I've enjoyed going to Big Bend National Park many times since 1980 and am always waiting to go back.

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	In March, 2010, Banta Shut-in, in which we through-hike to La Noria (bobcat sighting!), find the petrified tree, and spend our first night ever camping at Stillwell Ranch. It's neat there because you can have a campfire and really spread out the tents. It was Mom's birthday, too! note: work in progress
	In July, 2009 Fourth of July in the Chisos. This year, we spent a night at the Pinnacles site and got soaked :( Our consolation prize was spotting a bear on the Pinnacles trail. Also included hiking up Mt. Emory (my first time).
	In November, 2008 , Thanksgiving in the Basin. Neat hikes included a stroll down Cottonwood Creek and a bushwhack eastward from Grapevine Hills across the desert,
	In April, 2008, Backpacking "Up & Over" to Blue Creek Ranch, finding the Cattail Dam (mountain lion sighting!), exploring Homer Wilson Ranch, Burro Mesa Pouroff, and Santa Elena. A busy trip!
	In November, 2006, we had Thanksgiving at the Cottages, including lots of bear & cub sightings along the Green Gulch Road. Also a hike in Apache Canyon and a walk to Ward Springs.
	In April, 2006, the Old Ore Road and an overnight hike to Chimneys. Includes a trek to Red Ass Spring.
	In July, 2005, Fourth of July in Cottage #103. Lots of rain & lightning, and a power outage. When the lights came on in the middle of the night, we were all jolted awake!
	In October, 2004, my sister and I went together for a long weekend. It was an adventure! We saw Indian Head for the first time. Neat!
	In November, 2003, my whole family decided to celebrate Thanksgiving in one of the cottages. My mom and I made Thanksgiving dinner in Dallas (well, she did most of the cooking) and we packed it up in Tupperware and hauled it out to the desert. It was GREAT.
	In March, 2003, my father, mother, and younger brother took a trip down the River Road. I flew to Midland and they drove from Dallas to pick me up. It was a short trip but was very relaxing, with surprises around every corner.
	In July, 2002, we all decided to go to the Park for the Fourth of July. Mom, Dad, and Nathan drove out to Midland and picked up me and my sister. Tom drove his new truck and brough Jeannine and Jordan. We had such a special trip!
	In February, 2002, my mother, younger brother and sister went backpacking. I flew to Midland and they drove from Dallas to pick me up. It was cold this trip and windy but we took it as a special challenge and had fun anyway!
	In May, 2001, everyone but my big brother met in Midland, TX and drove into the park on a Friday night. We camped in the basin in two tents, and Dad slept in the truck. Although we were only there for two-and-a-half days, we managed to have a week's worth of fun!
	In July, 2000, my family all met up and stayed in one of the historic stone cottages in the basin of the Chisos mountains. This was the first time that any of us had stayed in a cottage and we were assigned #103, the cottage with the best view. The cottage was extremely nice, with a big stone porch, beds and a hot shower!
	In April, 2000, I went with my mother, sister and younger brother on a backpacking trip up to the South Rim. We spent two nights at SW2, primitive camping and really had a good time.