2013 Mar 20 - Alpine, TX

Thursday

After our visit to Marfa, we went down, southeast, to Alpine to visit the Museum of the Big Bend on the Sul Ross State University campus. The museum didn't disappoint and was well worth the drive down from Fort Davis.

An Example of the Excellent Displays

As it turned out, our timing was perfect, because just as we were coming out...

A Class Visits the Museum

As dusk fell we traveled north, this time to the McDonald Observatory for a Star Party. The parking was down hill from the observatory and it was a long walk uphill. We explored the visitor center while we waited for the event to begin. Learned a lot about the facility including that the program is very popular as the Star Party was a full.

As Darkness Approaches all the Lighting is Red

We took our seats which are outdoors, cement benches. We learned you should dress warmly and bring a cushion to sit on!

The program was great and we identified many constellations with the help of the presenters.

Tomorrow we leave the Fort Davis and Texas after a fun-filled time with my aunt and uncle and head back to Arizona.

2013 Mar 20 - Marfa, TX

Wednesday

Today Debbie, Shirley, Frank and I traveled south a few miles to the town of Marfa where we found another, more impressive court house.

Marfa Courthouse

We stopped at the The Hotel Paisano on main street, mainly because the girls saw a couple of stores they wanted to browse.

  The front of Hotel Paisano and inside looking back at the front doors.

Hotel Paisano Lobby

Frank and I explored the hotel interior which proved to be very unique.

Off the Main Lobby

After a fast food lunch in town we returned to our respective temporary homes to rest up for the evening quest to see the famous Marfa Lights.

As darkness neared we again traveled to Marfa and then east on state highway 90 to the Marfa Lights Viewing Center. There's a long parking lot there so you can stay in your car to view the lights.

Marfa Lights Viewing Center

Debbie had made popcorn and we brought drinks. We settled down and waited. I was dubious that we would see anything. But then I saw what appeared to be car lights in the distance. It appeared the car was driving down a mountain road as is disappeared and re-appeared as if going around curves. False alarm, but as I watched it suddenly shot up and then straight very fast. As I watched it and other lights continued like fireflies. Just as strange was in the light there are no mountains in that direction, its just flat to the horizon.

2013 Mar 19 - Fort Davis, TX - Afternoon

Tuesday

We're exploring Fort Davis National Historic Site this afternoon.

The Museum in the Background 

Officer's Quarters on the Left (White)

Looking Down the Row

The Officer's Quarters' have been restored and are in excellent condition. Most are furnished including the Commanding Officer's quarters, located in the center of the row. Unfortunately the housing is locked, but the interiors are visible through he windows. The fort grounds are huge and it was a long walk down the row to the end.

A Group of Officers' Two Story Quarters

Only one of the two story quarters is restored. The others are in various condition.

Old Subsistence Storehouse and smaller Commissary Office

After exploring the Fort Davis site, we had to drive back past the drug store, so we stopped there for a snack.

Afternoon "Snack"

It Looks Big, Because It Is 

What Happened?

Without any help from our side of the table!  Well it was two of them sharing.