My husband and I camped at Davis Mountains State Park just about 6 weeks ago. Really enjoyed it. We took a day trip down to Presidio, over to Lajitas & Terlingua, then to Big Bend briefly, back up through Alpine and back to Ft. Davis. Beautiful drive, especially Presidio to Lajitas! I lived in Fort Davis in elementary school in the 60’s and was there when Lady Bird Johnson dedicated the Fort as a national historic site. That was before any of the buildings were restored. Interesting video, as usual!
Thank you Paula! Happy to hear both that you enjoyed this one, and that the State Park camping met your expectations. Indeed that stretch from Presidio to Lajitas is gorgeous -- we explored that back in 2019: ua-cam.com/video/hV4_-8Lr8GI/v-deo.html
Indeed it is, but I can assure you that it's not nearly as sad on video as it felt walking around Marfa on a Saturday afternoon. Hopefully it can recover.
Great video content and love the videography! West Texas has been one of our favorite places to get away to for many years for its unique, rugged, and unspoiled beauty. Safe travels and can’t wait to see what’s next!
Not much of a campground, but you definitely got the best spot next to that shady tree! It looked like Fort Davis had been preserved really well. Lots of neat looking stuff. The Davis looked pretty cool with the historical buildings. The restaurant in Marfa looked like a great place to eat. Your video probably got you in trouble twice!! 😉 Thanks for sharing. Ram 👍🏼👍🏽
Your videos are always interesting, you make the places you visit a place we would like to visit also, we could follow in your adventures and have a fabulous time, very surprised the campground was so empty, that area has alot to see, too bad Marfa seems to be in a decline in just a couple years. Thanks for sharing, travel safe.
Than you as always Gary! As I just mentioned in a reply to another commenter, the whole area around Fort Davis is very remote. For most folks it's not on the way to anywhere, and for many others it's completely unknown. I think that contributes to the vacancy at the campground.
Hi Marc! Thank you again for another great video! This is a really unique area. Thank you for your history tidbits embedded throughout this clip! We were supposed to fly to Marfa in October of 2020, but the trip was cancelled a few weeks out. Being mostly an artist place, COVID definitely had an affect ; which I suspect was the cause of the sleepiness of the town now. I was going to leave my suitcase home on that trip and just bring my backpacking equipment to head out to Big Bend N.P. So….I will just have to keep it on my radar for the future. Safe travels!
Thanks for all the great videos we never miss you on Wednesday. Hey if you come into east Texas ( which is our neck of the woods ) you might cosider Jefferson Texas. It is antiques galore and awsome things to do especially eats. The Riverport BBq has been rated in the top BBq in Texas for years (especially) the Swamp fries, we always get the medium size. Lots of historical things happened here, hope you try it. Love your shows, wished your wife would show up more. Thanks for what you do.
Thanks for the tip Michael! I had heretofore never heard of Jefferson, but looked it up and it looks like a real treat. We're definitely adding it to our future visit list. I too wish Mrs GA would appear on camera more (any?), but she's passionate about staying out from in front of the lens.
Thank you again Marc for another very fine video. Clearly a beautiful area of our continent, and our hope is to get through that region next spring. As I have mentioned before I really enjoy the historical component of your vlog. So much to see and do, and so much to learn if one wishes to take the time. There is no doubt that RVing presents us with such wonderful opportunities to explore. Safe travels....looking forward to next Wednesday evening.
Thanks Shawn, glad you enjoyed it! I think that's what we love so much about RVing, the ability to move your home to a different place each week and use it as a base to immerse yourself in the discovery, exploration and learning about the area. We're confident that you'll enjoy the Davis Mountains and their surroundings as much as we did.
Thanks Bob! We always say that we love to learn what makes (made?) a place tick while we're visiting, and it only makes sense to pass along what we've learned.
Alpine Texas is a beautiful little town! Adjacent to the Davis mountains, it is a great base camp for the surrounding area. I have seen the Marfa Lights. I can't tell you what they are, but I can tell you what they are not. They are not campfires, or headlights, or anything else of modern invention. Native Americans and Spanish explorers were aware of the lights hundreds of years ago.
