Tiny little cold snap: winter fun in Fort Davis

Why not take a wintry hike at Fort Davis' Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Botanical Gardens today?  We rarely get such frosty weather, and it is BEAUTIFUL out here today!

And at the back of the botanical garden, slip into the cactus greenhouse for a little warmth and color!  Seen there today:


Yesterday, we were up at McDonald Observatory yesterday for some meetings with science and nature folk of the Davis Mountains.  It was a rare foggy and chilly day, and the frost was everywhere! At 6,790 feet, it can get cold up there on wintry days.

Seen up at McDonald Observatory yesterday!

Yesterday's foggy approach to McDonald Observatory
Fortunately, road conditions were absolutely normal!

Our little cold snap will be over before we know it, but we'll enjoy it while it is here!

Montezuma Quail

Yesterday, we were treated to a BEAUTIFUL Sunday in the Texas Mountains, crisp and cold early rising to the 40s and 50s in Fort Davis.  We headed north 10 miles past McDonald Observatory (24 miles north of Fort Davis) to the Nature Conservancy's Madera Canyon Trail, since it is open to the public every day of the week, and has easy (and free) access at the Lawrence E. Wood Picnic Area off Hwy 118.

The Madera Canyon Trail is 2.4 miles (rated moderate) and is a site on the Far West Texas Wildlife Trail, a collaborative project between our own Texas Mountain Trail and Texas Parks and Wildlife.  Would you like your own map?  Click here for purchase information.

Owned and maintained by the Nature Conservancy's Davis Mountains Preserve, it is open to foot traffic 365 days a week. (To protect the sensitive landscape, pets are not allowed on the trail.)

The Nature Conservancy offers this description of the trail:

"A moderately difficult hike, the trail offers views of Madera Canyon, Pine Peak, Mount Livermore (the highest peak in the Davis Mountains), Sawtooth Mountain and the whole of the upper watershed for Madera Creek.  At one point, the trail drops down into Chico Canyon, where it follows the creek and takes hikers past a historic stock tank.

Hikers traverse stands of stately ponderosa pines, pinion-juniper woodlands and grassy meadows.  Wildlife that may be present, particularly at dawn or dusk, includes gray foxes, ringtails, western scrub jays, acorn woodpeckers, Montezuma quail, golden eagles, Davis Mountains cottontails, javelina, white-tail and mule deer, mountain short-horned lizards and, rarely, mountain lions.  At dawn, visitors may listen for the bugling of elk in the fall or the chorus of coyotes any time of year.

 

We were lucky enough to see Montezuma Quail...first one, then two, then several right at the trailhead, and later in the hike at elevation, we saw many more.  The wonderful birding website from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology says this about the Montezuma Quail:

"The Montezuma Quail usually crouches and stays still when danger threatens, and then explodes into flight from a leaping start if the danger comes too close."

That's EXACTLY what happened to us...as we hiked along we never saw them in the grass, then as we approached....all of a sudden, there was an "explosion" of birds taking to flight.  What fun!

More views of the trail:

Do we have Texas' TOP Destinations? YES, we DO!

Casa Grande in Big Bend National Park

Does our Texas Mountain Trail region have the best travel destinations in Texas?  YES, we think so!!

Fort Davis National Historic Site

Now's your turn to tell Texas Highways all about them...they're looking for public input on the TOP 40 destinations in the state! 

Is any of these?

Night sky outside Marathon

Hueco Tanks

Marfa's art community
Prada Marfa

McDonald Observatory

Fall colors at McKittrick Canyon,
Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Click HERE to tell them your favorite Texas Mountain destination!  Deadline is October 15!

Meet Tux, Gentleman Cat of Historic Hotel Limpia

Tux takes a break from his vigorous and exhaustive
duties on the Hotel Limpia porch

There's a quiet gentleman overseeing the staff, greeting visitors, and generally making sure everyone has a terrific stay at the historic Hotel Limpia in Fort Davis. 

Meet Tux, a big boy black-and-white "tuxedo" cat whose duties also include supervising cushion softness, and sunlight maintenance on porch furniture.  He does a great job, too, as the property maintains a gracious hospitality for visitors to the Davis Mountains.

While the Hotel Limpia has its roots in the early days of Fort Davis, now Fort Davis National Historic Site, the current hotel main building dates back to 1912.  Read about the hotel's history here.

Many hands (and paws, as it turns out) contribute to a hotel's hospitality.  Tux is one of those unsung heroes of the Davis Mountains.

