Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.
Ralph Waldo Emmerson
Today we head south to Cottonwood Campground. It is now day two of rain. However last night there was FREEZING RAIN. It was extremely mind boggling to see ice on the cactus and other desert bushes. Ice & cactus just doesn’t seem to go together!
We drove the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive in the rain and fog. (Here’s hoping the trip back will be clearer!) We stopped at Tuffs Canyon. If it wasn’t for the road sign, we would have driven right by it. Apparently “Tuff” refers to the white rock made of compressed volcanic ash particles. This short hike was supposed to be an easy one. However, because of a recent canyon wall crash there was a little bit of rock climbing to be done. (Note that this canyon has since been closed due to more rock falls!)
It was an eerie experience walking through the canyon with its towering walls on both sides. I must say, it was much easier to walk the floor of the canyon than to look down into it from the look-off viewing platforms. (Remember I have a fear of heights) We even found a very bright blue purple flower; our first bit of color in the desert.
In the late afternoon the rain stopped so we took advantage of this and headed to Santa Elena Canyon. There were still many spots on the road that were flooded. You would think that the desert would suck that water up! Our plan was to do the Santa Elena Canyon Trail hike. The trail crosses the Terlingua Creek (which is usually dry). However, after two days of rain the water was very high. So, no crossing for us.
One thing for sure we were up to our ankles in mud. Anything for a picture! We will try again tomorrow if the sun is shining.