Love your videos and since I live in TX, I'm partial to the ones in Texas. Thank you so much for your videos. And I'd love to hear more how your Tundra is handling your rig. Safe travels and once again thank you for sharing your videos.
Thank you Alan! Lots of Texas still to come, this was just our first stop of many in the state this season. The Tundra is pulling like a champ. It's not optimal as we're right at our weight limit, and I'd love a diesel engine brake, but I have no complaints about its abilities. I'm likely to trade up this winter as we're going to hit 150K on the odometer. That's mid-life for a Tundra and knock on wood I've had zero mechanical issues, but I want to be sure that we have something that isn't going to have issues cropping up due to age.
The weather was wonderful Don, save for one really nasty thunderstorm complete with ferocious winds, downpours and hail. We otherwise enjoyed a spectacular week, and the skies out there were truly amazing almost every afternoon.
We were in Davis Mountains in Late March 2021. Toured the fort. Toured the observatory. Stayed in the same RV Park. Thanks for the memories and expanding our view. Love the channel.
Interesting, Greg. Glad to hear that we're not losing our minds. 😄 Given Marfa's dependence upon the art scene, I think that viewer @campingalan is correct that COVID killed the place. Hopefully it can bounce back.
I love looking at all the beautiful stone building. A lot of care and excellent workmanship went into them. This is a place that I want to go to in my travels in the near future! Thanks Marc :)
That was no accident. Because they have no one working on site they have an unusual check-in procedure: pick any open site, then text the owners your selection. That site we chose not only had the only tree, but it was also the end of a row, so we'd have no one possibly move in on our patio side. It was a no-brainer.
You missed the drive through Pinto Canyon. Ft. Davis State Park is a must, cell service or not. As for Marfa, all the artist that flocked there from all over soon learned that despite their whimsies, they simply cannot make a viable living there so they all went back from whence they came. Anyone truly interested in the area should check out episodes of "Daytripper" for more thorough coverage of the area. There's much more to see and do than covered here.
Thanks for the tip Mike! Pinto Canyon was a bit away from our base in Fort Davis, but we'll make a note for our next swing through West Texas. Unfortunately, when it comes to cell service we don't have a choice, for I work an office job from the RV Monday-Friday and need reliable Internet to do so. Interesting to hear your input on what dragged Marfa down, we'll have to check out those Daytripper episodes. Again, thanks for the tips.
We were hit hard with Covid! It’s kind of hard to keep businesses and a town going if the few people who actually live in Marfa are sick and in quarantine. Nobody to work in the service industry for all the tourists. Marfa was basically shut down for awhile to try to keep tourists out since there is only one 22 bed hospital for three counties together the size of the state of Virginia. Locals loved the laid back quiet feel of the town again before it became such a hipster touristy place.
@@GrandAdventure Glad you did, it’s a beautiful area. I actually live in Fort Davis but go to Marfa almost everyday and have family members who live and work in Marfa.
Another great episode, love the Texas area, really want to spend more time there...thank you again for helping us cheer up. Our plans have changed unexpectedly when our daughter and grand-baby were in an accident in IA. But, I'm sure we'll get a chance to meet up someday! Until next week, you all stay safe and well out there!
Hi Marc, Looking forward to your report, as always. We camped a week at Davis Mountain SP in December of 2018. Really enjoyed exploring the area. Didn’t quite get Marfa. Maybe your report tonight will clear this up for us. FYI, two days ago while in Moab, we drove the Shaffer Switchbacks (over by White Cliffs) where you camped in your truck (I don’t recall the episode number). For us driving our Jeep from the base road (Potash) up to the top of the mesa (back entrance to Canyonlands), this is a white knuckle drive. Not one that either of us want to do again. That said, this is a beautiful place to explore.
We wanted to stay at the State Park, Gerald, but as you probably discovered it's a dead zone for the cell service we need to work. So we chose the next best thing. And as you'll see tonight we don't really get Marfa either. Our memory of the town was from October 2019, and we can only speculate that the arts festival was underway when we drove through the town back then. Yeah, the Shaffer Trail isn't for everyone. But what a beautiful spot!
