Billy the Kid Festival

Billy The Kid Festival 2013

San Elizario Historic District

San Elizario, Texas 79849

4^th Annual Billy the Kid Festival

June 7- 9, 2013.

Friday: 7p-11p

Saturday: 12p-11p

Sunday: 12p-10p

Wild West buffs will want to mosey on over to the historic town of San Elizario for the 4th annual Billy The Kid Festival. The Nationally recognized Historic District celebrates the notorious outlaw's visit to San Elizario in 1876. Enjoy reenactments of the historic breakout at the old County Jail & learn the historic truths of his visit to the old Texas town. See the original play, Midnight Rendezvous: Billy the Kid & The Mystery of 1876 at the Main Stage. Live Music at the local Restaurants and on the Main Stage. All events are FREE!! The event is Pet Friendly!  Enjoy Arts, Crafts, Entertainment, Food and more!!

From El Paso: Take I-10 East to Loop 375 South, Exit off of Loop 375 at Socorro Road, Turn left at Socorro Road and proceed approximately 7 miles to the San Elizario Historic District on the right. Look for the brown signs.

GPS: 1501 Main Street, 79849

www.BillyTheKidFestival.com

Information: 915-851-0093

Nine Seconds on Clayton's Overlook Trail, Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center

One of the best places to go hiking in the Davis Mountains is Fort Davis' Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Botanical Gardens.  There are several great trails on the property, trails that will suit all hikers, from beginning to advanced.  Kids 12 and under can visit the Center for free; adult admission is just $6. 

The video above shows Clayton's Overlook Trail, which is a terrific hiking experience.  At the top of the trail is a viewing platform, offering a 360 degree vista and interpretive panels showing the history and geology of the entire Davis Mountains.

Want something easier?  How about a stroll through the botanical garden or a visit to the cactus greenhouse?

Hiking at CDRI, with thanks to Stonewear Designs
We're wearing their Liberty Skort and Echo Top
on the Modesta Canyon Trail

Heritage Hikes!

Porch of historic Pratt Cabin
on the McKittrick Canyon trail
Guadalupe Mountains National Park

As part of our Peak Fitness Challenge, we've identified special hiking trails that tell something about our history...our Texas Mountain Trail Heritage Hikes!  The Challenge is centered in Franklin Mountains State Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park (though we're looking at adding new trails in other parts of the region in the future), and there's PLENTY to learn about Texas by experiencing these designated trails.

The Peak Fitness Challenge is a FREE, FUN program designed to introduce new parks and new trails to folks of all fitness levels.  The Challenge website has terrific information, including topo maps, of the trails, plus great information about the location of the trailheads, elevation change and trail length.

We send prizes out on a random basis to hikers...you never know when something neat might hit your mailbox!

The Texas Mountain Trail Heritage Hikes take you to the site of a murder of a Texas Ranger, plane crashes, historic ranch houses, old tin mines, stagecoach stops, and other neat places! 

Want to learn more?  We also have a rundown of the Texas Mountain Trail Heritage Hikes on our website:

Learn more about hiking opportunities in the Texas Mountains and the Peak Fitness Challenge, by visiting THIS page!

Posting Your Event!

Part of our mission as a non-profit supporting Far West Texas, is to promote worthy events in the region.  Many event organizers approach us about getting their events on our web calendar, on this Daily Photo blog, and on our many social media outlets.  We've produced this easy 2 step guide for qualifying heritage, cultural, and adventure events for organizers working in the six westernmost counties of the state, from Marathon and Big Bend all the way west to El Paso and the state line.

You can view the flyer by clicking on the image to the left, or following this link.

Be sure to start your publicity as soon as you can to attract the most visitors....six month ahead isn't too soon!  Please do complete both Step 1 and Step 2 at least two weeks before your event takes place.  Another tip?  Send us photos, according to instructions.  The .pdf of your flyer or poster is of limited value.  We may only be able to post it on Facebook or Twitter. 

These services are free, although we reserve additional services and exposure for our Texas Mountain Trail business members.  We want to provide information for a wide range of visitors, however some events may not be appropriate for our audience.  We reserve the right to post events as our staff or volunteer time will allow and as deemed suitable for our social media visitors.  We want our visitors (and residents of the region) to know about the VERY BEST events Far West Texas can offer!

Perfect place for a picnic--Post Park!

Just five miles south of Marathon (follow the signs to "County Park") is a great little place that's been a resting place for centuries, Post Park!  We know the Apache and Comanche used the spring here as an oasis from the desert heat.  The Buffalo Soliders used the area for their Camp Pena Colorado in the late 1800s.  The community of Marathon and visitors use the park for fishing, picnicking and birdwatching.  Read the history here. Consider yourself invited!

