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Trip to Mexico from Big Bend National Park

Boquillas del Carmen, known simply as Boquillas [boo-key-us], is a village in northern Mexico, west of the northern part of the Sierra del Carmen mountain range, and at the south-west end of the Rio Grande’s Boquillas Canyon on the southeastern part of Big Bend National Park.

How does this village thrive? How is it like in Boquillas? Join along our journey to this tiny village as we enjoy our visit, delight in the boat rides across the Rio, truck/burro rides to the village, meeting friendly people, good music, and especially great food!

Boquillas del Carmen, Mexico Population: ~200.

Day 1.

Our main trip of the day was to Mexico. We planned on crossing the border around noon just in time for a Mexican lunch. Link had a special request: margarita and tequila. We haven’t done this or maybe it’s the only time we get to do this, so I gave him what he wanted; no harm done.

We drove to Boquillas Crossing and went through Border Patrol/Port of Entry Building, where the ranger gave us brief instructions with some safety tips and of what items are allowed or not to bring back to the United States from Mexico, as some items are considered contraband, and you don’t want to be involved in it. To return to the United States, you need your passport. Boquillas Crossing is administered by the National Park Service.

We exited the building through the door on the left that leads to a trail along the Rio Grande river. Just outside the door, a big fan was running, which was great relief from extreme heat, especially for those who would come back from Mexico before entering the building. Have you ever positioned yourself such that fans blow cold air right on you as you stay put? Maybe it was the inner child pushed by extreme heat, but I found myself doing just that 🙂

The trail is only about 700’ from the Border Patrol Building. In no time we reached the dock where we would cross Mexico from, either by row boat ride ($5 each, round trip), or by crossing the river on foot or swim (if you dare), depending on the water level (free).

For the experience, we rode on the international ferry, a little metal rowboat, for about a minute ride to another country, on the other side of the river which was now in Mexico. On this side, a lot of Mexicans were waiting in groups. The group of donkey/burro owners under their own shed with their animals for transportation, a group of truck drivers sharing the small shed with the boat people. By this time, it was scorching hot. But we brought plenty of water with us.

Boquillas del Carmen village is about a mile away from the river and you have the option of hiking it (free), riding the burro ($5 RT), or riding on rugged and time-tested trucks ($5 each, round-trip).

Because of the extreme desert heat, we rode the truck. The driver was Carmelo, and a rep or guide accompanied us to the village. Carmelo dropped us off, and the rep led us to the town admin/customs to check in and pay $5 each. Carmelo and his friend both carried walkie-talkie to communicate with for when their passengers were ready to leave the village.

Boquillas del Carmen is a 2-restaurant town. Carmelo’s recommended restaurant was the Boquillas restaurant. The rep’s recommendation for best place to have lunch was the Jose Falcon restaurant.

We went to Falcon Restaurant since the rep was with us. The restaurant featured a live singer plucking and strumming his guitar singing Mexican music exactly the same as some Filipino songs, only in different language. Good nostalgic music. Perfect for an afternoon siesta. We were in a ‘hall’ with one side open facing the river with an overlook of the Boquillas Canyon and the Rio Grande river.

Boquillas del Carmen is in the tip of Mexico. The nearest Mexican town is about 200 miles away. It is on this far town that they get their supplies, including the restaurant supplies. Before 9/11, they could just cross the river and buy supplies at the Big Bend Park grocery store in Rio Grande Village. But after then, the entry on this corridor was closed. The village was fatally affected. The border re-opened in April 2013, and the village thrived again. Boquillas has no air conditioning amidst the desert heat, but they got ice in restaurants for the thirsty customers.

So, Link’s margarita was on the rocks, like chunks of cylindrical transparent ice. The food was good, we were full and satisfied. The waiter was fun and friendly. After our lunch, the rep/guide, who understandably works on tip, walked with us around the village to see the houses which were painted in different bright colors for contrast from their desert surroundings. It is vastly a different ‘world’ from its closest neighbor.

Little Mexican children met us to sell their handicrafts. There’s really not much to see except some ruins and the display of their crafts for sale. We saw the walking stick for $10 apiece. They lowered it to $8, but we passed. At this moment, we completely forgot about contraband things.

By the river where the Mexican men make transportation business, there was a curious cute dog covered in dry mud. Life here was so simple but somehow it was heart-wrenching.

