A brash decision, a fateful turn
BIG BEND RANCH STATE PARK, Texas -- Crouched on trembling legs beside a stubby mesquite tree, I tried to steady my voice.
Big Bend
-
![]()
-
![]()
'I'm really worried we're not going to make it'
BIG BEND RANCH STATE PARK, Texas -- A chilling wind swept across the Chihuahuan Desert, as I repeatedly clenched my jaw to keep my teeth from chattering.
-
![]()
Thirsty, desperate, and then alone
BIG BEND RANCH STATE PARK, Texas -- Rick and I awoke before dawn, shivering from the cold and covered in goosebumps.
-
![]()
Out of the desert, into a nightmare
Rick looked at the sea of cactus ahead of him and felt his last bit of hope ebb away.
-
![]()
Fevered dreams under a mesquite tree
As he plowed through nearly impenetrable cactus, Rick remained focused on a serrated ridge in the distance.
-
![]()
A frantic search as death nears
BIG BEND RANCH STATE PARK, Texas -- By 6 a.m. Sunday, the number of searchers had grown to 40.
