By Charlotte Byus
The last leg of our trip was mostly driving up and down mountains on very narrow roads. We left Van Horn about 10 in the morning and headed south for McDonald Observatory, about 118 miles from Van Horn. If you are anywhere near McDonald Observatory, try to go. It was Spring Break and they had a special on the Solar Viewing and you could tour the area where the Solar telescopes were located, too cool! We saw sun spots and solar flares on our tour. Next we are off to the top of a mountain to tour the oldest of the telescopes from the inside-out. They keep the area cooled to 47 degrees all the time so bring a jacket. All the children on our tour took turns moving the telescope and turning the telescope for the opening of the dome.
Our next stop was Davis Mountains State Park, too bad we were not in a sports car, talk about switch back one-car-only roads! We made it to the top of the highest mountain and took pictures and breathed the fresh air.
Next we are off, and down the mountain to Fort Davis. Fort Davis was a military post from 1854 to 1891. They still have two camels the guests can pet and take pictures with, they used the camels as pack mules. Not a lot of water in the area and the camels were very useful. They have restored most of the fort including the post hospital and the commander’s home.
Our next stop was Marfa, that is where the movie Giant was filmed, years, ago. My sister really wanted to see the hotel, El Paisano, where Liz and Rock stayed, and we did. Next was Alpine, Sul Ross University is there; I had great dreams as a young girl to attend college there. So glad I did not take that route, it is in the middle of NOWHERE.
By now we have driven about 300 miles and are tired. Tried to find a place to stay the evening in Marfa and Alpine, no luck. So we headed back up to I-10 and stayed the night. It is only 120 miles from Van Horn to Ft. Stockton going I-10, we of course took the long way. The desk clerk told us about her favorite Mexican café so that’s where we had dinner. Guess what was across the street? Dairy Queen! Ice cream for dessert.
Next day was Sunday, and I have to admit I was ready to come home. Dolores and I always have a wonderful time on our adventures, we’re looking forward to the next one.
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