WEST TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO... A WHOLE OTHER WORLD FOR US

WEST TEXAS

West Texas along I-10 is nothing but desert doted with a few mountains.  We were really questioning our decision going to Big Bend National Park with every hour we drove along  flat I-10, but as soon as we got off the interstate, our interest perked up.  What beautiful landscape with only cattle and soaring mountains and real Texas ranches and it only became richer with every mile closer to our destination.

Our morning view from our campsite.  We would have stayed longer, but there was a large gathering of mountain bikers for a race and every space was taken.  At least we had 4 days here.

This area of west Texas is considered a dark zone.  Outdoor lights are off early so everyone can enjoy the stars.  The few towns in the entire area have populations in the hundreds. The town of Terlingua, just outside the park, is a place where most people live off the grid with only their art, music and each other for company.  I embrace minimalism, but I draw the line when people use discarded cars as fencing.

Terlingua does have a wonderful restaurant with 2 for 1 burger dinners on Mondays and a local singer to entertain.  Many people from the RV park were there as a night out.  

This is all our camera could take in, but in reality, you are surrounded in this splendor.

Closed Canyon hike with no rain forecasted, otherwise search for a different hike.

I am climbing into the hot springs in the park with the Rio Grande and Mexico in the background.  The springs were wonderfully warm but the river was very cold.  Five miles from the springs is a boarder crossing where someone will row you across the river to Mexico...Wednesday thru Saturday only!

About the size of a pig, this javelina is actually a rodent that smells like a skunk.

The twisting road winds through the park for miles.

Notice the truck and car in the foreground.

Small dust storms are a common site.

Big Bend was one of the few places I would like to return to next year only because there was so much more to see.  It is rugged and beautiful with only the sounds of the wild animals at night.  There are many flat roads that offer great biking for those who want to avoid strenuous climbs.

ON OUR WAY TO NEW MEXICO

On our way out of Big Bend and into New Mexico, we traveled through the little towns of Marfa and Fort Davis.  Supreme Justice Scalia passed away at a ranch in the area of Marfa, otherwise no one would know of this place.  It is famous for a beautiful hotel where the cast of GIANTS resided while filming that old movie.  (Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson and James Dean)  I hope it was as beautiful then as it is now.  The last word on Marfa is the existence of unexplained lights that people see against the mountains.  It is popular enough to stage a viewing area.

Fort Davis protected transportation routes to El Paso from marauder attacks from the 1850s for nearly 50 years.

 A few of the buildings are maintained by the National Park Service with a small staff.  That assignment must be as remote as it was 150 years ago.  Not much happening at this location, but it was a pleasant way to spend a beautiful Texas winter day, especially when it is free with a Senior Pass.

A man and his RV...inseparable

DEMING, NEW MEXICO

Not wanting to travel more than a few hours a day, our next stop was the desert town of Deming with its strong Mexican influence 30 mile north of the boarder.  It is dry and flat until the mountains rise out of nowhere.  Crossing into Mexico at Palomas  and visiting  The Pink Store is a frequent  experience for people in the area.  We were lucky enough to enjoy Valentine celebrations with free food, drinks and dancing.

The Pink Store is a restaurant, bar and store for people to gather at.  There is a dental office,  eye glass store and pharmacy where retired Americans can get their needs met.  Need your teeth cleaned? ....$35.

Retires know where to find a good party.

Silver City,  NM

Almost to the boarder of Arizona is the Gila
National Forest and Cliff Dwelling.  Close to the year 1300 AD, a group of people came and occupied this area for about 50 years.  In that time they built shelters in the caves and grew crops on top of the masa and along the river.  Why they came and what drove them out is a mystery, but the park service took over the site to protect it.  It was discovered in 1878, but vandals came and not knowing its history, took what they needed through out the years.

It was a vigorous hike to reach this point from where the car was parked.

The wooden poles are original part of the structure.

 These poles were part of the roof structure or second floor in some areas.  Smaller rooms were used as bedrooms.  If that is true, that says something to me about the sophistication of these people.  Various family members wanted privacy.

The Park Service offers tour through the dwelling, but you really have to watch your step.

 

What a view they had sitting in their caves, but at this elevation, they did receive snow in the winter.  The cave itself provided cool temperatures in the summer.

It is thought that this room served as a main gathering place.

The road to this place through the National Forest is up and down mountains which still harbor snow even on a warm day and around tight curves.  The one way 40 mile trip took 2 hours and you dare not bring anything larger than a 20 foot RV and a good truck to pull it.

ANOTHER STATE AND ANOTHER ADVENTURE...ARIZONA.