Traveling south along Highway 18, we cross the dusty oil fields of Permian Basin. The arid Chihuahuan Desert provides little shelter from the unforgiving Sun as its rays fill every crevice of this waterless landscape. As hours pass, distant mountains appear on the horizon. The open landscape begins to narrow and a mesmerizing scene of mountains and valleys emerges. We find a suitable spot to quickly pitch a tent while the Sun sets. Staring into the heavens, we catch the last glimmer before closing our eyes. Welcome to Big Bend.
