Big Bend State Ranch
Lower Madura Campground
2020-01-22
I arrived yesterday afternoon and this couldn’t have been more what I was looking for! There are 12 primitive campsites without utilities and NO other campers. I have had the place to myself for 3 days. I have gone for walks and mountain bike rides. Discovered abandoned ranch houses, walked along the Rio Grande River AND surprise surprise they allow campfires here. There is a burn ban in effect for all of the surrounding counties but not in the State Ranch. So I had a wonderful fire on my first night that was cut short by a few desert sprinkles, which have only helped the 3 foot tall Big Bend bluebonnets start to grow. They are everywhere, but mostly along the roads. I wish that I could stay a week instead of 3 nights. I am sure that it will be a spectacular year for wildflowers.
The Big Bend bluebonnets are everywhere
A fire and a hardy meal. Can you beat it?
Last night I looked at the calendar and saw that the Milky Way would be visible from 5:30 am to 6:30. I told myself if I got up I would try to photograph it. Of course I got up at 5:25, looked at the temperature, and it was 35 degrees outside. Still a promise is a promise so I turned on my new heater, dressed warm and went outside. I think that the cold had scared away the clouds, because there was not a one in the sky. It is early on the season for the Milky Way, but I had great fun trying. When I was done a warm van and a cup of hot coffee was waiting.
A clear dark sky, and a shooting star too.
For my last day I drove down the road the to the hike/bike Contrabando Trail. It was hot and sunny with a cool breeze blowing. The views were stunning, but by the time I got back to camp I was so tuckered our that I laid down and took a nap. Don’t judge me!
That’s my campsite. Can you see the van in the bottom right?
I ABSULTELY LOVE LOVE THIS PLACE!!!
PeterFlorczak's Blog 
Yay! I’m glad it’s working out. I’ve got dark sky envy.
The Milky Way is only going to get better and better.
Thanks, Peter Peter Florczak https://peterflorczak.wordpress.com (BLOG)
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Do I see the famous beans and corn dinner???? Boy honey we can sure feel your love for this place!!!!
What a dream come true!! I’m so happy for you and wish I was sitting right next to you by the fire!!!! Wow thx Milky Way shot is badass.
It is a good life. The interesting thing is that I was able to use technology without the internet. Before I entered the park I downloaded books and movies and the Milky Way time and position so I didn’t have that constant “you got mail” or what did our president tweet again constantly pestering me. Very peaceful.
Thanks, Peter Peter Florczak https://peterflorczak.wordpress.com (BLOG)
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The blue bonnets are stunning, and i would never judge you for taking a nap. Glad you found your happy place. Be safe my brother ❤️
Thanks. I am now on my way home. All good things must come to an end, but I have been pretty happy with this trip.
Thanks, Peter Peter Florczak https://peterflorczak.wordpress.com (BLOG)
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Your night sky photo is a knock-out. Wow!
Thanks it was fun and a little eerie being in one of the last dark sky places left in the US.
Thanks, Peter Peter Florczak https://peterflorczak.wordpress.com (BLOG)
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Where’s the bacon ?
In pipe creek.
Thanks, Peter Peter Florczak https://peterflorczak.wordpress.com (BLOG)
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I like the shooting star in the Milky Way best!