Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas Photo Gallery by Fay Stout at pbase.com

Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas

The year was 2005. I was turning 60 and got my first digital camera... Canon Rebel XT. I read about a digital photography workshop at Big Bend State Park with a fella named Jim Carr. Before I knew it, I signed up, and then became a bit nervous with the thoughts of traveling to the workshop alone. Took my car to the garage to be sure it was in good shape, had my cell phone with a multitude of emergency numbers handy, and loaded the car with lots of junk food and water and bid civilization as I know it "goodbye". Join me on my trip to this rugged area of Texas.

To read more about this remote area of West Texas, check out the August 2008 issue of Texas Parks and Wildlife for the article by E. Dan Klepper.

Additional information was obtained from the Texas State Travel Guide.

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Big Bend or Bust!	My motto... when on the road, never miss a meal!	I arrive in Thurber. At one time the town had a population of more than 10,000 residents (with more than 20 nationalities).	In 1895, it was one of the first towns in the world with complete electric service.
The last coal mine closed in 1921.	By 1936 the town was abandoned.	Today, only 6 original buildings still stand.	The 128-foot-tall smokestack from the second electric power plant .
I opt for the plate lunch.	The blue plate special...	Technology can build and destroy communities.	On the road again. Less traffic as I head west.
Just passing through...			Oh dear, I seem to be the only car on the road for miles.
A quick stop in Fort Davis.	The Hotel Limpia		A bite to eat and I'm on my way...
Oooo... there's a cemetery. I must stop and pay my respects.	The cemetery is colorful with artificial flowers amongst the tiny wildflowers that survive despite the arid soil.		"very stout fella"
A new grave...	A hand made memorial...
The only sounds I hear... the wind and the occasional buzz of a bee.
		"Home... home on the range..."	"where the deer and the antelope play."
			Welcome to Alpine, between the Davis and Glass mountains. Home of Sul Ross State University.
			"Life is an art... not a science"
		Remember "the thing"?	Self portrait
Can't seem to get away from the "golden arches".	The bees are swarming at my motel... sure hope they aren't those killer bees!	Leave early the next morning so that I am sure to arrive at Big Bend by 10:30 to meet with the other photographers.	There's not much out here. Just me, a couple cars and a Fed Ex truck.
Every FedEx driver waves... DRIVE FRIENDLY!	I pass another ghost town but do not have enough time to explore.		Presidio International Airport... a couple prop planes and a hangar. Guess they must fly across the border to Mexico.
I MADE IT! Fort Leaton. But where is our fearless leader? I forgot... we are on Big Bend time... no one hurries here!	Follow the lead car. It is another hour to the ranch. (I check my gas gauge). I thought it was just down the "lane".	10-20mph depending on the ruts, rocks, and holes in the road.	I call home on my cell phone to say "I made it!" but find there is NO cell service out here!
Big Bend Ranch		The gals' bunkhouse...	Ranch kitchen... meals provided and the food is homemade Texas fare. Plenty of food and real good. "Sticks to your ribs!"
"Come and get it!"		Gather your gear and let's go shoot. We divide up in two vans. Bill is our guide. He is great fun!	A rugged beauty prevails.




			We travel a paved road to get to this site along the Rio Grande, west of Lajitas...
but first... a bathroom break...
			"Helloooo... Is anyone there?"


	Uh oh...	watch your step!
	The Rio Grande with Mexico on the far side.	We take a lunch break in a couple teepees along the road, but being photographers.... we keep shooting.


	Wild horse...

	"Oh no! Not me! You go in first!"	After dinner, we meet in the education center to review our photos of the day.	We put our photos on CD's.
Next day we head out to find the longhorns...

In memory of Jim's favorite longhorn.	The Solitario

		Self portrait
Bird's nest on the cactus.	Day is done...	the sun sets behind the mountains...	and our workshop comes to an end...
as the moon rises over Big Bend Ranch.	The moon in all it's glory shines down on the Chihuahuan Desert.	But my trip does not end here. I have planned to spend a night at the Gage Hotel in Marathon, Texas.

Oops... no cell phone service here either but they do have a pay phone!

		Lampshade...	Lampshade...

	Dinner in the courtyard...	Tamales and a margarita...	Chipotle corn chowder...
Bacon wrapped quail with mashed potatoes and zucchini...	Creme brulee...		Swallows nesting on the porch of the Gage Hotel.
A sparrow's nest...	The next morning I have breakfast next door to the hotel.
Back on the road, heading home and I stop to watch a family of prairie dogs.	DOH! Roadkill... and look who's watching.	YUK!	He waits for me to leave before calling for the clean-up crew.
	Everything is bigger in Texas... even the roadrunners!		Hey, big guy...
I will miss the wide open spaces.	Harness the wind...	Big oil...	My adventure comes to an end and I look forward to my next photography workshop!

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Guest		14-Aug-2011 16:08
Fay, very nice album and many memories I am sure. Yes, travel in the west leaves even the strong well traveled a little weak when faced with miles of "nothing" even to take photos of! I remember my first trip west many years ago and getting advice on a "short cut" well he said the road was good...true but 107 miles later without ever seeing a house I wondered what if? I will checkout the other site this evening. Thanks for sahring, bill

Gordon W		27-Dec-2008 16:33
Very enjoyable travelogue, Fay

Frank Carducci		22-Dec-2008 16:51
Just took a tour of your photos, I was overwhelm at all the beatiful scenes you were able to captured. Congratulations.

Jean-Michel Peers		30-Nov-2008 11:39
Your very lively gallery makes me want to travel! Thanks for sharing your trip.

LynnH		08-Oct-2008 22:43
Wonderful!! This is one of my favorite areas of Texas. Love your captions, very entertaining. Well shot. Big vote!

Mair�ad		16-Aug-2008 20:16
Wow Fay - that was some trip. Thank you for sharing it. I am not surprised you got hooked on photography after that.

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