---- Stephen Grisanti <bike2vcu@yahoo.com> wrote: 
> " Just about the darkest sky in the lower 48."
> We camped at a Pennsylvania park (Cherry Springs SP) in the Wilds along Route 6 some years ago that bills itself as having the darkest sky on the East Coast so we expected some star action but, of course, it rained like crazy that night and we were gone the next. I'd love to see Big Bend, though.  Missed it while I was stationed in Texas and have not been back since. 

Like all the big National Parks, Big Bend is worth a drive across the country for its own sake.  It can be coupled with Guadalupe NP, Carlsbad Caverns (more than just caves),  and a whole world of other wild areas in the Trans Pecos of Texas and nearby New Mexico.  Big Bend National Park itself is bracketed by a Texas State Natural Area that is a giant treasure of Chihuahan Desert and a Texas State Wildlife Management Area that is another.  Between those two, they double the area available for exploration.   Careful driving, though, and some would need 4WD.

mcneely

> Stephen
> 
> --- On Mon, 3/25/13, Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET> wrote:
> 
> From: Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
> Subject: Re: Big Bend NP
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Date: Monday, March 25, 2013, 10:56 PM
> 
> ---- Rob <vwrobb@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> > If your going to go to Big Bend NP in Texas the best time is no moon,
> > that's when you get to see the stars.
> 
> Even at full moon, one can see more stars at Big Bend than at most places ever.  But yeah, no moon, the sky is a natural light show.  Just about the darkest sky in the lower 48.  Can't wait to get back there.  mcneely

--
David McNeely