Pronghorn babies

The drought has been hard on wildlife in the region, and the pronghorn populations appear to be affected.  However, we DO see them out, and last night, we saw a mother and three babies along Hwy 17 between Fort Davis and Marfa!

Click on the photos for a closer view!

Firing a Civil War Ordnance--Fort Davis National Historic Site

Remingtons Coming to Alpine!

The Charge of the Rough Riders
by Frederic Remington
to be shown at the Museum of the Big Bend

Legendary Western artist Frederic Remington’s works – including an original painting on tour for the first time – will be featured in an upcoming exhibit at the Museum of the Big Bend at Sul Ross State University.

                “Treasures from the Frederic Remington Art Museum,” including the original painting, “The Charge of the Rough Riders,” opens Sept. 19 as part of a gala weekend. Painted in 1899, “The Charge of the Rough Riders” commemorated the charge of Teddy Roosevelt’s troops up Cuba’s San Juan Hill during the Spanish American War. The epic original has been on display in the Frederic Remington Art Museum, Ogdensburg, N.Y., and will be on tour for the first time.

                Opening events will include scholarly presentations and lectures, dinners, receptions and live and silent auctions at various locations, including the museum, Sul Ross, Fort Davis National Historic Site, the Gage Hotel, Marathon, and Alpine’s Holland Hotel.

                This historic exhibit, which will be open to the public from Sept. 21-Dec. 8, will display a large number of Frederic Remington’s best known works, including the iconic sculpture, Broncho Buster and The Charge of the Rough Riders.  In celebration of this exhibit, four of the nation’s leading Remington scholars will be presenting new scholarship and research during the course of the weekend’s events.  Presenters include Peter Hassrick, Dr. Ron Tyler, Dr. B. Byron Price and Michael Duty.

Horse Study

                “Remington is the biggest name in Western Art and this is the biggest art event in our history,” said Liz Jackson, Museum director. “We are not only bringing the never-before toured painting, The Charge of the Rough Riders to our museum but we will be bringing together the best in Remington scholars.  This event is significant for the museum, Sul Ross State University, and the Big Bend region as a whole.”

                Sul Ross President Dr. Ricardo Maestas said, “Frederic Remington is considered perhaps the most influential and important artist to portray the American West. The Sul Ross community is pleased to host this monumental exhibition in our award-winning museum facilities.”             

Ticketed events for opening weekend are as follows:

                Thursday, Sept. 19: Speakers and Sponsors dinner, 6 p.m.“Racism & Patronage,” presented by Peter Hassrick..Hosted by The Gage Hotel, Mary Jon & J.P. Bryan.

                Friday, Sept. 20:  3:30 - 5:30 p.m., Frederic Remington lectures,“Frederic Remington’s Vision of “The Man with the Bark On,” presented by Dr. Ron Tyler; “Remington as an Equine and Equestrian Artist,” presented by Dr. B. Byron Price; Vic and Mary Jane Morgan University Center, Sul Ross.

                6-8 p.m.: Exhibit opening and reception, “Treasures from The Frederic Remington Art Museum,” Museum of the Big Bend.            

Saturday, Sept. 21: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Private tour and BBQ lunch,  The Fort Davis National Historic Site, Fort Davis.                             

                6 p.m.: Frederic Remington Gala, cocktails, dinner, live and silent auctions, music, lecture, “Frederic Remington’s Legacy,” by Michael Duty; The Holland Hotel, Alpine.

                “Treasures from The Frederic Remington Art Museum” exhibit and event are being made possible through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mallory, The Holland Hotel, and West Texas National Bank.  Additional sponsors include The Gage Hotel, Mary Jon & J.P. Bryan and Carol and Pete Peterson and many others.  Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

                Museum hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sundays. Admission and parking are free. Enter through Entrance B off of Harrison Road.  Private tours may be scheduled in advance.  For more information, visit www.sulross.edu/museum or call (432) 837-8143.

Last night's sky

And moments later, around the corner:

In Marfa last night along Hwy 90 looking west.

National Trails Day Hike in Big Bend Ranch State Park, June 1

Cinco Tinajas, Big Bend Ranch State Park

A notice from our friends at Big Bend Ranch State Park: 

Take a guided hike at Big Bend Ranch State Park on June 1^st and join the Nation in celebration of “National Trails Day”. It will be good for your body, your mind, and your soul!

Come on out on Saturday, June 1^st and celebrate this year’s “National Trails Day” by hiking with us here at Big Bend Ranch State Park. “National Trails Day” is a nationwide celebration of trails and how they can help you more fully experience and enjoy Your Parks. We will hike about 1.5 miles round trip and take in the spectacular panoramic views from on the top of the ridge trail while hiking over to the Cinco Tinajas overlook and then back around and down to the head of the canyon and the first of the tinajas. If you do not know what these “Cinco Tinajas” are, then join us and find out.