The truck driver offered to drive us, for free, to a hot spring on the Mexico side which was supposed to be bigger than the one on the USA side. We accepted the offer, but later we decided against it and crossed back over to USA.

Including the tip to the guitar man, we spent about $60 in Mexico for this trip. Boquillas del Carmen is a town that is totally dependent on tourism to support its less than 300 people. Though Mexican Peso is the currency of the country, Boquillas accept US Dollars no problem, and cash is king.

Upon returning, we scanned our passports on the machine. On my screen, I was instructed to pick up the handset and was told by the immigration officer to face the camera so he could see my face clearly. So apparently, even though the check in kiosk is computerized, an immigration officer over at El Paso, TX is monitoring the border crossing very closely, yet remotely. They are doing a great job!

The Port of Entry building closes early. Should you miss the ‘last call’, there is also a hotel in Boquillas del Carmen to spend the night in.

Couple crossing the river on foot from US to Mexico. Saved $5

Despite the heat, we had a great time, were feeling accomplished, full, and happy! I would recommend this short trip. Overall, it was a great experience meeting friendly people and setting foot in a place that is vastly different from its neighbor that was just across the river, a stone’s throw away.

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Big Bend Hot Springs

J.O. Langford’s Hot Springs, also known as Boquillas Hot Springs, is a former resort from thousands of years ago to the early 1900’s, in what is now the southeast corner of Big Bend National Park in Texas. The historic bath is tucked away down a two-mile dirt road.

Day 1.

We started early as planned and drove to see the Hot Springs, because we wanted to accomplish our goals for this July day before it would be too hot out. From the main road, we took the gravel road for about 1.5 miles until we saw the warning sign in the parking area that says motor homes and oversize vehicles are and should be prohibited because of the condition of the last ½ mile dirt road. The road was narrow where wide vehicles and RV’s could end up in a ravine. We parked the truck here and decided to do early morning walk along the curvy road. It turns into a very narrow one way gravel road, with a cliff on one side and a drip off on the other side around a couple of relatively sharp turns.

At this time, two other couples showed up, actually passed us. Throughout our entire trip, this would happen many times 🙂 They also parked on the first parking lot; not sure if by conscious choice, or because they saw us do it. It was quiet a long walk but the flowering desert plants growing on the edge of rocky hills and running rabbits along the way were very cool to see.

We arrived at the second parking area near an outhouse, and saw the ruins of civilization that once graced the community in the early 1900’s. The remains of the post office, hotel/store reminded us of how vibrant with tourists this place was. It was like stepping back in time. I think many park visitors go to this attraction to this day for the same reason the people in its heyday held.

From the second parking lot, we followed the trail down the rock wall where we saw red pictographs (images painted into rocks) high on the cliff face by prehistoric people. Petroglyphs (images carved or pecked into rocks) were also featured in the area.

Along the trail was a makeshift “souvenir stand” of walking sticks for $10 and Mexican crafts, trinkets, etc., with a jar for ‘honor system’ payment. These crafts are placed by Mexicans by crossing the river, which is an international boundary. The merchandise is considered by the US government as ‘smuggled’, which carries a fine and or confiscation.

The trail was easy and it did not take long for us to see the still Hot Springs water in stunning contrast to the gushing Rio Grande River just right next to it! It was once a bath house but only the foundation remained after its ruin.

We walked down a few steps to the hot spring. The other couple were preparing to soak in it, with the lady in her bathing suit. We really didn’t plan on therapeutic bathing in the hot spring or getting on the river or cross to Mexico side, but we just dipped our hands in it to feel the hot clear still water. It is recorded at 105 degrees all year round, and indeed, it felt warm and good. 😊.

We agreed that if we come back, we should be there before sunrise before other people show up for some privacy. We actually saw the sunrise above the canyons on our way in. By the time we were ready to leave, more people were arriving.

Around the bath district parking area, we walked up the steps to a ruined building to check it out. There was an “altar” of sorts inside. It felt like all the buildings have those centers in them. Ants roamed around freely and abundantly.

Hot Springs are known to have healing properties and the Hot Springs in Big Bend National Park is no exception. It is admirable of men to utilize and preserve this once a desert health resort.

On our walk back to the first parking lot we saw other vehicles going all the way to the 2nd parking. One small low clearance car produced a struggling sound in a bumpy and curvy terrain. But I think he made it just fine, and the many passengers it carried were having an unforgettable ride.

