El Paso's Lovely Franklin Mountains

Pink light of dawn on the Franklin Mountains as seeen from I-10

From what we can gather, most visitors heading to or through El Paso miss the charm of the city because they rarely get off the freeway.  I-10 directs travelers efficiently through the city, but that route never gives you a clue as to the charm or adventure available RIGHT THERE.

 Case in point:  Franklin Mountains State Park, the largest urban wilderness park in the continental US....offers terrific hiking, mountain biking and wildlife watching IN the city!

From the park's website:

"The Franklins are the largest sustained mountain range in Texas, with the summit of North Franklin Peak rising to an elevation of 7,192 feet, approximately 3,000 feet above the city below. On the eastern flank of North Franklin Mountain lie the remnants of our nation's only tin mining, milling and smelting operation, which was active from 1910 through 1915.
Two hiking trails are currently accessible off of Loop 375/Trans-Mountain Road. Work is underway for a trail network that will ultimately offer a system of more than 100 miles of trails. Rock climbing is one of the park's newest recreational activities, with established climbing areas in McKelligon Canyon.
A limited number of primitive tent-camping sites are available in the Tom Mays Unit. Traditional sites allow for tents placed on the ground. Five self-contained RV sites have also been added. All potential campers should be forewarned: there are no ground fires allowed within park boundaries and no water or electricity supplies. Those desiring camping reservations may contact the park office. Reservations are recommended."

We've partnered with Franklin Mountains State Park (and Guadalupe Mountains National Park and our friends at GeoBetty.com) to bring you a free, fun hiking challenge, called the Peak Fitness Challenge!  (The challenge website is here, the facebook page is here!)  Sign up, create a log page, hike your miles, record them online and your name is entered into prize drawings...simple as that!  In the meantime, you'll be outside, getting sunshine and exercise, having fun, and seeing a new side to El Paso!  And the challenge is for EVERYONE, including walkers, hikers, runners and trail runners...even YOU!

Mountain biking is one of the favorite activities in the Franklins, and many trails have dual use--hiking and biking.  For mountain biking information, check out www.geobetty.com

Three Weeks from Today!

Three weeks from today one of the most charming holiday events in the region takes place, the Lighted Christmas Parade in Van Horn.  Put December 1 on your calendar for this whole-community event.  If town folks aren't on the lighted floats, they're on Broadway, the main street in Van Horn, cheering them on.

 

Also taking place that day is the Pecan Dessert Contest at the historic Hotel El Capitan, and we hear there's a brisket contest in town as well.    

 

Texas Mountain Trail Spotlight:

Learn more about the Texas Mountain Trail here....and consider joining as a member!  You'll receive great benefits, and you'll learn more about fun things to do in the mountains, AND you'll be helping our non-profit organization deliver more services to travelers and resident of the region.  That's a win, win, win!

Here's another image from the wonderful 2013 Big Bend Calendar our friend, Derrick Birdsall is selling to celebrate both Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park, AND send a portion of the profits back to our own Texas Mountain Trail!

Big Bend National Park has been cited by the International Dark-Sky Association as one of just five international dark sky parks earning its gold-tier level for being nearly entirely free from light pollution.

To learn more about the calendar, click here.

Derrick's photography blog is here

Sit back and enjoy, then reach forward and join!

We've got terrific volunteers and friends, and one of them is El Pasoan, Cliff Seaman, who wrote a special song just for the Texas Mountain Trail!  Sit back, imagine yourself as a cowpoke in the saddle and enjoy!

To encourage you to join our non-profit organization as a member, we offer this to you today!

You can give online or mail in your membership gift to:  Texas Mountain Trail, P.O. Box 7, Van Horn, TX 79855! 