The hike will take around 2.5 hours over terrain with loose rocks, so wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring at least 20 ounces of water, sunscreen, hat, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and of course your camera.

Meet at Sauceda Headquarters at 8:45 on that Saturday morning. Sauceda is located in the interior of BBRSP about 1.5 hours drive over a dirt/gravel road from Presidio. There is no charge for this guided hike, and the regular entry fee for 13 years and over is $3.00 per person. For more information and sign-up for the hike, please call the park directly at (432) 358-4444 by May 29^th. All are encouraged to stay over at Sauceda to have ample time to enjoy the park. Lodging can be reserved by calling (512) 389-8919.

We look forward to sharing our Park Trails with you! 

This event is posted on our Texas Mountain Trail web calendar, here. 

Wheels for Meals Princess Tour!

Click on the poster for an easier read!

One of our region's great cycling events is the Jeff Davis County Food Pantry's Wheels for Meals ride every October.  This is a fundraising ride for the good work of the Food Pantry,  and now there is a new, fun option for "easy" riders, their Princess Tour!  

Only 12 riders will be accepted into the Princess Tour, and they'll receive the ROYAL TREATMENT!

• Private van ride to the top of the mountain for an 18 mile DOWNHILL ride!
• Chocolate croissants, orange juice and espresso on the van!
• Princess worthy surprises!

All riders are required to register and raise at minimum of $250 in pledges for the Food
Pantry.  Where does the money go?  Read below from their website:

click on the poster for easier reading

"Since 1998, the Food Pantry of Jeff Davis County has been offering supplemental food to about 20% of the families in the county. Our distribution is twice a month in Fort Davis and Valentine.  These families have a total income below poverty line.  The food is purchased through USDA and Feeding America.  The Food Pantry also works with the West Texas Food Bank and local grocery stores to provide a variety of healthy meals. 

Each year, The Food Pantry distributes more than 40 tons of food to more than 155 households. The average number of people in each household is 2.6 with an income of $13,866.099 a year which is far below the US poverty guideline. 

The Food Pantry also supports a school lunch program for the students in Fort Davis since there is no program at the school."

To sign up as a rider, click HERE for the registration form!  Click HERE for more information!

The Story of Frijole Ranch

Frijole Ranch, Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park has incredible scenic vistas and terrific hiking trails, but it is also blessed with stories from the past.  A brief visit to Frijole Ranch tells so much about the efforts of early ranchers who tried to made the mountains their home.  Around 1876, the Rader built the small stone structure and stayed there until sometime before 1900.  The Smith family lived and worked at the ranch for thirty-six years and made it the social center of the area, beginning around 1906.  You can tour the ranch house, and peek in the post office and one-room school building from the Smith family's time at the ranch.

The ranch is just adjacent to the trailhead to Smith Spring, one of our Texas Mountain Trail Heritage Hikes, included in our Peak Fitness Challenge.  The 2.6 mile loop trail takes you through desert, into a cool shaded spring area, into arroyos and by a pond, where birds and wildlife like to gather.

Read more about the Ranch here and here.  It is a great place to visit!

We're working on a long-term project on Dining Along Historic Highways, and thought you might like a peek at what we're up to.  Van Horn sits on both the Old Spanish Trail and the Bankhead Highway, and has served travelers for generations.  Want to see the entire "feature," including historic and modern photos, and the full recipe for Icebox Cookies with Pecans from a 1934 community cookbook?  Click HERE!

Join the Texas Mountain Trail!

Now you can join us by becoming a member of our non-profit organization serving Far West Texas, our Texas Mountain Trail!  We're offering great benefits for your support, including our heartfelt thanks for helping us do more to connect you with their own adventure in the Texas Mountains!

Follow this link to our membership page for a listing of all our benefit levels, and easy, safe giving!  Many thanks!

Shady Closed Canyon

Now that the summer's heating up, we've got a short trail for you that's in shade much of the time.  Just off the River Road, Hwy 170, in Big Bend Ranch State Park is Closed Canyon.

The 1.4 mile trail descends into a deep, draw with massive rock walls.  Here's the Backpacker magazine review of the trail. 

Water cut through rock to create the canyon, so take note of the weather.  When storms threaten, it is best to save this hike for dryer days. Flash floods can happen in sudden storms, and the steep rock make escape difficult.

In the heat of the summer, though, Closed Canyon offers a quiet shady respite from the road.

Pronghorn

Photo courtesy of Texas Historical Commission

Taken outside Marfa

While the drought has affected pronghorn populations, we still see them in the wild in our region, especially from the side of the road in grassland areas between Van Horn and Marfa, as well as the Alpine and Fort Davis areas.  Read more about pronghorn here and here!

