Safety at Big Bend National Park
DW and I have been discussing a winter trip to Big Bend this January. Our daughter who lives in Texas has concerns about safety on the border. Is Big Bend safe right now?
Forum Discussion
I would guess that where you daughter lives isn't as safe than Big Bend. This is a national park with law officers. All border areas are safe. Illegals want to get away from the border as fast as possible. they don't linger :)
The tiny town across the river, Boquillas, is a town of very friendly people. The national park service years ago helped them to install a solar facility. The residents used to come across the river all the time to the small park store to purchase needed groceries or to fill their gas cans.
One of the park's employees lived in Boquillas. We became acquainted with her and she invited us to her home for lunch. We spent a very pleasant afternoon visiting and learned of the hardships the people had in this small town.
Then 911 happened. Now there are very strict regulations for these people as for getting food & gas in the national park. It's a shame because they are so poor and live so far away from a Mexican town for supplies. Still... they are happy folks.
I believe the boat crossing is still available in order to visit the town. After the row boat ride you can either walk or take a mule into town. This is how the people survive... by the national park tourists and the small amount of money for their boat or mule ride and for trinkets that they sell. In town they will serve you an excellent meal and a cold beer! :)
Don't be afraid of Big Bend NP. It's a beautiful treasure.
The tiny town across the river, Boquillas, is a town of very friendly people. The national park service years ago helped them to install a solar facility. The residents used to come across the river all the time to the small park store to purchase needed groceries or to fill their gas cans.
One of the park's employees lived in Boquillas. We became acquainted with her and she invited us to her home for lunch. We spent a very pleasant afternoon visiting and learned of the hardships the people had in this small town.
Then 911 happened. Now there are very strict regulations for these people as for getting food & gas in the national park. It's a shame because they are so poor and live so far away from a Mexican town for supplies. Still... they are happy folks.
I believe the boat crossing is still available in order to visit the town. After the row boat ride you can either walk or take a mule into town. This is how the people survive... by the national park tourists and the small amount of money for their boat or mule ride and for trinkets that they sell. In town they will serve you an excellent meal and a cold beer! :)
Don't be afraid of Big Bend NP. It's a beautiful treasure.