Levels and benefits:

$25 Senior/Student Texas Mountain Trail enewsletter, discounts at the Museum of the Big Bend gift shop

$50 Individual/Family All of the above, plus early notice of all our programs and opportunities

$100 Friend All of the above, plus 20% off coupon to REI (while they last!) and discount on 10K registration for the Big Bend Ultra from Friends of Big Bend National Park

$250 Supporter All of the above, plus invitations, newsletters and mailings from Friends of Big Bend National Park

$500 Champion All of the above, plus a Far West Texas Wildlife Trail map and recognition/sponsorship by name of one of our social media storytelling projects

$1000 Patron All of the above, plus recognition/sponsorship by name for one of our major Texas Mountain Trail public programs or for two of our social media storytelling projects

We're a 501 c 3 non-profit serving the visitors and residents of the six westernmost counties of the state!

Would you like to know more?  Listen to this Marfa Public Radio program, "Talk at Ten" featuring our program!   Read testimonials about the impact of the Texas Mountain Trail on our region.

JOIN the Trail!

TODAY is a special day for Texas Mountain Trail's friends and volunteers.  TODAY, we offer a way you can bring the best of Far West Texas to travelers near and far. 
TODAY, you can join us as true MEMBERS of the Texas Mountain Trail....so what do you get?

You'll help others discover the incredible beauty and impressive heritage of the Texas Mountains, while finding new ways to enjoy your own adventures.  Will you be a Trail Champion?

You'll help support the communities of the region.  Will you be a Trail Friend?

AND, you'll help us develop new products to get the most out of your stay--the Far West Texas Wildlife Trail, cycle-friendly routes and rides, our Peak Fitness Challenge for hikers with its Texas Mountain Trail heritage hikes, and our work on Facebook, Twitter, and this Daily Photo blog!

What else will you get? There are some TERRIFIC benefits for lending your support to the Trail.

$25 Senior/Student Texas Mountain Trail enewsletter, discounts at the Museum of the Big Bend gift shop

$50 Individual/Family All of the above, plus early notice of all our programs and opportunities

$100 Friend All of the above, plus 20% off coupon to REI (while they last!) and discount on 10K registration for the Big Bend Ultra from Friends of Big Bend National Park

$250 Supporter All of the above, plus invitations, newsletters and mailings from Friends of Big Bend National Park

$500 Champion All of the above, plus a Far West Texas Wildlife Trail map and recognition/sponsorship by name of one of our social media storytelling projects

$1000 Patron All of the above, plus recognition/sponsorship by name for one of our major Texas Mountain Trail public programs or for two of our social media storytelling projects

Click HERE for our safe, secure online giving page, or you can mail your gift to: Texas Mountain Trail, P.O. Box 7, Van Horn, TX 79855!

EVERYDAY, we bring you photos, places, people, events in Far West Texas....Join us!   We're a 501 c 3 non-profit organization and gifts may be tax deductible.  Click here to read notes on the tax deductibility of your gift! 

Read testimonials about the value of our work!

Between the Bookstore and the Tracks, Marfa's Food Shark

One place to we heartily recommend to visitors is Marfa's famous "Food Shark"  for a great lunch in the heart of Marfa, located under the shade structure by the railroad tracks.  You can't miss the Shark when it serves Tuesday-Friday (some Saturdays, too)...the lines are usually long!

Folks wait in line because they know they'll be getting terrific and creative meals at the Shark....our favorite?  Their Triple Chocolate Espresso cookie!  Or maybe the Combo Plate with a green salad, hummus, falafel ball, and pita. So wonderful is the food, the Shark has been profiled by travel and food writers and videographers from all over the world.   Take a look at this Italian profile!  It is a hoot!  Or here's a profile by NBC in New York.

Food Shark serves "Mediterrean by way of West Texas" cuisine..our vegetarian and vegan friends like the offerings.  Want to know what's on the menu?  Many days, the Shark posts the special in the "Immediate" section of www.marfalist.org

Make your holiday reservations NOW!

Snow in the desert by Van Horn's Six Mile Mountain

Holiday time is a GREAT time to visit the Texas Mountains...when we get wintry weather it is beautiful, and the snow melts off right away!  If you're interested in spending either Thanksgiving or the Christmas season with us, best to make your reservations NOW as many properties fill up during holiday time.

