First of all, we are not in Alpine, but that is where the GOS in this program wants is to be. We left San Antonio under cloudy skies and headed for Big Bend National Park. We stopped in Del Rio for lunch at Rudy's BBQ. We had brisket and a particularly good side of green chili stew. It was a Texas version of Brunswick stew...yummy! The desert scenery changed constantly...many ranches which appeared to be harvesting sage brush and tumbleweeds! We crossed the Pecos River and came very close to the Mexican border along the Rio Grande River, a couple of times, but saw no moving bushes! We were stopped by Border Patrol and our car was sniffed by a dog. They asked us if we had anyone in the back and if we were US citizens. Apparently we didn't look too suspicious because they let us go! We saw many Border Patrol trucks in the middle of nowhere scanning the desert horizon. We were surprised by 2 bomber jets flying low, fast, and very close to us at one point. We went through Langtry, home of Judge Roy Bean and saw his saloon and home. Larry said he would have liked to have lived in Langtry in the 1800's...this from the guy who doesn't want to camp! I would rather camp in the here and now! As we got closer to Big Bend, the clouds left us and we had blue skies once again. We were stunned by the beauty of Big Bend. We are staying at Los Chisos Lodge, the only lodge within the park, and are surrounded by awesome rock formations. We were greeted by two does right outside our room. It is hunting season as you will see in the pictures and I'm glad those Bambis are safe in the Park. We witnessed a spectacular sunset that went on and on...the sun played off of the various rock walls and the sky was very colorful. We met a guy from Shiner, Texas, while watching the sun set who introduced us to Shiner Bock! A new favorite! Our waiter at dinner said it was the prettiest sunset he had seen in months. God is good! Early to bed (no TV ) and early to rise. Lots to see tomorrow.