There is a really nice private rv park on the north side of Alpine on the road from Fort Davis. Full hookups, nice trees, etc. We like Alpine a lot and always drive there when in Fort Davis every year. Like you, we're not impressed with Marfa very much. Love this whole area. Going when the Nature Conservancy property is open is a nice treat, too. Ready for Balmorhea State Park to reopen. It's been closed a very long time.
@@dkpixs I think Balmorhea is open now, the parking was pretty busy when we drove past. We're sorry that we didn't get to hike the Nature Conservancy land this visit but it'll still be there for our return. And thanks for the tip on the RV park in Alpine!
OK, indulge me -- and forgive me if you took the McDonald Observatory (daytime) tour -- a couple of "fun facts". 1) The observatory is primarily used for research. They have a "Star Party" most (every?) night with several smaller (very good !) telescopes, but the main telescope is only available to the public the nights before, after and "of" the full moon (nights that are not good for looking beyond the moon). The big scope is reserved for research primarily and users have summited their project which has been reviewed and approved. They are then assigned a three night period for their research -- and if, by chance, all three nights are cloudy, they must resubmit their plan and have it approved again. We were told there are virtually NEVER three cloudy nights in a row in the Davis Mountains! 2) the telescope is anchored in the mountain -- separate from the building surrounding it (which is not attached to it) -- so it is not affected by anything going on in the building. And 3) the mirror in the main telescope is periodically resurfaced with (highly polished) aluminum -- and one typical aluminum can (e.g. a soft drink can) contains enough aluminum to resurface the mirror more than once (i.e. it's a VERY thin coating!). And so ends my "fun facts" -- though, I'm sure there are more. Oh, a bonus "fun fact" -- Jeff Davis county and all surrounding counties have a lighting ordinance that all outside lighting must face down and be low-pressure sodium so that the researchers can filter it out.
We love the factoids, Dave. Thank you so much for sharing those! Especially as we were not able to take a tour while we were there. Those facts are enlightening.
Have fun in New Braunfels, Marc. My wife and I have been there many times but never in an RV. We will be changing that the next time we go. Lots of nice RV spots along the Guadalupe River going up River Road towards Canyon Lake Dam.
Thanks so much! I've been locked in the RV editing video since we got here on Sunday night but that'll change starting tomorrow. We looked into the spots along the river and actually wanted to stay there; however, we couldn't find a campground with space available that allowed dogs at all, or at the very least dogs over 20 lb. We were surprised but it's almost a universal policy among the campgrounds along the Guadalupe outside of New Braunfels.
You're much too kind, Raul, and same to you. We've never yet experienced a bad time in Texas. Folks are warm and hospitable, there's a wide range of topography to enjoy, and lots to see and do.
@@GrandAdventure Marc, we were just in your great state of Utah. Our daughter, son-in-law, and two grand kids live in Saratoga Springs. I love visiting family in Utah. Beautiful scenery.
Hope you enjoyed your stay there David! We caught it in the distance in one of those long sunset shots, but by the time we got to it the sun was too low and the lighting was all wrong.
Yep, sure did! End of a row, too, so no one could be on our patio side. They have a unique check-in procedure: upon arrival, pick the site you want and text them the site you're in.
Thanks Marc. Sorry Marfa wasn't what you remembered or expected. This whole area is kind of lonely. Some of the images you took were really classic of the vicinity. You depicted it very well... I really liked the restaurant bistro environment... old Texas western style. Almost like stepping back in time with the dirt floors and open sky in places. You don't see that anywhere else. This land is rather stark... hard tack old west for sure. You either love it or you don't at all. The romance of the area is it's throwback to a time long gone. This is what I consider the old west... Mexican style. One really needs to read the history and novels written about this area, in order to more fully appreciate what they are seeing. This whole area doesn't have any development. Just a few old towns and rough wide open spaces broken up by the Davis Mountains. The Davis Mountains, in particular the present Livermore Ranch that recently changed hands, was the old haunts of Geronimo before he was captured. Gord
Thanks, and terrific to hear from you as always, Gord. I actually like lonely terrain, there's something about the remote starkness of its beauty that appeals to me, and West Texas is a prime example of the phenomenon. The Davis Mountains just spice things up a little bit with some character to punctuate the open desert. That Al Campo Wine Bar & Bistro was an absolute charmer. The owner was the one out running food that night, and has a genuine passion for their product. He was the one himself who explained his 7-hour smoking process for the chicken. Mrs GA got the last half chicken available that night, and while the rest of us ordered several types of tacos, we all found ourselves positively smitten with the chicken.
