TEXAS RIVER MUSIC PLANNING
Texas River Music Detailed Itinerary
Weather and water conditions in Big Bend and on the Rio Grande are unpredictable. In recent years, the river has been quite low, and we use canoes to get downstream, and in some cases, upstream. This year we are going to paddle downstream into Boquillas Canyon, camp 2 nights, and then paddle back upstream. We have a strong team that helps move the boats upstream where it is too shallow to paddle.
Thursday afternoon: Guests who are staying near Terlingua can check in with us between 3 and 6 pm at DB’s Rusty Iron Barbecue, located on TX 170 at the corner of the westernmost entrance to “Terlingua Ghost Town”. We issue waterproof bags and make sure you have what you need for a comfortable and enjoyable 3 days on the Rio Grande. Guests staying in The Park, or in Marathon, will meet us the next morning at Boquillas Port of Entry.
Friday Day One: Meet Go Big Bend/Mike Davidson at 9:00 am at the Boquillas Port of Entry, inside Big Bend National Park. The parking lot gate is locked after 4 pm every day, and there are security cameras. We will have help lugging our gear to the river, where we cross in a flat bottom boat. On the Mexico side, we meet the rest of our team and go to where the canoes are waiting. As of April 22, we are debating whether to include a breakfast at Boquillas Restaurant. This first day, we will paddle about 2.5 miles to the entrance of the canyon, then about 2 miles to our camp inside the canyon. An advance team will have set up the kitchen and tents.
Saturday Day Two: A hearty breakfast, with omelets to order, bacon and/or sausage, fried potatoes, coffee, tea and juice. We also put out fruit, yogurt and granola. Then we paddle downstream a short distance to Puerto Rico Canyon, where we have a leisurely walk into a beautiful water-carved desert side canyon. After our picnic lunch, we paddle back upstream for happy hour snacks and a big dinner. After our meal, we will gather round for the music of Butch and Jimmie Dale, echoing off the canyon walls.
Sunday Day Three: After breakfast, we set out for our final day on the river, paddling upstream. There will be places we have to get out and walk in shallow water, and appropriate footwear is important. We take our time, and our Boquillas amigos help move the canoes upstream. At the entrance of the Canyon, we walk 30-40 minutes to our vehicle, visiting the “Crystal Cave” as we leave the Canyon on foot. Our team will move the canoes and personal gear to the vehicles while we enjoy our last moments inside Boquillas Canyon.
We haven’t decided where to eat lunch yet as of 4/22, but we will drive back to town, and plan to have time to poke around the village before crossing back to the US by 3:30.
Contact Mike Davidson to get on a mailing list for updates and news regarding Texas Music Adventures. mike@gobigbend.com (432) 386-5635
