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Written by Shirley T
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Wednesday, 20 January 2010 08:34 |
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'Sotol' is the name give to a speer-like plant that thrives on cooler, north facing terrain usually found at midway between the deserts and mountains. Also known as 'Desert Spoon', the scientific name is Dasylirion wheeleri from the lily's family. During April to May, sotol plants produce a stalk 10-20 feet high which claimed the name as 'Desert Candle'. Since thousands years ago, the early inhabitants at Big Bend consumed the roasted heart of Sotol as food whilst the leaf fibers were used to make sandals and ropes.
In 1981, a fire was ignited when lightning struck a sotol plant nearby this spot at Big Bend. Fanned by winds and coupled with thunderstorm, the fire began to spread, wiped down the slope yet it was allowed to burn. A total of 680 acres of land were affected but interestingly the fire burned in a form of mosaic leaving many 'islands' of green. Revegetation began with the nutrients released after the fire and within few years, the place was covered by cacti and grasses again. Natural-occurring fire is neither 'good' or 'bad', it is just how nature takes its course.
Standing here at 'Sotol Vista' provided me an opportunity to catch a glimpse of Mexico, the Rio Grande and the Santa Elena. At this spot facing the self-guided exhibit, if I were to pan from far left (or east), there is a spectacular vista of Trap Mountain, Goat Mountain, then Kit Mountain which appears as a lowest of all, and next is Tule Mountain on the west. Turning my head slightly to the far right gave a breathtaking sight of Little Christmas Mountain and Christmas Mountain which geographically is located north of Maverick Junction.
Sotol Vista Overlook is located fourteen air-miles away from Santa Elena Canyon. I was just gazing at the small gap at the mesa. The giant canyon was not apparent yet it is a mystery to uncover.
I would be there soon!
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My favourite...
Texas Big Bend National Park | Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive - Sotol Vista Overlook
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