Need to find lodging?  A great place to start is our list of cycle-friendly hotels...while you may not be cycling on Thanksgiving or Christmas, these properties are wonderful.

You might want to come early and take advantage of some of our smalltown holiday traditions, including Van Horn's Lighted Holiday Parade set for December 1.

 

Another great holiday tradition is Thanksgiving Dinner at the Bunkhouse in the center of Big Bend Ranch State Park, at Sauceda Ranch.  Park staff create a wonderful, relaxed dinner with all the trimmings.

 Here's the notice from the park:

Happy Thanksgiving!

November 22, 2012

>>> Back by Popular Demand <<<

How About a Ranch Thanksgiving with Turkey (Of Course) and Ham

All the Trimmings – Some Roped-up with a Cowboy Twist

Get away from Town, the Noise, the Cars, the People

Join us to give Thanks that there is still a place that is Quiet, Remote, Wild, and Scenic

All rolled into one and that’s Big Bend Ranch State Park

Come Early and Stay Late to Enjoy the Park

Thanksgiving Dinner Served 1:00 to 2:00

$15.00 per Person, including Entrance Fee

Please Reserve and Pay Up for Your Slot at the Table

So we will Know how much Grub to Lay In

(There’s No Grocery Store Just Down the Street)

For Reservations and Payment

Call the Park at 432.358.4444

Beginning on October 29^th and closing on Monday, November 12^th

Early Van Horn

An early postcard of life in Van Horn in the collection of the Clark Hotel Museum.

Orion Rising...

Here's another image from the wonderful 2013 Big Bend Calendar our friend, Derrick Birdsall is selling to celebrate both Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park, AND send a portion of the profits back to our own Texas Mountain Trail!

Big Bend National Park has been cited by the International Dark-Sky Association as one of just five international dark sky parks earning its gold-tier level for being nearly entirely free from light pollution.

The Houston Chronicle wrote a brief article about the designation awhile back, which included some other impressive photos of the clear sky.
To learn more about the calendar, click here.

Derrick's photography blog is here.

Day of the Dead

Today is Day of the Innocents..Tomorrow is Day of the Dead

Grave in Terlingua Cemetery

Click photo to get a closer view
Permanent display recognizes
community Day of the Dead celebration

This time of year, many of our communities plan remembrances for past loved ones in Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead celebrations.  Terlingua, El Paso, Marfa have hosted celebrations, and visits to regional cemeteries reveal some private remembrances at the graves. Visit cemeteries around this time of year and you'll see evidence of recent care and objects left in memory of loved ones.

"In most regions of Mexico, November 1 is to honor children and infants, whereas deceased adults are honored on November 2. This is indicated by generally referring to November 1 mainly as Día de los Inocentes ("Day of the Innocents") but also as Día de los Angelitos ("Day of the Little Angels") and November 2 as Día de los Muertos or Día de los Difuntos ("Day of the Dead")," according to Wikipedia.

"People go to cemeteries to be with the souls of the departed and build private altars containing the favorite foods and beverages, as well as photos and memorabilia, of the departed. The intent is to encourage visits by the souls, so the souls will hear the prayers and the comments of the living directed to them. Celebrations can take a humorous tone, as celebrants remember funny events and anecdotes about the departed.

From a celebration in El Paso

Plans for the day are made throughout the year, including gathering the goods to be offered to the dead. During the three-day period, families usually clean and decorate graves; most visit the cemeteries where their loved ones are buried and decorate their graves with ofrendas (offerings), which often include orange Mexican marigolds (Tagetes erecta) called cempasúchil (originally named cempoaxochitl, Nahuatl for "twenty flowers")."

Altar in El Paso for Day of the Dead

Candles and marigolds left in front
of a Day of the Dead altar in El Paso

The Awning is UP!