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Road Trip to Big Bend

Big Bend’s vast areas provide excellent opportunities for solitude, wilderness, and adventure.

So off we hit the road to explore the park’s gorgeous and spectacular vistas, shadowy canyons, and rugged desert mountains, for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and work.

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The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

We drove through a lot of twist and turns up the mountains in Canon City, Colorado to see the The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. Royal Gorge is one of the deepest canyons in Colorado, a very narrow 50 feet at the base, and 300 feet at the top. The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is one of the most popular attractions in Colorado. It is Family friendly park with multiple activities to do and amazing and breathtaking scenic views to see and enjoy.

Royal Gorge Bridge is the highest suspension bridge in the United States at 1,053 feet high and spanning 1,260 feet. The Royal Gorge Bridge is a mind-boggling engineering feat, strung high up over a steep gorge, and with an amazing history.

Below the bridge and what formed the narrow gorge is the sixth longest river in America, the Arkansas River. With its perfect rapids, the river is one of the most popular commercial rafting rivers in America.

The general admission ticket includes the aerial gondola ride, museum & theater and musical entertainment, children’s playland. You can go on awe-inspiring to adrenaline-pumping rides – the zip line, sky coaster, ride in the gondola across the gorge, visit the theater or spend time shopping in their gift shop or having lunch in the restaurant.

We got there in the afternoon when there were not so many people around. The parking is free and I was impressed with how well-maintained the park was. We took the last gondola ride for the day, and guess we were lucky that it was not windy so the gondolas were open and operating. The views are exhilarating and bit scary for those afraid of the heights, but it was completely safe.

You can actually ride the gondola as many times as you wish if it is running. There are no limits. You can turn around and go back in few minutes, or walk down the path toward the bridge, cross it back to the main building. There are great deal of walking and some steep climbs, but the great views over the canyons, the fun watching the zip liners and gondola riders, blue mountains in the distance, the white-water rafters navigating the rapids below, made it so worth the experience enjoying the fantastic attraction with awesome views.

Royal Gorge Bridge and Park website

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Sabinal River, Texas

Because of its outstanding recreation, environmental, wildlife, and aquatic life values, Sabinal River was included in the Nationwide Rivers Inventory, for its regional significance. Traversing flat to rolling terrain, and running underground in some regions, it begins and rises in the steep and narrow limestone canyons of Lost Maples State Natural Area northwest of San Antonio, where it is fed by three streams and creeks.

This was a part of the river that runs through Lost Maples State Natural area in Vanderpool, Texas. This place is good for hiking; you can follow the river through good trails, or detour to the hills up to the scenic overlook, where the view from the top is so worth it!

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Sunset

We travel some distance to escape and to discover something new. But sometimes, you don���t have to travel far to find and see true beauty. Sometimes it’s right there on your doorstep. Just a few minutes away from the house, this epic sunset over the lake covers the park in an enveloping peace and coolness of the breeze. Really there’s nothing like a beautiful sunset to end a healthy day!

What’s your local finds?

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The Most Popular State Park in Texas

It was the most visited park out of all the 93 Texas Parks in 2016. And we saw why Garner State Park is the most popular Park in the State.

Visiting The Most Popular State Park in Texas

Garner State Park

Situated in the Hill Country River Region of Texas in Concan, Garner State Park features the crystal clear Frio River, the deep canyons and limestone cliffs, and the beautiful views from atop the overlooking summits and rolling hills.

People come to visit the park for variety of reasons. For us, we want to unwind and travel away from work (travel is therapy!), and resume our rounds of Texas State Parks. And it was Garner State Park’s turn to satisfy our wanderlust. There the activities that can be had are so varied that no one should be bored. 

Things to do at Garner State Park

1. Sunset sky watching, moon and star-gazing.

When we arrived at the headquarters before dusk, there were a lot of vehicles parked on the parking area. No, were not on a department store parking lot, we were at a Texas State Park parking lot. It was a big area for a Park, but as they say, “everything is big in Texas”! 🙂

Many people were checking in, and I stayed in the truck. I watched in silence as the western sky takes on shades of pink, orange and yellow, as the sun was setting behind the hills, promising to rise again, as the quarter moon slowly taking over the skies. Have you wished upon a falling star? I made one upon the setting of that sun. It was an exhilarating sunset scene or shall I say “show”!Even though there were some tree branches above us, we could clearly see the moon and the millions of stars! Just plainly beautiful and relaxing to be under them gazing back, while enjoying the warmth of the fire. You don’t get to see all of them every clear night in big cities like Houston.

