Padawan’s Journey 4

[brroberts]

Left yesterday for Big Bend, Quartzite, and to see my parents. Should be back around the end of March.

Went to Great Salt Plains at Jet, OK. Saw Sandhills cranes landing at dusk on the lake. Got up this morning and saw them take off. They were too far away for good pictures because the bay was frozen, so they are farther out in the lake. Also with the drought all of the marshes are literally bone dry.

Did a few short walks. They call them trails, but it’s more like strolls. Saw eagles and owls.

Did take a picture of moon set this morning, although it’s not great. We will go to the salt plain after it warms up. It’s 15F this morning. We will also take family in Anthony, KS out for supper tonight.

[brroberts]

Salt flats. Closed for the birds right now. You can drive out and dig for selenite crystals later in the year.

[brroberts]

Today at Arrowhead SP Wichita Falls, TX. Just a quick stop.

[WillyB]

Looks like a great campsite with those nice concrete pads.

[Camper Scott]

I pinned the Great Salt Plains State Park on my map. Looks like a neat place to stop if in the area. I never knew that existed. I would only think of the Great Salt Lake if someone asked.

[brroberts]

The state park had paved sites and everyone was friendly. With the drought the refuge is hurting, but we are definitely thinking about going back sometime when the salt flats are open.

In Big Spring, TX tonight at an RV park. Nothing exciting to take a picture of - just Mesquite trees. Off to Davis Mountain SP tomorrow.

[HABBERDABBER]

If you haven't already done so, have a meal at the S.P. restaurant. OK food, interesting building. And do check out the nearby McDonald observatory. Must see site with a swell view of the sky and surroundings.

[brroberts]

Was last there 51 years ago. We have observatory tickets for Tuesday, including solar observing. I doubt we’ll eat at a restaurant, as we hardly ever eat out.

[HABBERDABBER]

Originally Posted by brroberts

Was last there 51 years ago. We have observatory tickets for Tuesday, including solar observing. I doubt we’ll eat at a restaurant, as we hardly ever eat out.

So just go inside to see it. A history lesson in there.

[brroberts]

Not cell to update pictures & info, but will when we go into town the next couple of days.

[brroberts]

Been out of cell and will be for awhile. Will update with pictures when I can. Lodge at Ft Davis SP closed for now. Off to KBar 2 in Big Bend today.

[brroberts]

Lots to catch up on, so I’ll be brief. I’ll start with Fort Davis State Park, McDonald Observatory, and the Davis mountains. We have ATT but not Verizon at KBar 2. Off to Rio Grande Village tomorrow.

[brroberts]

Some more from the park and Davis mountain area including Skyline drive and the Quail / Lodge trails.

[brroberts]

Now to the NE corner of Big Bend. Some views of and from KBar 2 campsite, along with a sunset and sunrise from there.

[brroberts]

A little bit more from KBar.

[brroberts]

Hike today to balanced Rock.

[HABBERDABBER]

The time we visited there, my wife and I were offered the opportunity to "drive" the telescope into a position, using a handheld remote control. Cool!
Beam me up, Scotty!
Jez, I love those geodesic dome structures.

[brroberts]

Haven’t had much cell for several days. Probably won’t for a while again. I haven’t been catching up on the forum or giving regular trip updates. When I have cell or WiFi, I will update. Eventually I’ll be able to participate in the forum. All of the mods to Padawan’s Life thread have worked well on this trip.

[brroberts]

Big Bend Rio Grande and hot springs.

[brroberts]

More of Big Bend and the Lost Mine trail.