Does the iPhone work in our trailer? Yes it does, to Connie's eternal satisfaction.

This was TJ Max's first visit to Big Bend. He seemed to enjoy the accommodations.

Odie Coyote was still on guard at Uncle's place. Odie howls at everything.

Stuntman Jeff had never been to Ernst Tinaja so that was our mission on day 1. Connie leads the way.

It's a short hike up a dry creek bed to Ernst Tinaja.

The immense geological forces at work here have caused these beautiful pink rocks in the valley to curve and buckle.

Cacti are so resilient they can even grow on the side of a cliff wall made of pure rock.

Stuntman Jeff trying to photographically capture the essence of the valley leading to Ernst Tinaja.

Tinaja is Spanish for "jug". Ernst Tinaja is a natural water hole found in a small valley on the east side of Big Bend National Park. You have to drive about 5 miles down a very rocky, rough dirt road to get here.

Connie's new favorite place in the park.

A large natural tunnel in the cliff wall.

Nope, no phone service at Ernst Tinaja. Cell service is very spotty all over the Big Bend region.

You need a high clearance vehicle to get to Ernst Tinaja. Uncle loaned us his Isuzu Amigo for the drive in.

On day 2 we headed west for Pinto Canyon Road - the most scenic dirt road in Texas, in my opinion. This is the view from the north end.

On day 3 we headed up into the Chisos Mountains with the goal of hiking The Lost Mine Trail. As luck would have it the light was fantastic for photography on the drive in and I managed to get this great shot of the mountains.

The Lost Mine Trail is a 5 mile round-trip hike high in the Chisos Mountains. This is rated as perhaps the single best hike in the entire national park with the 2nd best view in the entire park. Whether it's the best hike or the 2nd best views or not, I do have to say the scenery is completely spectacular.

Jefe on Lost Mine trail.

A passerby offered to take our picture.

The views on the trail are beautiful!

About a mile up the trail you arrive at a ridge line that provides you the first view of the distant mountains to the east / southeast. It's an awe-inspiring view, well worth the hike.

Down on the desert floor the temps were in the mid-70s. High in the mountains the temps were in the low 50s.

That's my favorite shirt jacket. I've had it for years and years.