When I admire the wonders of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in the worship of the creator. – Mahatma Gandhi

2. Camping

Two adorable elderly women gave us directions to the spot. I though it was cute, amazing and kinda amusing, especially at that time of the night that they were still out helping people. 

The park has more than 300 camping sites, for both RV’s and tents, with water and electricity. Camping areas are like a busy a little community, because, if it’s not full, it’s housing a lot of people. I felt comfortable and I thought it was fun having lots of people around.

3. Mini Sports

Garner State Park has a basketball court, tennis court, and a mini golf site. The fun can be endless here. And for many people, visiting the park for fun and the beautiful scenery was a tradition. For our morning exercise, we strolled around the park. 

The facilities were good and we have no complains. As it is surrounded by hills in a secluded area, the cell reception is a challenge. We managed, however, to use the truck’s wi-fi to get connected and updated with family.

4. Hiking

5. Frio River Adventures

The Frio River carves its way along the granite and rock walls of the hills for 200 miles long, passing through Garner State Park. Lined with cypress trees, Frio Rio, or the freezing river water, is not only cold, but is amazingly crystal clear. The water is navigable at this time so the people enjoyed recreational activities like kayaking, paddle boating, tubing and swimming, fishing or floating down the Ol Frio.

I was glad we visited just at the right time, when the leaves are turning into lovely different fall/winter colors. You can do some of these things anywhere but the beauty around this place is so Texas and unique here. Garner State Park is located 75 miles (121 km) west of San Antonio. We went home filled with good memories, and most of all, refreshed! 

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Guide to UltraLight Aircraft Flying in the Philippines

It was one of a kind experience but certainly not once in a lifetime. For we will be back to enjoy and feel the breathtaking experience of recreational ultralight flying!

What is an Ultralight Aircraft?

Ultralight plane is a lightweight (empty weight of less than 254 lbs) aircraft that comes either with 1 or 2 seats, and fly at or below 800 ft. above ground level within its designated area of operation. Different countries have different regulations, but Ultralight airplanes are commonly used for sport flying.

a few of the colorful ultralights of Mindanao Saga Flying Club

Guide to ultralight flying in the Philippines

In the Philippines, ultralights are for recreational and sport use only. There are only two aviation facilities that have ultralights which are open to the public for hire. One in Pampanga, the Angeles City Flying Club, and the other one in the southern part of the country, in Mati City, the Mindanao Saga Flying Club.

“Mindanao Saga Flying Club is a premier sports aviation facility in South East Asia producing highly competent, passionate, and safe sports/recreational pilots.”

They have a number of colorful ultralight aircrafts ready to fly. Ultralights are of simple design and construction, either a homebuilt or a kit built variety. Mindanao Saga Flying Club Ultralights are kit-built by their top-notch and registered aircraft maintenance technicians. They fabricated and assembled their own ultralights, and as their record shows, they are safe to fly!

they were prepping/running inspection of the ultralight I was about to get onto.

If you want to live on the edge, are adventurous and looking for an exhilarating and thrilling adrenaline-pumping fun weekend (or any given day) experience, head over to Mati at Mindanao Saga Flying Club for an unforgettable and unique experience flying high over the city – and see the land, the mountains, islands, and the beautiful beaches, in an open air wearing only a helmet! Though there is noise involved in riding ultralight with an open cockpit, chance of motion sickness is rare. I still remember how that feels :-)!

Photo courtesy of Lee Ford

Due to the nature and special construction of ultralights, they have limitations and conditions for flying:

They will fly only when it is not windy. They will not fly when it is cloudy. So check the weather ahead of time.

That means they will fly only from about 6:00am to 7:30am and at around 4:00pm to 5:30pm. Actual time varies.

When the pilot says there is too much energy in the air, there are no negotiations to fly. Safety is priority.

So plan your day and your entire trip accordingly. People from Luzon fly in and drive to Mati only to be turned down. Make allowances for your day and prepare to change schedules in case you can’t fly on your chosen date.

Several people come to fly every day and it’s a first come first serve basis. When it’s your time, it may be windy up above already, so get there early.