@@GrandAdventure Thanks Marc... really nice added commentary on the chicken you enjoyed so much. I will definitely have to seek this place out as soon as I can. Yeah... you really get what I shared about the area. Glad you enjoy it. Even for me, it's an acquired taste. I used to live in Williams Lake, BC for eight months back in early 1999. This is where the Chilcotin and the Caribou meet. This is really hard tack First Nations terrain. Left over moraine from the last ice age. Thank God for the mountains in the area that gave it some relief. The only thing that grows there is prairie scrub and land itself is uneven and pocked. Flipping good for nothin but sadness and despair for those who ever tried to eek out a living on that soil. No wonder the local first nations tribes turn to alcohol. You can almost smell the eucalyptus on the land that's in the mouthwash they drink because they can't afford grain alcohol. West Texas tends to remind me of that experience because of the desolation. Gord
How are you doing master Marc as always iam gathering main points about places you visited briefly here it’s Davis mountain is originally known as limpa mountains are range of mountain in west Texas located near fort Davis after which they are named fort was named for USA. Secretary of war later confederate president Jefferson Davis Davis mountain popular site for camping hiking includes fort Davis national historic site Davis mountain state park historical architecture value of fort along with rugged natural environment of park is significant destination for tourism in Texas peak baldy peak at top mountain live more most of island is under private ownership as ranch land nature conservancy own has conservation easement the Davis mountain is sky island an isolated mountains range surrounded by desert town of fort Davis there are oak species pinyon pine alligator juniper fauna large mammals as white tail deer elk peccary only one record grizzly bear in Texas was killed in Davis range in 1890
Hey Marc, what’s with that empty RV park. Every place we stayed at all summer and fall are packed on the weekends, the weekdays are about half full. We cant wait to get out west next summer see some of this stuff. Larry
Larry, Fort Davis is pretty remote, so I doubt they ever get too busy. But I know what you're saying, places were packed until we got to Labor Day. Things have eased up since then. We can't wait to have you out here to join us!
Marc, I'm trying to figure out how you got parked next to the only shade tree in the whole park? We are ATV/ UTV people so I look for riding areas at your travel locations. I didn't see much on the maps, did you see any good riding trails in your travels?
Hey Marv! Davis Mountain RV Park has a unique check-in procedure, as they don't actually have any employees on site. With a reservation you simply pull in and select a site, then text the owners the site number you're in. That site we selected not only included the only tree, but it was at the end of a row, meaning no one else could pull in and park on our patio side. I'll readily admit that as we're not ATV owners ourselves, we seldom look for trail opportunities when we're visiting an area, much less notice them. That said, all of the land in the area is privately owned, save for the Nature Conservancy trust (no ATVs) and the sprawling State Park (ATV status unknown, but doubtful knowing how most State Parks operate).
Finally there are several private ranches offers hunting opportunities facilities Macdonald observations accessed by spur from state highway 118 fort Davis is eastern base of Davis mountain founded in response to war department interest in route through south west with available water fort an incorporated community census designated place attractions there in Davis Macdonald observatory planetarium Davis mountain state park fort Davis national historic sites Davis mountain nut company buffalo trail scout ranch Madera canyon hiking trail wild rose gallery mount Livermore Davis mountain scenic loop zoos rattlers reptiles thank you for your cultural documentary channel you as guide tourists for all people around world especially us as foreigners subscribers as overseas students enjoy to explore places unknown to us to increase our cultural level improve our English language as well stay safe blessed best wishes for you your family friends
Marc, how could you.....tell us the chicken was cooked for 7hrs, and was to die for.....and not include a picture of it. I think that qualifies for cruel and unusual punishment. I am going to go get a cookie!!!!
