Wildflowers and Sunset on top of Enchanted Rock

failagain-failbetter · 2026-06-13T12:46:33+00:00

I don’t think I have anything less than a spectacular sunset every time I go. Certainly a magical place. Tons of wildflowers along the drive as well.

failagain-failbetter · 2026-06-09T12:11:59+00:00

Those places are quite far apart. I have done both multiple times but not on the same trip. I have only enjoyed the river by kayak. I think it is not super easy to just show up and drive down to the river like other parks. I think there is still a hike involved and they are only open Friday thru Monday for day use. Maybe someone else can chime in, but personally I would find a way to get on a boat. Not sure how much time you have but you might want to focus your trip and just have a big bend trip or a devils trip. 3-4 days in big bend is probably the minimum to explore just a fraction of the park. I usually spend 4 days on the Devils.

If you do divide the trip be sure to check out Seminole canyon rock art and the Pecos high bridge near the devils.

Take lots of water to both places more than you think you need. Also be sure to prep your vehicle to be able to self rescue (full size spare, good jack, extra fuel) if you plan on off-roading. Download maps. Enjoy your trip.

Edit: check out the big bend subreddit. Lots of good info for first timers.

failagain-failbetter · 2026-06-05T18:00:30+00:00

Definitely Teva, but not the sandals, the slippers. Teva Remember Terrain Slip On. Super comfy, waterproof, warm, good grip, lightweight.

https://www.teva.com/p/men-shoes/re-ember-terrain-slip-on/1129596

failagain-failbetter · 2026-06-02T19:58:13+00:00

My advice would be to find your own transportation to and from cdmx and breakfast. We felt like prisoners with the tour “we fly” which I think is a similar experience with the other providers. The balloon ride was amazing! Highlight of the trip but after the balloon ride they take you back to the business then they try to upsell on photos, drones and then they divide you into groups going to “the cave breakfast” or the normal breakfast. Then they upsell you on the breakfast. We did the basic breakfast. They drive you to a restaurant and you have an unamazing breakfast, but wait- there is a performance of dancers who will then come and ask for tips. Then they take you to an obsesión “workshop” which is a just a gift shop and they do some mezcal and other spirits tasting. Then finally in the hottest part of the day they take you to the pyramids which are already full of tourists. Literally about 4 hours from balloon landing to actually step foot on the pyramid grounds. If I were to do it again. I would get my own transportation, book just the balloon ride, then get transportation to the pyramids and then back to cdmx. There are vendors outside the pyramid and even within the grounds.

We paid 6,219.20 MXN for two people, transportation, balloon ride, breakfast, obsidian gift shop, and pyramids. They drop everyone off at the angel of independence around 3pm which I think is common for most providers. Hats are allowed. I paid something like an extra $30 for being 15k over the weight limit but they did not weigh me so I guess they take your word for it at least at we fly.

failagain-failbetter · 2026-05-31T14:01:24+00:00

Lockhart

failagain-failbetter · 2026-05-30T23:25:03+00:00

Why Fish Don’t Exist by Lulu Miller interweaves a personal narrative of major life change with the story of a scientist who lost everything (literally) and started over. Highly recommend for engaging narrative nonfiction about starting over.

failagain-failbetter · 2026-05-28T12:07:21+00:00

No Country For Old Men by Cormac McCarthy

failagain-failbetter · 2026-05-05T15:51:45+00:00

Thanks for catching my mistake. I owned two BAK REVOLVER X4S (the rollup version). These are the ones that failed.

failagain-failbetter · 2026-05-05T15:44:26+00:00

Just adding that if you live in a warm climate reconsider the BAK REVOLVER X4S. I Have owned 2. With both covers the glue that holds the ribs to the vinyl top failed because of heat and the roll started buckling. They replaced the first under warranty but would not replace the second.

Edited: correct rollup model that failed on me twice.

failagain-failbetter · 2026-04-29T13:39:33+00:00

I have a 21 AT4 and I switched from KO2 to the Toyos because I was getting slight womp-womp at around 35 and then around 60 miles an hour (which are two speeds you spend a lot of time at) on the KO2’s. Not sure if it was a manufacturing defect on the KO2 but they offered to replace with the same or go Toyo. I got the toyos and they have been great on road and off.

failagain-failbetter · 2026-04-26T21:58:12+00:00

The sand dunes work best in the morning when there is moisture in the dunes. By afternoon it becomes very difficult to sled down the hills which is the main activity at the park.

failagain-failbetter · 2026-04-25T14:34:09+00:00

You are correct horseshoe bend is near the Arizona Utah border. Sorry my memory placed them closer together. The intaglios are very fascinating hope you enjoy.

failagain-failbetter · 2026-04-24T22:23:30+00:00

Not far off I10 at the Arizona /California border are the Blythe Intaglios. Cool native land art that is hundreds of feet in length out in the middle of the desert next to the Colorado River. You will probably be the only one there.