The tour lasts for 15 minutes but memories of the experience the excitement and beauty of it all, last for a long time, of course you will be glad you did it!

I flew a couple of times in different aircrafts, and I can say, they are competitively priced at about Php 2700. Please ask for current cost. It can border on the expensive but see point 6 and 8.

Securely attached on the plane is a wide-angle super clear GoPro camera to record your experience in a crisp and clear video. You can also take your own pictures and videos while flying.

Though ultralight flying experience beat them all, there are also a lot of things to do and see in Mati that will make your entire trip full, or to fill your day in case you are turned down in the morning. Head to the beach, sight see, and make memories.

 Thrill we were looking for, so with my mother, sisters, and 3 little nieces in tow, early in the morning we drove and traveled for about 75 miles from Tagum City to Mati City to get high in the open skies, and to visit Lee Ford, an aircraft maintenance technician. He was one of the aircraft technicians who assembled the ultralights! And he is my brother. We are so proud of him.

enjoying the bird’s-eye view of the distant landscape and sky; the runaway on the foreground. 

the land, the sea, and the setting sun all from one exhilarating vantage view.

A case of reverse curvature of the earth and bending or distortion of the rays of the sun? 🙂 The illusion is accentuated by the sea and the island it surrounded. #wideanglecam

Visit Mindanao Saga Flying Club for location and contact details.

So what is on your bucket list?

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Things to do in Grand Lake, Colorado

Grand Lake, named after its backdrop, is the largest natural lake in Colorado, just 2.5 hours away from Denver International Airport. In the Fall, it offers a breathtaking view of the waters and the colorful foliage of national forest on three sides. The Lake is perched at an elevation of 8,369′ in the western edge of the Rocky Mountains, and known as the “Western Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park”. In winter, it transforms into a Snowmobiling Capital of Colorado.

Things to do in Grand Lake CO

Whatever the season is and no matter what you are looking for, you will find a lot of things to do in this unspoiled place, all within 20 miles from the seat. 

1. Water activities and outdoor recreation – fishing, boating, swimming. 2. Enjoy the charm of cultural sights, and splurge wisely shopping and dining. 3. Stay in rustic accommodations, historic lodges and cabins that offer refreshing views of the lake at the foot of the mountains. 4. Grand Lake winter activities – Snowmobiling, snow shoeing. 5. Walk the short hike to Adam’s Falls, and much more for the adventurous!

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Total Solar Eclipse in the USA

It was in 1918 the last time it happened. And on August 21, 2017, 99 years later, a total solar eclipse will travel across the USA from coast to coast. Are your solar glasses ready?

Times for partial and total phases of the eclipse vary depending on your location. As you can see on the illustration, the total solar eclipse will be experienced along the dark path from Oregon to South Carolina, for approximately 2 minutes.

In Texas, specifically in Houston, the partial solar eclipse will begin at 11:46 am and ends at 2:45 pm. the maximum magnitude of 0.73 will be at 1:16 pm. Looking directly at the sun with our naked eye is drastically damaging to our eyesight, so whether partial or total, you need solar glasses that are able to block off the harmful rays of the sun.

We are ‘lucky’ of the opportunity to experience this celestial show, and luckier still to receive two free solar glasses from Lowell Observatory, where I have a membership with. Thank you #LowellObservatory. Variations of these glasses are on sale on Amazon, but I saw that most of them were recalled for safety issues. 

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#kayaking in #galveston #beach

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Things To Do In Galveston

Beach Club Vacations at Galveston

The stay at Club Vacations beach house was really awesome, and actually exceeded our expectations. Upon arriving, we were surprised and impressed by the two-bedroom condo. We had a very spacious and clean resort which was just a walking distance to the beach!

Through the kindness of our sponsor, Link’s mom, my parents, Link and I were treated to an unforgettable holiday. What is greater treat than reading a personal note from his mother who prepared everything and made sure our stay would be enjoyable? We stayed at the condo for two nights. Because the condo was fursnihed, we get to cook fresh sea food inside, and also grill outside.

I am so thankful! And the most important thing for me was that we were able to take my parents out to the beach, treat them out for new scenery, to relax and have fun! I was hoping that they would have a great time!

