FORT DAVIS, TEXAS MAY 26

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MORGAN, BARB AND CHRIS

Today we traveled north to Fort Davis, Texas,  the home of the 

Frontier Post 1854 to 1891. The fort was strategically

 located to protect the  emigrants, mail coaches and freight wagons

on the San Antonio-El Paso Road(400 miles from

San Antonio and 200 miles from El Paso).

We stayed at Fort Davis Mountain State Park.

 Heading north out of Big Bend National Park

 The mountains are always hazy due to the HEAT!

 Another Border check point!

"How many are there in your party?"

" Are you U.S citizens?"

"OK , go on through."

 Officers Quarters  Fort Davis

 Parade Grounds

 The Fort's primary role was safeguarding the

west Texas frontier from Comanches and Apaches.

The Fort was abandoned in 1891, and in 1961,

authorized as a national historic site.

Many of the buildings have been restored.

Commanding Officers House

Met one of the Park Rangers and she told us about

the Marfa Lights.  Growing up in the area, she

could see the lights from her bedroom window.

On to Marfa to see the lights!

Marfa, Texas

In 1956, the movie Giant, was filmed here starring

Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, James Dean, 

Dennis Hopper, Sal Mineo, Rod Taylor, Jane Withers,

and Earl Holliman.  They all stayed at the 

Paisano Hotel.  You can stay in the room that

Elizabeth Taylor stayed in.  The movie stars are 

attracted to Marfa, Robert Redford was just here 

and Beyonce was here in 2012

 We had dinner by the fountain courtyard in 

the hotel

 Hotel swimming pool

 All the stars pictures and memorabilia from the Movie, Giant 

 County Court House

 We had time before sunset;  and, we found this 

unique campground, El Cosmico where you rent tents

 and vintage trailers.  Tents rent for $85 a night and 

the trailers $170-they were full!

 Marfa Lights

 At first, I was skeptical; but, Karen spotted the first

light--a red one close to the horizon. We were hooked.

As it got darker more and more lights appeared, white,

blue, red--some flashing, some moving at great speed.

Couldn't get any good pictures--ya'all have to take our

word for it.  Absolutely AMAZING!

Sunset