LOL! With the low light on the patio at Al Campo and the seasonings rubbed on the chicken all blackened from the smoker, it looked like a giant hunk of charcoal on video. You'll have to trust us until you get to try it yourself. 😉
![АЛАУДИНОВ у Скабеевой: эти их ВСУ нас НЕ ДОГОНЯТ 😁 [Пародия]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/an0anqU4WGQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Lived in Texas my whole life and this hasn’t been on my radar. Thank you. A new place to go 😀
You're most welcome Lori! That's the kind of thing we love to hear.
I like to hear you describe things! It adds another diminution to each video!👍🙂
Thank you Don!
My husband and I camped at Davis Mountains State Park just about 6 weeks ago. Really enjoyed it. We took a day trip down to Presidio, over to Lajitas & Terlingua, then to Big Bend briefly, back up through Alpine and back to Ft. Davis. Beautiful drive, especially Presidio to Lajitas! I lived in Fort Davis in elementary school in the 60’s and was there when Lady Bird Johnson dedicated the Fort as a national historic site. That was before any of the buildings were restored. Interesting video, as usual!
Thank you Paula! Happy to hear both that you enjoyed this one, and that the State Park camping met your expectations. Indeed that stretch from Presidio to Lajitas is gorgeous -- we explored that back in 2019: ua-cam.com/video/hV4_-8Lr8GI/v-deo.html
Enjoyed the history. It is sad when a town goes downhill.
Indeed it is, but I can assure you that it's not nearly as sad on video as it felt walking around Marfa on a Saturday afternoon. Hopefully it can recover.
Great video content and love the videography! West Texas has been one of our favorite places to get away to for many years for its unique, rugged, and unspoiled beauty. Safe travels and can’t wait to see what’s next!
Thank you Renee! We feel the same way about the stark beauty of West Texas, and we promise you another 5 episodes in Texas coming right up!
Can't compliment GA enough. Quality video and narration.
And we can't appreciate our viewers enough, J. Thanks so much!
Great video.Interesting history and natural beauty.Thanks Marc🌟
Many thanks Brooke!
We stayed there this summer Buster and Pam were great hosts! Great RV park with awesome Verizon coverage.
When you can see the tower less than a mile away, it's usually a pretty good sign! 😁 We had a terrific stay there, Clarence.
What a great place to visit and thanks for sharing this video. As always we enjoy your over view of each town.
Thank you Pete! We sincerely appreciate that. Happy trails!
Not much of a campground, but you definitely got the best spot next to that shady tree!
It looked like Fort Davis had been preserved really well. Lots of neat looking stuff. The Davis looked pretty cool with the historical buildings.
The restaurant in Marfa looked like a great place to eat.
Your video probably got you in trouble twice!! 😉
Thanks for sharing.
Ram
👍🏼👍🏽
😁 We try. Actually, most campgrounds out that way don't look much different. It's the topography that they have to work with.
Your videos are always interesting, you make the places you visit a place we would like to visit also, we could follow in your adventures and have a fabulous time, very surprised the campground was so empty, that area has alot to see, too bad Marfa seems to be in a decline in just a couple years. Thanks for sharing, travel safe.
Than you as always Gary! As I just mentioned in a reply to another commenter, the whole area around Fort Davis is very remote. For most folks it's not on the way to anywhere, and for many others it's completely unknown. I think that contributes to the vacancy at the campground.
Hi Marc! Thank you again for another great video! This is a really unique area. Thank you for your history tidbits embedded throughout this clip!
We were supposed to fly to Marfa in October of 2020, but the trip was cancelled a few weeks out. Being mostly an artist place, COVID definitely had an affect ; which I suspect was the cause of the sleepiness of the town now. I was going to leave my suitcase home on that trip and just bring my backpacking equipment to head out to Big Bend N.P. So….I will just have to keep it on my radar for the future.
Safe travels!
I suspect you're correct, Alan. Big Bend, on the other hand, is one of our favorite National Parks ever. Keep that backpack handy.
Thanks for all the great videos we never miss you on Wednesday. Hey if you come into east Texas ( which is our neck of the woods ) you might cosider Jefferson Texas. It is antiques galore and awsome things to do especially eats. The Riverport BBq has been rated in the top BBq in Texas for years (especially) the Swamp fries, we always get the medium size. Lots of historical things happened here, hope you try it. Love your shows, wished your wife would show up more. Thanks for what you do.
