do a blog on a park in Texas?  Because it’s special and it’s BIG.  It’s full of natural flora and fauna that seniors enjoy on site. Big Bend is one of the largest, most remote, and least-visited national parks in the lower 48 United States.

This is the place in Far West Texas where night skies are dark as coal and rivers carve temple-like canyons in ancient limestone. At the end of the road, hundreds of bird species take refuge in a solitary mountain range surrounded by weather-beaten desert. Tenacious cactus bloom in sublime southwestern sun, and diversity of species is the best in the country. This magical place is Big Bend.

Once a remote and seemingly inhospitable area reached only by miles of dirt roads, Big Bend has become one of the most popular vacation destinations in the state of Texas visited by an average of 300,000 visitors each year. Seniors love its scenic vistas, diverse wildlife, historic sites, and border culture.

The Rio Grande River runs along the southern part of the Big Bend Country and forms the border between Texas and Mexico. Did you know that the Rio Grande is one of the longest rivers in North America? This region is called “Big Bend” because the Rio Grande River turns into a Big Bend.

Flora and Fauna Intrigues Senior Visitors

The diversity of life is largely due to the diverse ecology and changes in elevation, ranging from the dry, hot desert to the cool mountains to the fertile river valley. Senior hikers, Big Bend’s primary attraction is its trails. And senior birders, another popular activity is birdwatching with more than 450 species of birds recorded in the park. Many species stop in the park during their migrations.

Welcome Bravoceratops! On June 1, researchers from Big Bend National Park and Texas Tech University announced the discovery of a new species of dinosaur in Big Bend National Park – the Bravoceratops. This horned giant roamed the area 75-65 million years ago, adding another Cretaceous era dinosaur to Big Bend’s long list.

Pack your water jugs, your camera, sun glasses, binoculars, a great hat, and enjoy Big Bend. You’ll be glad you did.  jeb