When you're planning a trip to McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis National Historic Site, Davis Mountains State Park, or Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center....or the upcoming Fort Davis Hummingbird Festival (which is hosted by the Hotel Limpia!) consider the Hotel Limpia for your next stay!

Tux on Baseboard Control Duty

Green along the Road to McDonald Observatory

The road to the Observatory
photo by Monte Riggs
Click on the image for a closer view!

Head north out of Fort Davis on Hwy 118 this summer and you'll see a LUSH green everywhere.  Our summer rains have been steady, making this green growth possible.  Many folks taking this road are heading to McDonald Observatory (see the observatory in the upper right?!?) for Star Parties, usually held Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.  Star Parties are a "must do" activity in our region as we have some of the DARKEST skies in the country.

Our best travel tip for McDonald Obervatory's Star Parties?  Regardless of the time of year, wear a hat, bring gloves and WARM clothing.  Even on our summer nights, it gets cold up at that altitude!  You'll see more and you'll enjoy viewing the dark night sky if you're comfortable!

Look UP at Night: Feb 2-23 Best Evening Viewing of Mercury AND Guide to Visiting McDonald Observatory

Photo by Randy Mallory for the Texas Historical Commission

Locals and veteran travelers already know it:  Our region has a distinguished jewel in McDonald Observatory.  Located atop the Davis Mountains on the "Scenic Loop," it is a place visitors regularly put high up on their bucket list.  Intrigued?  Here's an EXCELLENT article about visiting the Observatory and taking in a couple of their public programs, from our friend, Sheila Scarborough of Perceptive Travel Blog. 

 

Click here to read the Observatory's webpage on visiting the facility.  Heading to the region for Spring Break?  Click here to see all the special Spring Break programming at McDonald Observatory.

The view of the Davis Mountains from
the top of McDonald Observatory
(click on the photo for a closer view!)

This month, we'll be treated to the best evening viewing of Mercury in a long, long time.  Read more here, from Weather.com.  An excerpt:  "Mercury, the "elusive" innermost planet, will travel far enough from the glare of the sun to be readily visible in the western sky, soon after sunset. On the evening of Feb. 8, Mercury will skim within less than 0.4 degrees of the much-fainter planet, Mars."

Visiting McDonald Observatory

A winter view of the Davis Mountains from the top of McDonald Observatory, north of Fort Davis.

Our region's skies are among the darkest you'll find anywhere...we're a perfect place to see the night sky and enjoy the stars and planets.  Many travelers to the region plan to attend a STAR PARTY.  We agree, this is a highlight of many trips out to the mountains...our tip?  Regardless of season, wear a hat and warm clothing.  At the Observatory's high altitude, it gets cold after dark, even in the summer!

 

Want to get up to speed on what you can see in the night sky?  Take a look at the Observatory's Stardate website, click here!

 

Click here to get to the Observatory's Visitor Center website, including links to schedule notes for Spring Break 2013.  Click here for the Observatory's FAQ page.

 

 

From the historic site marker at the top of the Observatory complex:

 

"Original unit in complex forming one of the greatest observatory centers in the world.  Built in teh 1930s under terms of legacy from William Johnson McDonald (1844-1926).  A Paris (Texas) banker interested in the stars. A well-educated man, McDonald lived frugally.  As a hobby, he read science books and viewed planets through a small telescope.  His will granted to the Universityy of Texas $800,000 "to build an observatory and promote the study of Astronomy." 

 

"This site was selected because of its high ratio of clear nights, its 6,800 foot altitude, its distance from artificially-lighted cities, and its quite low altitude which permits the observation of southern skies."

 

"The Observatory was operated for its first 25 years mainly by astronomers from the University of Chicago, more recently primarily from the University of Texas.  Until 1948, its 82-inch telescope was the second-largest in the world.  Its fine work and site has resulted in the addition of other telescopes, including a 107-inch instrument sponsored jointly by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Science Foundation and the University of Texas."

 

"Discoveries here have included interstellar polarization and the satellites of several planets. (1968)

Now you can JOIN the Texas Mountain Trail (a 501 c 3 non-profit organization) and get advance notice of special events and opportunities in the Far West Texas region.  Click HERE!

Painter/Cyclist Carola Locke and our Texas Mountains

Carola Locke at Fort Davis' Indian Lodge

Through friends, we met painter/cyclist Carola Locke who's impressed us with her story as well as her startingly realistic works about cycling...take a look!