Jeff Davis County Library Terrace Project
The awning is up!

We recently received a note and an update from our friends at the Jeff Davis County Library about their awning project...this project was a grant recipient in the Texas Historical Commission's Heritage Tourism Partnership Grant program, as its purpose was to create a 24 hour public space for residents and tourists alike....a quiet place for folks to enjoy and relax.

 

From the Friends of Jeff Davis County Library: 

"We are not talking about a field goal on the football field, we are talking about another goal -- the awning over the Library Terrace in Fort Davis. This project has identified some significant historical artifacts and preserved them. It will provide the residents of and visitors to Jeff Davis County a pleasant, welcoming, outdoor seating area and local area historical information in a permanent kiosk, as well as WIFI access 24 hours a day, every day. Please come by and see the progress we have made through your donations.

An early photo of the building showing the awning in use

As the construction phases near completion, additional funding is required to purchase the period-look furniture and planters. Your 100% tax-deductible donation to this project is a perfect, perpetual way to honor your love of libraries and books, your support of education, a wedding or anniversary, the memory of a loved one, a special family occasion, a birthday, or a new graduate. Please send your check to "Friends JDC Library, PO Box 425, Fort Davis, TX 79734," or use your Paypal or credit card online at http://friendsjdcl.org/support/. All donations will be gratefully accepted and acknowledged."

In 1908, Whitaker Keesey and his brother Otis sold their business
to a group of stockholders at which time it became known
as the “Union Trading Company.” It had merchandise
that included ammunition, guns, windmills, coffins, lumber,
and hardware. The Union complex contained a general
store, stable, post office, gentleman’s club with bar,
machine shop and feed store, and had the first electric
company and telephone exchange in this area,
becoming the largest mercantile in the Trans-­‐Pecos and Big Bend.

The Great Silence by Beau Peyton

We received this lovely email and photo on Sunday...thanks, Beau!

"Love your sites, especially your "mountain trail" blog with the photos. Here's a picture I took in April of 2010, if you're interested. There'd been a good amount of rain that spring, so the ocotillo was really magnificent. Penned the poem in the Starlight…"

Beau Peyton

Germantown, TN

------------------------

The Great Silence

beneath
ancient monoliths bronzed
standing firm

on
waves of sultry sand
softly shifting

beside
fiery ocotillo
stretching sunward

faint sounds
like gentle notes in a song
punctuate

the grand silence
the immensity of space

What does the Texas Mountain Trail do? Please Join Us!

What does the Texas Mountain Trail do, and how can you get involved?  Watch the video above (produced by our wonderful friend, Dave of DAKVideo of Abilene!) to learn more.

This morning, our Executive Director, Beth Nobles and Board Member, Randall Kinzie appear on Marfa Public Radio's "Talk at 10" to showcae our work--how we connect travelers with their own adventure in Far West Texas, and benefit the economies of our communities in the process.  You can listen online here:  www.marfapublicradio.org

We're getting ready for a the full launch of our membership program, the first-ever for our organization.  You can get an early JUMP on it by sending in your membership support.  Click here to learn more about our benefit levels! 

A Glimpse at Early Commerce

Click on the photo for a closer view

Though the photo is a bit damaged, click on the image above to catch a glimpse of an early store in Van Horn.  We're not sure of the date, but the store seems simple and straightfoward.  If you visit the Clark Hotel Museum in Van Horn, you'll see a similar structure--that building is a block wide, as this one appears to be.

Are you staying warm, traveler?

Now that cool fall temps upon us today (but we'll have hot days yet again this fall!) we thought we'd show you some pics from the Clark Hotel Museum in Van Horn that speak to travelers' experiences in the past.  Upstairs there are rooms made up as old hotel rooms where we found old quilts and a sign about using a gas stove for heat. 

These photos were taken by our intern this summer, Van Horn native Dan Baeza, who also created the museum's website, and these lovely images.

