We awoke to snow and ice on December 27 - it almost NEVER snows in Big Bend National Park!
Stan's Bistro! At least he doesn't have far to "go!"
After delaying our launch by a day, December 28, 2015 was clear and the snow was melted
The boat ramp at Rio Grande Village in Big Bend National Park
A Chaparral (Roadrunner) watched us load boats and launch for our Boquillas Canyon trip
Chuck Babb (left) and granddaughter Ellie load their boat as Corey McKinzey watches Marc McCord load his boat
Ellie and Chuck Babb are loaded and waiting on the rest of us to launch
We are on the river at the crack of noon, as usual
We are now under way and heading for Boquillas Canyon about 6 miles downriver
Big Bend National Park is on river left and Mexico is on river right as we approach the Mexican town of Boquillas del Carmen
Those are some BIG boulders, and we are not even to the deep canyon yet
Mitch and son Corey McKinzey on their first ever Rio Grande trip
Ellie and granddad Chuck Babb negotiate some swift currents approaching Boquillas Canyon
The canyons of the Rio Grande have many side canyons entering from both sides of the river
Just ahead is the entrance to the tranquil and awesomely scenic Boquillas Canyon
Corey McKinzie looks back while approaching Marc McCord at the entrance to Boquillas Canyon
The rest of Boquillas Canyon is equally as beautiful as the entrance
The Mountains tower 1,000 to 1,500 feet above the river in Boquillas Canyon
Our first night campsite inside Boquillas Canyon
A roaring campfire sets the mood AND warms us on a chilly night inside Boquillas Canyon
Our second day starts as beautifully as the first one
Jason Gonzales paddles his SOAR S14 Inflatable Canoe in Boquillas Canyon
Chelsea Brooks paddles her Mad River Explorer Canoe in Boquillas Canyon
Undoubtedly, Tom Taylor has the heaviest and bulkiest load of us all
It is always a thrill to canoe the gorgeous canyons of the Rio Grande along the Texas - Mexico border
Stan (of "Stan's Bistro") Pully kicks back and paddles his SOAR S14 Inflatable Canoe through Boquillas Canyon
The river gets narrow as the mountains close in just ahead
The famous "Rabbit Ears" rock formation that signals our second night campsite is just ahead
Our second night kitchen in Boquillas Canyon
Our third and final day on this trip begins with a quiet paddle in an open area of the canyon
Tony Taylor taking in the natural wonders of this very special place we love to visit so often
Jason Gonzales and Chelsea Brooks basking in the beauty and serenity of Boquillas Canyon
The Adams Ranch on river left is immediately adjacent to our takeout at Heath Canyon Ranch just ahead
The takeout at Heath Canyon Ranch is just beyond the Gerstacker Bridge which connects Texas to the La Linda, Mexico ghost town
Our Gand (L to R): Corey McKinzey, Dan Goetzman, Chuck Babb, Bob Griffiths, Stan Pully, Walter Velez, Ellie Babb, Marc McCord, Chelsea Brooks, Jason Gonzales, Tony Taylor, Tom Taylor and Mitch McKinzey