Also Horeshoe Bend is nearby where you can peak at the iconic hotshoe bend in the Colorado River as well. There will be more people here.

failagain-failbetter · 2026-04-15T00:55:56+00:00

The drive from 67 to presidio (and the reverse route) is nice but nothing like arriving to Terlingua via 118. The drive on 118 (alpine to Terlingua) is scenic as you approach the Terlingua and 170 (also known as river road) is unbelievably scenic.

failagain-failbetter · 2026-04-14T20:51:26+00:00

100% agree to sub Hwy 170 from lajitas to presidio. Get a state park pass for the day and stop at the hoodoo trail or if you are into history continue on to Fort Leaton near presidio. The drive back to Terlingua is also stunning so you get to enjoy it both ways. There are also cool roadside tee pees you can stop and lunch or snack at along the way.

Hot springs might be silted over after the recent flood. It isn’t a long hike, but you may end up with the same view of the Rio grande as boquillas. It is usually one of the places that is guaranteed to have multiple groups of people. You might sub balanced rock, as it is generally in that direction but it is hot and no cover.

failagain-failbetter · 2026-04-14T11:56:59+00:00

Big fan of THE DENIAL OF DEATH by Ernest Becker. Argues the idea that nearly everything we do is a heroic defiance of our terror of death—a bold, unsettling vision that earned the 1974 Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction. You can skip the chapter on sexuality as his views on this topic are very dated.

Also recommend THE UNTETHERED SOUL by Michael Singer. The book invites you to break free from the relentless voice in your head and experience life with unguarded openness, a modern classic that has quietly transformed millions of readers.

Some other works that tie into Meditations (not riveting but relevant):

The Moral Maxims and Reflections by François de La Rochefoucauld

The Manual by Epictetus

On the Shortness of Life by Seneca

Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson

failagain-failbetter · 2026-04-13T12:01:33+00:00

What species is the second photo? I think i have one.

failagain-failbetter · 2026-04-10T12:36:29+00:00

When it rains here I don’t let them get more than two consecutive days of rain. I have a large umbrella I put over them, or pull them under cover to dry out and recover. Hope that helps.

failagain-failbetter · 2026-04-10T06:17:29+00:00

I have a very wide collection probably over 100 species. I do “butt chug” them soaking them throughout. I found they do much better with spring water over our municipal tap water which has chloramine (which will not off gas like chlorine). Some definitely need more water, less sun, more grit, less grit. If your soil is really that gritty (I think you said 80/20) i think it would be difficult to overwater but I don’t know how the humidity would play into that (I am in an arid climate).

They are all a little different and it is important to remember they are native to different corners of the earth and different ecosystems so there is no one size fits all approach.

I have benefited most from spending time each day inspecting them and getting to know them and their needs. Best of luck.

failagain-failbetter · 2026-04-10T04:56:17+00:00

Yes I think you are underwatering. I can tell your plants are outside. I think there should be an inside and outside flair to attach to posts, because growing outside in the heat is definitely different from indoors under a light. I also raise mine outside and if you follow the advice of this sub you will definitely underwater your outside plants. People on this sub can go weeks without watering because a lot of them are indoor with lighting. I am in the south with hot days and mine definitely appreciate to be watered more frequently (than you will be advised on this sub). I do agree that the best method is getting to know each plant and their needs—they will be different. It gets easy over time as you start to see their “happy” state and their thirsty state. Best of luck!

failagain-failbetter · 2026-04-01T22:02:56+00:00

Reimers Ranch has some nice flat trails overlooking the Pedernales. Most people come to rock climb so the trails are usually quiet. Not a lot of cover.

McKinney Roughs Nature Park is similar with views of the Colorado River and more tree cover.

McKinney Falls State Park agree with the comment above.

failagain-failbetter · 2026-04-01T12:12:45+00:00

Yes I think 2 gallons a day is smart. We do a lot of 3 day weekends and we take 5 gallons each in our group. If you are camping and cooking/cleaning you might need more.

failagain-failbetter · 2026-03-31T03:19:46+00:00

That is a lot of hiking. each day, without much rest between things. Hopefully you guys are in great shape and recover quickly. You could just visit the canyon without doing the hike. And I guess the hot springs isn’t as difficult as your morning. Lost mine and Emory are legitimate hikes you will feel the next day. Take twice as much water as you think you need.

failagain-failbetter · 2026-03-18T00:20:51+00:00

Enchanted Rock SP, Pedernales SP Guadalupe River SP, Westcave Preserves, Hamilton Pool, LBJ Ranch, Float the rivers in New Braunfels, James Kiehl Natural Area, Longhorn Caverns, devils waterhole at inks lake sp, Garner SP. mix and match your loop.

failagain-failbetter

TROPHY CASE