As we departed Del Rio, we headed towards the West Texas Mountains, through the Chihuahuan Desert. This land is known as the last western frontier. Everywhere we look reminds us of settings for old western movies. The view is spectacular in all directions!
Enroute we crossed a canyon of the Pecos River. The bridge allowed us to cross with ease - can't imagine how the early settlers ever made it across in creaking wagons, or even on horseback.
Shortly after crossing the Pecos, we stopped in the town of Langtry, home of the infamous Hanging Judge, Judge Roy Bean. Known as the "Law West of the Pecos", he was quite the carouser; drinking and gambling while holding court at his saloon. Despite his nickname, we were told there is no record of Judge Bean actually carrying out one of his hanging sentences. The love of his life was a British actress named Lilly Langtry, hence the name of the town and the reference above the bar. Oddly enough, the two never met. Lilly finally visited Langtry after the Judge had passed away.
Shortly after crossing the Pecos, we stopped in the town of Langtry, home of the infamous Hanging Judge, Judge Roy Bean. Known as the "Law West of the Pecos", he was quite the carouser; drinking and gambling while holding court at his saloon. Despite his nickname, we were told there is no record of Judge Bean actually carrying out one of his hanging sentences. The love of his life was a British actress named Lilly Langtry, hence the name of the town and the reference above the bar. Oddly enough, the two never met. Lilly finally visited Langtry after the Judge had passed away.
On Tuesday we took a drive up into the West Texas Mountains and visited the town of Fort Davis and historic Fort Davis army post. This post was initially established to protect settlers travelling from San Antonio to El Paso, as they surged west to find gold. The post remained in use until 1891. The reconstruction is extremely well done and includes things like bugle calls, the sounds of mounted soldiers on horseback, as well as music from the band, all combining to make the visit more realistic. It's interesting to note, the Fort was not enclosed inside a wooden palisade. Apparently, forts after the Civil War were not constructed that way - guess Hollywood took liberty with Post settings.
The Hospital and Officers' Quarters & parade square
After Fort Davis, we ventured a little higher into the mountains, to the peak of Mount Locke, to visit the McDonald Observatory, part of the University of Texas. This facility is home to the Hobby-Eberly Telescope, the third largest in the world. It was designed to specialize in spectroscopy, the technique astronomers use to break down light into its component wavelengths.
This week we ventured back onto the golf course. Played at both Alpine and Marfa. The Marfa course boasts it is the highest course in Texas, sitting at an altitude of 4,882 ft. We also took the time to visit some local establishments, including a German brewery, a local winery and eateries such as Penny's Diner, which looks a great deal like Mel's diner on old TV show
So now it's on to New Mexico. Certainly glad we stopped in Alpine - great folks, excellent climate and relaxing environment (although perhaps just a little too isolated for any kind of extended stay)
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