Things to do in Galveston Island, Texas:

There are over 1000 vacation rentals in Galveston. There are hundreds of things to do. The possibilities are endless, a few of which we did:

Night swimming under a full moon. We were doing some stuff during the hot day and we decided to go to the beach late in the afternoon. We enjoyed the waters for a while until the full moon shone bright and bold above us. 

Kayaking. Link was doing great and having fun kayaking on the sea. The kayak was not ‘designed’ as a sea kayak, but a kayak is a kayak, and he did very well on top of the waves.

Stay in luxirous villas and beach resorts. 

Drive in and park on the beach (permit required for a small fee).

#grateful!

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At Florida-Georgia State Border

Spreading Sunshine in Florida! 🙂

At the Georgia-Florida state border/rest stop on our way to Key West for our Spring Break vacation. Somebody said that it was kinda brave of us to go when surely the traffic and crowd would be congested. It was chaotic indeed, so many people around the area on the beaches and the streets, vehicles congesting the roads, and several cop cars flashing their lights; but we somehow survived it lol. It was a fun experience bonding with cousins and aunt, and I got to do some reflection time too born of watching the beach, the waters, the people who might also be doing what I was doing, or just simply enjoying the breeze and those particular moments in time. It was refreshing.

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Purple Coneflower: MDJSP

Purple Coneflower grows naturally in open woodlands, fields, and prairies. They are native to central and eastern North America.

Jasper, Texas

During our trip this weekend, we saw three fuzzy stems of purple coneflower about four feet tall growing in the flower bed in front of the Headquarters of Martin Dies, Jr. State Park.

Right by the front wall of the building were climbing vines, some ferns, and an orange drum/barrel on a campaign to ‘bring back the monarch’ along with unmistakable illustrations painted on it.

And the presence of the Echinacea purpurea few feet from the drum was nothing short of strategic.

Purple Coneflower

The radially symmetrical yellow spines shooting up from the prominent green flower head produce sweet nectar. They attract butterfly species such as painted lady, monarch, and Fritillary. The droopy petals radiating from the flower head catch the pollen from the central cone for an added invitation.

This was an awesome park; it was well-kept, huge, and offered lots of recreational activities including enjoying/watching the diverse nature and wildlife within its confines. You can have a really great time here!

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http://lovelygishi.com/2017/04/scuba-diving/

Of the 6 million scuba divers worldwide, 2.7-3.0 million were from the USA according to the 2013 facts and statistics. The scuba diving brought a revenue of about $11 billion to the US GDP on that same year; and the instructor that we met affirmed that it was a huge industry.

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Polaris Slingshot: Motorcycle Meets Car

The Polaris Slingshot: a three-wheeled motorcycle manufactured by Polaris Industries, on display during the 2017 Houston Auto Show.

The number of people who saw them the first time running on the road seemed to have the same confusion: ” what was that 3-wheeler part-car part-motorcycle”? It is not an automobile as it has no airbags and does not pass the automobile safety and fuel standards. Basically, it is not under the same regulations as automobiles.

Licensing requirement depends on individual State classification which could either be a motorcycle, mototricycle, or an autocycle. In Texas, it is classified as an Autocycle, and to date, only a driver’s license is required to operate a Slingshot.

The cost is on the $20,000’s.

#ToLuxuriousRoadTrips 🙂

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Road Tripping and Power Play in the Skies

It was beautiful; and could be powerful. It was a captivating view from afar. Closer, it could be dangerous or at least cause you to slow down.

The forecast showed heavy rain, but we decided to chance it. This particular cloud spared us, but it had rained in some parts in Texas during our weekend road trip from Houston.

Texas encompasses several regions with varying climates. Storms and tornadoes are not uncommon, and overall, the state gets about 31 inches of rain annually, compared to 39 inches for the United States.

When we arrived in the Hill Country, the rain had dissipated, and we enjoyed a beautiful and peaceful night of camping out under the stars and the one big halo’ed moon, a promise of yet bigger rain somewhere.

The ring around the Moon is caused by the refraction of Moonlight from ice crystals in the upper atmosphere. The hexagonal shape of the ice crystals results in a focusing of the light into a ring.

As of the number of stars within the ring, I saw at least seven. Folklore has it that the number of stars within the moon ring signifies the number of days before the storm arrives. We had it on the very next night! (more on it later).

We were fortunate though, for the weather was clear and it was cool the next day when we climbed the Enchanted Rock!