Big Bend area?

[Bear67]

I was at Big Bend State Park volunteer working in April and took a college class to Fort Davis in June--we have spent lots of time in this area in the last 30 years.

My only concern is rafting the Rio Grande. Several of the river outfitters have moved out of Texas or retired. There have been several instances of shots being fired at rafting parties and a couple of robberies documented that I know of.

You might call the Brewster and Prisidio County S.O. to ask about the river. I would not trust calling the NPS staff at Panther Junction for good information. It is a shame that this is the case now--we used to both raft and canoe different runs in the big bend of the river. Lots of good times and memories. You can get gauge levels of the river by googling Rio Grande river level or gauges. Enjoy the experience. See McDonalds Observatory, FD state Park, Fort Davis NHS, eat at the drug store in Fort Davis, drive the senic loop and take several days to enjoy. It will not cool off much until October in the Bend/Davis Mtns.

[Rex B]

Bear67, I had pretty much given up on rafting due to those security concerns and probably low river levels.
But I may check with the SO, good suggestion.

We'll be sure to have those stops on our hit list. Most already were

thanks much

[jocat54]

We went on a 3 day rafting tour thru Santa Helena canyon and had a great time, but this was several years ago, don't think I would do it now. Even then I was always constantly watching the banks and cliffs for BG's. It's really a shame because it was truly beautiful trip.

[Rex B]

We went on a 3 day rafting tour thru Santa Helena canyon and had a great time, but this was several years ago, don't think I would do it now. Even then I was always constantly watching the banks and cliffs for BG's. It's really a shame because it was truly beautiful trip.

I don't guess they'd let us carry scoped AR15s with us, eh?

[74novaman]

I'm the same way. I've put off going there until they passed the National Parks bill

Went there as a child. Beautiful park, sad it's no longer as safe as it once was.

I really haven't heard any thing specific to the park. I know that whole area is a Yellow zone.
Are there problems recently?

Sorry, didn't mean any specific threat regarding the park. Just the border area in general. Went fishing with my granddad on Lake Amistad, and stayed at a beautiful, secluded cabin in Big Bend park when I was 13 or so.

With the amount of trouble across the border, just wouldn't feel as safe doing any of those things anymore.

But, you'll be carrying and careful I'm sure! Enjoy the park, it really is a beautiful place.

[jocat54]

We went on a 3 day rafting tour thru Santa Helena canyon and had a great time, but this was several years ago, don't think I would do it now. Even then I was always constantly watching the banks and cliffs for BG's. It's really a shame because it was truly beautiful trip.

I don't guess they'd let us carry scoped AR15s with us, eh?

Only way I MIGHT go these days.

[CC Italian]

I would definitely carry in that part of Texas. In fact I wouldn't even go without a firearm. When my girlfriend and I went out there we were at a state park close to the border about 20+ miles from any town on our way to Davis state park. A border patrol agent stopped by and was very friendly and asked if I had a firearm. I said yes and he said, good and went on his way. We were the only ones in the park. I brought 2 handguns and she brought hers. We left very early the next morning and there were tons on illegals running over the border in the middle of nowhere and dozens of border patrol cars running back and forth trying to catch them with their spotlights. It was a little crazy and we could not believe how many people where running across a major highway around 4:30 in the morning in the middle of nowhere. You could see them hiding on the side of the road in the brush as we passed. Just make sure your car is in good shape before you go out their and I would recommend a full size spare if you can carry it.

[Rex B]

Wow! When was that?
What was the state park?

[CC Italian]

Seminole Canyon was the park. Looking at map quest Comstock was the closest town but it must have been pretty small because I don't remember hitting anything after Del Rio. Says Comstock is 9 miles from Seminole and there are 500-600 people living there. It goes right up against the US-Mexico border. There was nobody there when we went about a year and a half ago. All the illegals crossing were from Seminole to Langtry. It was crazy but it is right on the border and almost nobody lives out there!

[CC Italian]

Yeah, breaking down in that part of Texas would be really bad! Half the time we had no cell service and some towns were almost 75 miles away from each other on the longest stretches. In hindsight we will probably never leave that early again, not because of all the illegals but all the mule deer running across the road. I think I saw more deer then cars on the way to Alpine. There were a lot and we had several close calls with them running out in front of us.

[glbedd53]

About a year ago when we were there. We went to Seminole Canyon too but I didn't see anything but plenty of Border Patrol. The thing about breaking down is exactly the reason I took an AR along with the two .45s. I thought if we were on the side of the road in that part of the state and I am under the hood or changing a tire, she's gonna be covering me with something more than a handgun. I think next time the old riot gun is goin too.

[Rex B]

Checked into The Gage hotel, just ate dinner at the Gage restaurant. 4 stars for both, excellent.
In the living room waiting the the Cowboys to start up.

Yes, lots of .223 and 9mm goodness along, plus pocket pistols

Full tank, new tires

[glbedd53]

In Alpine there is a hardware store, Morrisons I think. Pretty good gun dept. Maybe a little high priced like most of the small town stores. I do remember they had a pretty good selection of 1911 mags at the time. I bought a Cobra for my Colt Officer.