Thanks for the tip Michael! I had heretofore never heard of Jefferson, but looked it up and it looks like a real treat. We're definitely adding it to our future visit list. I too wish Mrs GA would appear on camera more (any?), but she's passionate about staying out from in front of the lens.
@@GrandAdventure Yeh I think with all the history you will enjoy Jefferson.
Davis Mountain is a great place to get away. Great video.
Thank you Bill! Glad that you enjoyed it.
Awesome video as always. You always me feel
like I’m right there with you.
Glad to hear it Melody, for that's exactly what we're shooting for. We sincerely appreciate your feedback, as always.
Thank you again Marc for another very fine video. Clearly a beautiful area of our continent, and our hope is to get through that region next spring. As I have mentioned before I really enjoy the historical component of your vlog. So much to see and do, and so much to learn if one wishes to take the time. There is no doubt that RVing presents us with such wonderful opportunities to explore. Safe travels....looking forward to next Wednesday evening.
Thanks Shawn, glad you enjoyed it! I think that's what we love so much about RVing, the ability to move your home to a different place each week and use it as a base to immerse yourself in the discovery, exploration and learning about the area. We're confident that you'll enjoy the Davis Mountains and their surroundings as much as we did.
Another great video! I enjoy how you combine travel with history.
Thanks Bob! We always say that we love to learn what makes (made?) a place tick while we're visiting, and it only makes sense to pass along what we've learned.
Alpine Texas is a beautiful little town! Adjacent to the Davis mountains, it is a great base camp for the surrounding area. I have seen the Marfa Lights. I can't tell you what they are, but I can tell you what they are not. They are not campfires, or headlights, or anything else of modern invention. Native Americans and Spanish explorers were aware of the lights hundreds of years ago.
Cool that you got to see them Gail! We rolled through Alpine back in 2019, and some day we'll return to West Texas to spend more time there.
Great photography and editing. Davis Mountains is now on my to-do list. Many thanks.
Awesome, thank you ATX!
Love your videos and since I live in TX, I'm partial to the ones in Texas. Thank you so much for your videos. And I'd love to hear more how your Tundra is handling your rig. Safe travels and once again thank you for sharing your videos.
Thank you Alan! Lots of Texas still to come, this was just our first stop of many in the state this season. The Tundra is pulling like a champ. It's not optimal as we're right at our weight limit, and I'd love a diesel engine brake, but I have no complaints about its abilities. I'm likely to trade up this winter as we're going to hit 150K on the odometer. That's mid-life for a Tundra and knock on wood I've had zero mechanical issues, but I want to be sure that we have something that isn't going to have issues cropping up due to age.
Very cool area. Looks like you had good weather. Thanks Don
The weather was wonderful Don, save for one really nasty thunderstorm complete with ferocious winds, downpours and hail. We otherwise enjoyed a spectacular week, and the skies out there were truly amazing almost every afternoon.
When you travel west Texas and Arizona be sure to check out Trost buildings. The hotel in Marfa was one but many better buildings to be seen
Thanks Dean! Now you've given us something else to look up. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trost_%26_Trost
excellent choice in background music!!!!
Glad you think so Eric, thank you!
You do such a great job on these videos. We really enjoy watching, and we get so much information!
Thank you Lindy! That's very rewarding for us to hear.
What a great video. And love the photos. Thank you for all the info.
Thank you so much! Glad that you enjoyed it.
We were in Davis Mountains in Late March 2021. Toured the fort. Toured the observatory. Stayed in the same RV Park. Thanks for the memories and expanding our view.
Love the channel.
Thank you Dan! Hope that you had as wonderful a time there as we did.
As always, a video treasure. Thanks, Mark!
Glad you enjoyed it Arthur, thank you!
I loved this episode and would love to visit this area of my home state.
Thank you Belinda! You should, for it's a worthy destination.
Stayed at the same Ft Davis RV park, they were super nice there. It was quiet and amazing star gazing.
Yes it sure was, Victoria. We could see the Milky Way overhead even with outside lights on. It was amazing, horizon to horizon.