Last night's moon

We have the darkest, clearest, beautiful night skies!  Many thanks to our friend, Monte Riggs of Marfa for this lovely image of last night's moon!

Going back to 1875: Magoffin Home

The beautiful adobe Magoffin Home in El Paso is a great place to get a sense of early city life in our region.  As our entry on the Texas Mountain Trail website reads:

"The 1.5-acre site offers a glimpse of the past as visitors explore its lovely grounds and renovated rooms. The historical significance of the home lies in its unique architecture and in the history of the Magoffins and their descendants who lived in the home for more than 100 years. A multicultural family, they were active and influential participants in their community, served during military conflicts and witnessed important historic events. Their home is a prime example of Territorial style architecture and features a center courtyard and peaceful landscape. Numerous authentic artifacts including furniture, textiles, photographs, art and documents are on display in the home. These are supplemented with period pieces to give a more complete view of what the home looked like in different time periods."

The holiday season can be a great time to visit the Magoffin Home.  Right now, they're getting ready for their annual candlelight tours!  Click here for more information on those!

From our event listing:  "Enjoy this special living history event and tour the Magoffin Home by candlelight. Step back in time and experience what life may have been like in 1895. Meet Joseph and Octavia Magoffin, their children and extended family as they prepare for a life changing event! After your tour, enjoy refreshments and hear tales of spirits. This is a night you won’t forget!
Tickets are limited and go on sale October 2nd at the Magoffin Home. The event is sponsored by the Casa Magoffin Compañeros. All proceeds go to support the preservation of the Home."

Visitor Photos of Fall Color!

McKittrick Canyon in late September
by Jim Mackey of Houston

One of the highlights of visiting our region this time of year is the the true fall color in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and we're eager to hear your experiences on the trail.  Our friend, Jim Mackey of Houston took some pics on his trip to the park in late September, when color was JUST beginning to show.

Fall color by Jim Mackey

First up, the start of color on McKittrick Canyon Trail, one of the trails in the Peak Fitness Challenge and a Texas Mountain Trail Heritage Hike.

McKittrick's history:  "McKittrick Canyon is thought to be named after one of the first settlers to stay in the area, Felix McKittrick, who worked cattle in the area in the 1870’s. Distinguished oilman and geologist Wallace Pratt was taken by the beauty and geology of McKittrick Canyon, when he first visited the area in 1921. He built a cabin of local stone in 1930, at the junction of north and south McKittrick Canyons, and used it as a summer home until 1960. Wallace E. Pratt donated nearly 6,000 acres, which included McKittrick Canyon, to the National Park Service, forming the core of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park."

Click here to read more about McKittrick Canyon!

The peak of color is usually late October through early November; plan to visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park soon!  Thanks for the photos, Jim!

Upcoming guided hikes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, here!  (Including hikes THIS weekend!)

A ride to imagine....

There's a GREAT story hanging aloft the main exhibition hall of the Museum of the Big Bend in Alpine.  The Museum's Historian/Curator, Matt Walter, tells us:

"In 1892, F. P. INGERSON rode that bicycle from Sycamore, Ohio, out to Barstow, Texas. There, he married a Miss Carson, a schoolteacher in Pecos, TX. She is the one who donated the bicycle to the museum, in 1938. It’s an EXPERT COLUMBIA, made by the POPE MANUFACTURING COMPANY of Boston, MA. These bicycles were nicknamed “Pennyfarthings” because of the size difference between two English coins, the penny and the farthing."

Mapquest tellls us that's a journey of 1,500 miles...in a car, they estimate it would take 23 hours today.  What do you think the journey was like for Mr. Ingerson?  We understand that since he was a carpenter, he carried his tools on his bike, so he could work with him for his journey....that would have been quite the load!

Our thanks to Matt and to the entire staff of the Museum of the Big Bend, who are terrific friends and supporters of our Texas Mountain Trail organization.  The Museum is one of the best small museums you'll find anywhere.  Plan a trip there soon!