You are here

Shutdown In The Parks: Big Bend National Park

Share

Published Date

January 17, 2019

The cooler fall and spring seasons are perfect for a Big Bend escape/Rebecca Latson

During the ongoing partial government shutdown, Zack Frank, a furloughed National Park Service employee, is striving to create one video per day. The first is of Big Bend National Park. Enjoy!

Comments

Thank you, Zack!  I really, really, really want to return to Big Bend someday.  My last trip ended abruptly around noon of my first day when my truck's water pump blew out.  Fortunately, it was in the campground at Rio Grande Village.

Thank goodness for some terrific campground hosts who allowed me to use their government phone to call AAA for help.  Then to a towtruck driver who had to drive 160+ miles to drag me, truck, and little trailer to the nearest repair shop in Alpine, Texas -- 120 miles north of the river.  That guy drove something like 300 miles that day just for me.  And, thank goodness for AAA and my auto insurance.  I was only out $20 out of pocket.  (And if that sounds like a commercial for AAA, it is.  For $80 a year, y'can't beat it if you're a serious traveler.)

Yup, someday I gotta go back there . . . 

I just don't want to spend another week in Alpine -- although if you have to be stranded in West Texas, that's the place to do it.  Some of the friendliest folks anywhere.  Camped in the repair shop's parking lot and even had a town cop stop a couple to times to see how I was doing and if I needed any groceries or whatever.  Was also invited to a big Texas barbecue at Sul Ross University.  

Again, thanks for the fine video.  Hang in there.


What a great video!  The stunning landscapes and information rival what we see in TV. How do we find more of your videos?  


Best park in Nation  for winter visits. our 5th 2 week stay and it will not be last  still have many hikes we have not completed . awesome 


Hi Robin. I've created a YouTube channel at the address below. I'm making one video per day and have since done one for Acadia and Olympic. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHHi_XkvN_CZnQUeuX-g5Jw


So much to do there!


Thanks Lee, glad you like it. Hope you get back there someday.


Nice work on this video sir! Had a great trip with back country camping in April that was a great pleasure. Can't wait to return!

 


Thank you Zack!  I visited Big Bend NP for the first time a few days ago - what a truly amazing place.  Your video's the essence of the park - keep the videos coming!


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.