Sam and Nena Nail Ranch: This early Big Bend ranch is located after the mile 3 marker on the Ross MaxwellScenic Drive. There is a parking area and a trail that leads to the ruins and two windmill.
The Nails dug a well, put in a garden, built holding pens for horses, chickens and a milk cow. The windmill still pumps the well keeping trees and shrubs alive here.
It's amazing to see blooms in February!
Continuing south on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, you will come to an overlook for Homer Wilson's, Blue Creek Ranch. Ruins of the foreman's house, bunkhouse and circular corral can be seen from the overlook.
The Wilsons had 4,000 sheep and 2,500 goats that grazed on the abundant grasslands here.
Caught a picture of this bird, although I am not sure what kind it is...
It was fascinating to consider life here at Big Bend during those times. Although it seemed like these folks would have been really isolated, reports are that they did not suffer great hardships and happily raised their families here. I guess it was just different times!
Check out the Big Bend website for additional information about these locations in particular and the park in general.
Website: www.nps.gov/bibe
No comments:
Post a Comment