The Road of Exploration In Texas

Story and Photo by Kimber Lee Falkinburg,Contributor 

Waste deep in a cool-water pool, I waded the waters of Chinati Hot Springs nestled among the Chihuahuan Mountains just inside the Texas border. Chinati proved to be the surprise highlight of my 1,300 mile Texas adventure that began in Austin.

The springs are near to Marfa, a city known for its art scene. Marfa rose up as an art destination due to artist Donald Clarence Judd’s interest in the area. Hosting regular events in Marfa, Judd brought the New York and international art communities to area businesses. Today, the Chinati Foundation in Marfa pre-serves and presents permanent, large-scale, art installations to the public.

Economical accommodations can be found in Marfa at the Tumble-In RV Park. Travelers can park recreational vehicles, pitch tents or sleep in their cars. Wi-Fi, shower, laundry and kitchen facilities are provided. However, water and electricity are not included. Pets are allowed if kept on a leash.

Comida Future is a cafeteria located less than a mile from the RV park. It was bustling with locals on the day I visited.

“I created the cafeteria style presentation as a way to expose people to fresh, local ingredients,” owner Krista Steinhauer said. Menu items include kale Caesar salad, roasted autumn vegetables with quinoa and beets and shrimp in coconut tomatillo sauce, all of which I enjoyed immensely.

The Wrong Store is a must-see for Marfa visitors as it represents the juxtaposition of the culture and surroundings of Marfa. Buck Bosworth is the owner and curator of the store, and her husband Camp Bosworth is an artist whose works are on display there.

In Big Bend State Park, my mid-size sport utility vehicle rose to the occasion of an afternoon of explorer’s delight through Fort Leaton, up San Piedra Road, on to the Sauceda Ranger Station and a picnic at Fresno Vista overlooking the Solitario, a geological formation that covers 52 square miles. From my viewpoint, it was all spectacular.

Flora and fauna of West Texas are abundant in the hills of Big Bend State Park. With informative and courteous rangers, I would highly recommend the Saucedo Ranger Station and over-night accommodations for families seeking educational and wildlife experiences.

West Texas is a vast and beautiful landscape with many opportunities to explore and admire, and is perfect for a relaxing break from everyday life.

Important Trip Tips:

West Texas is vast and expansive. Take these seriously…

  1. Travel with a spare tire and gas can. Road- side assistance may not be available.
  2. Fill up in Junction, Marfa and Presidio. Gas stations are often few and far between.
  3. Take extra water. You should plan on consuming twice as much water as normal.
  4. Chinati Hot Springs and Big Bend State Park offer limited resources. Buy groceries in Presidio.
  5. Wear sunblock, take hiking shoes and be aware of wildlife. Mountain lions and javelinas roam the area.
  6. Radio stations are limited. Take extra equipment and CD’s unless you want total silence.
  7. To shoot pictures of stars, you need a special camera lens. Ask your local camera store.
  8. Water. Hydration is very important.
  9. Be flexible when planning. Adjustments may be necessary.
  10. Enjoy. Stay away from electronic devices and soak in the majesty around you!
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SOUTHWESTERN CULTURE — Camp Bosworth and his wife, Buck, moved to Marfa in 2001. After renovating their adobe home and gallery, Camp began working on pieces such as the well-known La Frontera Del Norte.
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DESERT AIRWAVES — Marfa public radio station 93.5 promotes cultural enrichment through presentation and focus on the importance of art, education, science, quality of life and the local economy.