OUTDOOR STORY -- RYAN'S BIG BEND ADVENTURE: Hear what 
Ryan loves about West Texas [You know, Big Bend's the most 
awesome place :02] on Passport to Texas Outdoor Stories.

Passport to Texas Outdoor Stories from TPW

Ryan Tomeny loves Big Bend. I mean, really loves it. 

First time I went there was in 2005 with my buddy and we went 
primitive hiking. I went to the highest mountain in big bend, 
saw waterfalls, black bears, and snow. But what hooked me was 
I was the only person I saw all day. It's the most kind of 
secluded national park and pretty national park in America. 
There's no arguing that. It's a fact.:19

An endurance athlete and formerly part of navy boat 
teams, navigating the diverse West Texas terrain is a 
welcome challenge with a rewarding view. 

Once you learn how to use a map, it gives you a freedom that 
you don't have otherwise, because people aren't used to being 
able to know where they are when you can't see over the 
horizon. And actually, I like to navigate. I like to use my 
compass and my topographic maps, and I was kind of bummed 
out when I got there because I thought that was going to use 
them, but all the trails were labeled. People who don't know 
how to navigate too much, the good thing about Big bend is you 
don't need it there. But venture off and don't be scared, bring 
your compass and learn how to use your compass because 
sometimes there aren't trails. I encourage people to explore and 
see the world how it was made to be and not how we've made it 
to be. :33

Thanks, Ryan. I'm putting on my hiking gear already.

Share your outdoor story with us at passporttotexas.org. 
We love to hear what you do outside!

That's our show ... with research and writing help from 
Sarah Loden... For Texas Parks and Wildlife ... I'm Cecilia 
Nasti. 





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