We went to the middle of nowhere.
At least with the 90 minute desert drive to the nearest largish type town with only cacti and rocks as our companions, it felt that way.
Welcome to Big Bend National Park in Terlingua, Texas.
It's the red marker at bottom right next to Mexico. The dividing line between the US and Mexico is the Rio Grande, making Big Bend part of border control between the two countries.
This national park has been on our bucket list for a couple of years but it's location makes going there an effort, one we were finally able to accomplish over the last two weeks in December.
While this area initially feels a little desolate, the stunning views make up for it.
Big Bend receives about half a million guests a year, putting it firmly in the lower middle section of parks visited. Terlingua, the town outside of this national wonder, with its singular gas station, three coffee shops, half dozen restaurants, yet dozens of places to stay, reflect it is a place dependent upon tourism.
Terlingua, however, is famous in its own right as a Ghost town.
According to some, it's Texas' most popular ghost town.
While a few of these buildings face the ravages of time alone off by themselves, many remnants of the past dotting the surrounding hillside have been incorporated into current homes.
What's a ghost town without a cemetery?
The Terlingua Cemetery is still an active place, if not the best maintained. We've been to a lot of cemeteries over the last few years but with its interesting manner of remembering the dead accompanied by what appears to be a haphazard layout makes it the most unique one we've seen.
Terlingua maybe labeled as a Ghost Town but the locals are friendly.
The Starlight Theater has live music.
And they let you keep the scorpion that comes with your drink.
There are worse places to be. They could have a beer drinking goat for a mayor like neighboring Lajitas. Meet Clay Henry IV. The fourth Clay Henry to be mayor of Lajitas.
When we stopped to meet the mayor and shake hooves, we noticed his beautiful wife might be expecting Clay Henry V. Looks like the political dynasty will continue.
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