We are in Anthony, Texas, which is about 1/2 mile from the New Mexico border. Also right on the border with Mexico. When we left Big Bend National Park, we headed to Alpine, Texas for a few days. We had planned to go to Fort Davis (McDonald Observatory is located) and to the town of Marfa, to see the so-called "Marfa lights".
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Someone would like to get out of Texas |
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entering Alpine |
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La Casistas Rest in town |
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great burgers! |
Well, we went over one night to Marfa to see the "Marfa lights". Well we did not see anything. We had been told there are nights when you can see nothing but black sky. Well that was our night. At least we had dinner at Mando's, which I think is the only restaurant open at night in Marfa.
The following night we drove up to the McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis. Three nights during the week the observatory has what they call a "Star Party". For a nominal fee, you go to their outdoor amphitheater and a lecturer explains the stars and planets of out system. There was a half moon out the night we were there. Also bundle up. It is cold up there (5,300 feet). Afterwards, there are telescopes set up for you to view stars (Orion and Nebula). We also saw Jupiter clear as a bell (even clouds around Jupiter). Another telescope was focused on the moon and could see the many craters. It was awesome!!!! Skip and I really enjoyed it. There had to have been 100 or more there.
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can see one of telescopes in background |
Also Alpine is home to the Sul Ross State University, which has a Center for Animal Science. Put it this way, they have a retail store where to purchase meat. They were out of steaks, etc due to classes just starting up from the holiday break. We were able to purchase some pork chops (4 for $3.30). Let me tell you, they were delicious.
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center of Alpine |
On leaving Alpine we headed west on Rte 67/90 to Van Horn, Texas where we would get on I-10W heading to El Paso and all points west. After passing thru Marfa, there is a sign that states "no services for the next 74 miles". let me tell you, we saw nothing but a few farm ranches and lots and lots of land!!!!
We drove through the town of Valentine, Tex (pop 217). There was nothing there but a few homes and we saw a school bus crossing. I don't know how they get any services or fuel for their vehicles.
I keep saying Texas is one big state and it is!!!!!!
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heading across west Texas |
On reaching Van Horn, we got on I-10W heading towards Anthony, TX just outside El Paso. Camping World is located there and the American RV Park where we are staying. Driving thru El Paso was like driving though any other large city. Lots and lots of traffic. Where we are staying, we are 1/2 mile from the New Mexico border. We can see the mountains of New Mexico, and we can see Mexico. We are very close to the border.
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Juarex, Mexico along I-10 thru El Paso |
We are leaving Wednesday for Los Cruces, New Mexico. After over 2 months in Texas, we are finally moving on.
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border fence between US and Mexico |