Stormy May Skies

Another Marfa sunset beauty on a rare stormy night....taken last night!

Get Ready for Viva Big Bend!

Last year, the region was packed with music lovers.  This year proves to be the same.  Make your reservations now, buy your tickets now for Viva Big Bend, July 25-28, in Alpine, Fort Davis, Marfa and Marathon!  Already some accommodations are sold out, so act now!

Want to learn more?  Here's a link to the festival's FAQ page.  And one to their lineup page!

Birding in Big Bend

Birding in the Chisos Basin
of Big Bend National Park

Big Bend is a terrific place to see birds, and there are lots of resources to help you get the most out of your adventure.

The Big Bend National Park has a birding page, here.

The Far West Texas Wildlife Trail has many birding locations...read about them here.

Birding resources, trips, guides:

Birding in Big Bend National Park with Mark Flippo

Birding trips through Mountain Trails Lodge of Fort Davis

Big Bend - Texas Nature: Surveys, Scouting and Guiding

Flowers for our Moms

Prickly Pear, blooming in the region in time for Mother's Day!

Last Night's Storms

Yesterday, large sections of our region received some much-needed rain.  Sure, we had thunder, hail, and some high winds....but we also were treated to rainbows.  Here's one taken last night by our Marfa friend, Monte Riggs.  While we're still in a drought and under a burn ban throughout most of the region, every little bit of rain helps!  The prickly pear are in bud in many places, and soon we'll have flowers too!

Saying Goodbye to a Good Friend

The Town of Van Horn, our Texas Mountain Trail organization, and many residents of Far West Texas lost a friend on Sunday, longtime Mayor of Van Horn, Okey Lucas.  His funeral is today.

A native of West Virginia, he had the good fortune to meet a West Texas gal, Pat; and he had the good sense to marry her. 

Mayor Lucas was a proud veteran.  His service in Vietnam led to his exposure of Agent Orange.  Though he carried oxygen with him everywhere, it never appeared to dampen his view on life.

He told us one of his most proud accomplishments as mayor was overseeing the paving of every street in town, and he was a great ambassador for Van Horn through his work with the Rio Grande Council of Governments and other groups.

He extended kindness to our new organization as it opened for business in 2005; Van Horn became our host city.  Today, our office remains there, and we share Mayor Lucas' enthusiasm for the town.


One of the town's employees, Patricia Golden, nominated the little rest area across from the Town's Convention Center and City Hall, Okey Lucas Park for inclusion in our Far West Texas Wildlife Trail, a project with Texas Parks and Wildlife.  Here's the entry from that map:

 Okey D. Lucas Park

The Town of Van Horn is located at the crossroads of I-10, US 90, and US 54. Van Horn has one main street. The Okey D. Lucas Park is located near the west end at 1804 W. Broadway just across the street from City Hall and the Convention Center/Visitor’s Bureau.
The Okey D. Lucas Park is a quiet, small, and open park with trees and shrubs, with a dramatic background of Turtleback and Six Mile Mountains. The city has a drip water system that attracts the birds despite the dry area. There are picnic tables and restrooms available Monday through Friday, 8-5 at the Visitor’s Bureau.


A personal memory of Mayor Okey Lucas from our Director:

"Most mornings the mayor yells down the hall to me, "what's going on in that office?"

"Work," I yell back.

Then he walks (oxygen in his backpack always) in to shake my hand and call me "Sunshine," and ask how I'm doing. I'm part of his daily rounds before he retires home for reruns of Matlock at 10 am. This morning we talked about short airflights. He'd just taken his wife to El Paso for a quick 40 minute flight to Albequerque to visit their youngest child this week.

As he left he asked, "does it take about 2 1/2 hours from El Paso to Chicago?"

"Yes."

"About 2 1/2 Matlocks then."

"Yep."


We'll miss you Mayor.

Kern Place Sunset

Last night we happened to be in the historic Kern Place area of El Paso, just in time for a great sunset.  We know we often post rural skies, and wanted to show you our biggest city also hosts grand sunsets, too. 

The Kern Place area, just north of UTEP, was the first suburb in El Paso, dating to 1914.  Now in the center of the city, the area has gracious homes, many built with local rock.  The history of the area is outlined on Wikipedia, here.

Murals of Alpine

Alpine has a fun downtown to explore and the city has worked hard to make it a lovely place for visitors and citizens.  The attention to art distinguishes Alpine...take, for instance, the murals in town.  There are three within a couple of blocks of each other. 

If you find this one depicting our ranching heritage, look behind you and see THIS one.  Next, head across the street to the Amtrak station for another mural!  Then take some time to wander the downtown and explore the shops in the area!  Have a great time!