"36 Trinity" by Carola Locke

"My grandparents lived in Midland and we would visit every year. Well, as there is almost nothing to do other than look at a crater and go to an oil museum in Midland/Odessa, they would take us on road trips to Balmorhea, Carlesbad, and especially, McDonald Observatory. As we were traveling with senior citizens when we would go to the observatory, we would just tour it and then leave. I always wanted to hike the trails and scramble on the big rocks, but we never had the time. As a kid I loved visiting these areas, but as an adult could never remember quite where anything was. So, I told my husband about these lovely mountains somewhere my grandparents had taken me long ago, but I never thought I'd see them again."

Why do I ride?

"My husband did it. I had ridden a bit as a child, but never even considered it as an adult. It was one of those "impossible" things that gifted athletes did. However, shortly after being married, my husband found me an old steal road bike, rebuilt it, and gave it to me. I fearfully started riding it, but soon enough remembered what to do, and was thrilled with the rush and freedom which riding invokes. That was about 10yrs ago. Riding a bike, whether for exercise, to commute, for socialization, or for therapy, has encouraged me to tackle fears which, otherwise, I never would have been brave enough to encounter. Riding has taught me to pace myself in life, and not to expect instant results. It has helped me learn that like riding up a hill, sometimes everything sucks, but it is only for a time; you will eventually fly down the other side.

"The Guru" by Carola Locke

Now flash forward to 2006. My hubby decides to go to some ride called Cyclefest with one of his buddies. When he returns to Fort Worth from the ride he tells me "Pack up! I'm taking you and the kids to the mountains!" So we drove out there. Let me tell you, when I realized where we were, my joy knew no bounds. We camped at the state park and I hiked, and hiked, and hiked. The kids love it. I loved it. We love the cactus, the rocks, tarantulas, the cool ants that trample the grass. The next year my husband and I came out together to ride Cyclefest, and while it is the hardest ride I've done yet, it is also my favorite. The clean air and clear night sky, being able to see for miles, this area is my favorite in Texas. I've ridden the 75m route three times now, and hope to ride it many more times. (I rode it last in 2011. We were there last September, but I opted to spend the wet day hiking instead of on the bike.)"

Now to the art:

"Calf, de calf"
by Carola Locke

"About 10yrs ago (oddly the same time I began riding), I picked up a paintbrush and began trying to hone my skills. I painted a lot of people, beer, and nature themed pieces, but it wasn't until three years ago that I found my niche in painting bikes and their riders. The first piece I tried, "The Guru", floored me with how well it turned out. Usually, when I finish a painting I stand back and am amazed. It doesn't even feel like I painted them sometimes. I began showing my work 2yrs ago. I love watching people enjoy the work I've done. Art allows me to meet people and travel and connect. As I meet cyclists at events I am flooded with new ideas and inspiration. Sometimes, I'll be at a ride and see a really neat bike and will walk up and say "I don't know you, but you have a great bike. Can I photograph it and paint it?" Let me tell you, that's a great way to make a new friend! There is much truth to the term "starving artist", as it is a difficult field to make a name in, but I consider myself lucky that I've managed to incorporate my gift (painting) with my passion (cycling). If I make money at an event, great, but if I leave having talked to other cyclists and gained new inspiration, that is often better.

At this time my cycling paintings are exclusively displayed at Knobbies and Slicks in Colleyville, TX. It's website is http://www.knobbiesandslicks.com/ My website is www.artistcarolalocke.com My email is artist@artistcarolalocke.com I have 2013 calendars available and prints of most of my paintings. Most of the originals are for sale as well. Also, I am on Facebook at facebook.com/artistcarolalocke "

"Chain Gang" by Carola Locke

 Did you hear that?  2013 Calendars!  Sounds like a holiday gift idea to us!  Thanks to Carola for sharing her story of her love for our mountains as well as her wonderful paintings!

Two-tailed Swallowtail at Madera Canyon Trail

Yesterday, we hiked the 2.5 mile trail on Nature Conservancy land just a short distance from McDonald Observatory north of Fort Davis.  We found this Two-tailed Swallowtail in the muddy area by Chico Tank along the trail.

The trail offers a  moderate hike through pinyon-oak-juniper woodlands to offer views of Mount Livermore.

The trail is easy to follow and beautifully maintained.

Though it received fire in last April's wildfire, there are signs of regrowth.  We saw birds, lizards, butterflies on the trail yesterday.

Tree lizard on a rock on the Madera Canyon Trail

The trail is open from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year.  To find it, head north from Fort Davis on Hwy 118.  As the sign indicates, the trail is a part of the Far West Texas Wildlife Trail.  The trail's map says this about the site:

"Proceed northwest from Ft. Davis on Hwy 118 for approximately 24 miles to the Lawrence E. Wood picnic area adjacent to the highway on the left (about 10 miles past the McDonald Observatory.) The 2.5-mile trail is a loop that begins and ends at the picnic area’s east side and is marked by a sign and wooden split-rail fence.
Hikers will walk through stands of stately ponderosa pines, pinion-juniper woodlands and grassy meadows. Wildlife that may be present, particularly at dawn or dusk, includes gray fox, ringtail, Western Scrub Jay, Acorn Woodpecker, Montezuma Quail, Golden Eagle, Davis Mountains cottontail, javelina, white-tailed and mule deer, mountain short-horned lizard and, rarely, mountain lion. At dawn, visitors may listen for the bugeling of elk in the fall or the chorus of coyotes any time of year. The Williamson's Sapsucker has been sighted along the trail in winter."

Read more about the Davis Mountains Preserve in Far West Texas  here.

Here's the link to the rest of the Davis Mountains loop on the Far West Texas Wildlife Trail. 

Look at that sky! You can't see this at home....

Double-click on this image to get a closer view...amazing!

Our friend, Steve Kennedy, captured one of our region's best assets...our unspoiled night sky.  Here are two particularly wonderful images Steve took in the center of Big Bend National Park in Chisos Basin.   (See Casa Grande in the first image?)  Double-click on either image to get a closer view...and be AMAZED.  Yes, it does look like this in person...come and take a look for yourself!  To learn more about the night sky, consider visiting Fort Davis' McDonald Observatory.

Many travelers visit several communities on their trip to the mountains, and our hoteliers are often some of our best guides to the region.  Steve, and his wife Carla, who run the Old Schoolhouse B&B and Hope's Ranch Guest House in Fort Davis are thoroughly knowledgable about the region and can offer suggestions for travelers.  Both of their properties participate in our Texas Mountain Trail cycle-friendly program.  Steve's an avid cyclist, knows all the roads and routes and even has simple biking tools and supplies available. 

View from Wolf Den Trail, Davis Mountains Preserve

Yesterday, we took advantage of Open Day at The Nature Conservancy's Davis Mountains Preserve.  This beautiful area north of Fort Davis' McDonald Observatory is open to the public a few days a year.  We hiked the 1.9 mile (one way) out-and-back Wolf Den Trail.  Recently maintained, it was described as a great birding location (we agree!) and "looks the way it is supposed to look."  Pleasantly level for most of the trail, near the end it turns steep to allow this view of Wolf Den Canyon below.

The Preserve's Open Days and Open Weekends can be found on our Texas Mountain Trail Events Calendar...plan to include this special access only location on your next trip!

For regional hiking information, please visit: www.texasmountaintrail.com/hike !

Davis Mountains from McDonald Observatory

Here's a lovely view of the Davis Mountains from a vantage point at the top of famed McDonald Observatory, north of Fort Davis!

Drive to the Observatory

Texas 118, here taking visitors to the McDonald Observatory, is the highest elevation paved road in Texas.

This road is also part of the Scenic Loop, one of the most beautiful driving and cycling route in the state.  Click here to read more about cycling this road!

Our thanks again to Pete S. for sharing his photographs with us all week!

McDonald Observatory at Dawn

Astronomers work all night at McDonald Observatory's Hobby-Eberle telescope, among the world's most powerful.

Our thanks to Pete S. for sharing this wonderful photograph of McDonald Observatory.  Stay tuned all week for Pete's photos of sights from Fort Davis to the Observatory!

Sotol

Huge sotol plants, a Far West Texas native, grace the entrance of McDonald Observatory.

Thanks to Pete S. for sharing this photo with us!

Sunrise

Gaudy sunrises often decorate winter mornings in the Davis Mountains and Far West Texas. This one was photographed from the McDonald Observatory.

Thanks to Pete S. for sharing this photo with us!  Look for his photos of vistas from Fort Davis to the Observatory all week!

Total Lunar Eclipse tonight!

Pictured here is our own famed McDonald Observatory north of Fort Davis.  Lots of you will want to include a visit to the Observatory in your holiday plans....so here's a link to information on their holiday hours! 

Tonight many of us will set our alarm clocks for the middle of the night to see a total lunar eclipse...read more about it here!  Where else to see it but our incredible dark skies???

Thanks to Randy Mallory and the Texas Historical Commission for providing us this great photograph!