@@GrandAdventure on another subject, have you driven on I10 thru NM or AZ in Dec ever?
@@victoriapennockband I have not; however, I'd think that should be a relatively safe route.
Mark, we wondered about Marfa also. We were there two years ago and then May of this year. Difference was night and day.
We loved Ft. Davis!
Interesting, Greg. Glad to hear that we're not losing our minds. 😄 Given Marfa's dependence upon the art scene, I think that viewer @campingalan is correct that COVID killed the place. Hopefully it can bounce back.
We are headed to Fort Davis in a couple of weeks. Thank you for the great information.
Glad it was helpful! Just like our conversation in another thread about Big Bend, it's a delightfully underutilized corner of Texas.
Beautiful place
It really is D&T!
MARFA LIGHTS,,,, MYSTERIOUS LIGHTS NEAR MARFA ...
It didn't look hit at all. Another enjoyable episode.
Thank you Timothy, glad that you enjoyed!
Beautiful area!
Yes it sure is Greg, thanks so much for watching!
Beautiful area.
Yes it is, and decidedly un-Texas.
I love looking at all the beautiful stone building. A lot of care and excellent workmanship went into them. This is a place that I want to go to in my travels in the near future! Thanks Marc :)
You're most welcome Suzane, and thank you!
Seems like a cool area. Was laughing at how you had THE tree in that campground.
That was no accident. Because they have no one working on site they have an unusual check-in procedure: pick any open site, then text the owners your selection. That site we chose not only had the only tree, but it was also the end of a row, so we'd have no one possibly move in on our patio side. It was a no-brainer.
Great vid Marc.
Thank you as always!
You missed the drive through Pinto Canyon. Ft. Davis State Park is a must, cell service or not. As for Marfa, all the artist that flocked there from all over soon learned that despite their whimsies, they simply cannot make a viable living there so they all went back from whence they came. Anyone truly interested in the area should check out episodes of "Daytripper" for more thorough coverage of the area. There's much more to see and do than covered here.
Thanks for the tip Mike! Pinto Canyon was a bit away from our base in Fort Davis, but we'll make a note for our next swing through West Texas. Unfortunately, when it comes to cell service we don't have a choice, for I work an office job from the RV Monday-Friday and need reliable Internet to do so. Interesting to hear your input on what dragged Marfa down, we'll have to check out those Daytripper episodes. Again, thanks for the tips.
We were hit hard with Covid! It’s kind of hard to keep businesses and a town going if the few people who actually live in Marfa are sick and in quarantine. Nobody to work in the service industry for all the tourists. Marfa was basically shut down for awhile to try to keep tourists out since there is only one 22 bed hospital for three counties together the size of the state of Virginia. Locals loved the laid back quiet feel of the town again before it became such a hipster touristy place.
We kind of figured as much, Tammy. Thanks for confirming our suspicions. We enjoyed our time in Marfa nevertheless.
@@GrandAdventure Glad you did, it’s a beautiful area. I actually live in Fort Davis but go to Marfa almost everyday and have family members who live and work in Marfa.
OMGOODNESS, now I have to add another place to my very long list of places to visit. 👍Great video! 😎🚐🥾
You definitely should, and thank you!
Marc you take us to places interesting and inspire great ideas. Thanks again for the great video.
Thank YOU Don, we sincerely appreciate that!
Another great episode, love the Texas area, really want to spend more time there...thank you again for helping us cheer up. Our plans have changed unexpectedly when our daughter and grand-baby were in an accident in IA. But, I'm sure we'll get a chance to meet up someday! Until next week, you all stay safe and well out there!
Safe travels, and here's wishing your daughter and grandchild a speedy and complete recovery.
So sorry about the accident. Praying they both are going to be ok
@@melodyassaro Thank you so much!
We have visited Midland often, but never have ventured southwest to Fort Davis. Your video has put this area on a must see spot!
That's terrific to hear, Tim! Definitely do so, you won't regret it, and thanks so much for your comment.
Hi Marc, Looking forward to your report, as always. We camped a week at Davis Mountain SP in December of 2018. Really enjoyed exploring the area. Didn’t quite get Marfa. Maybe your report tonight will clear this up for us. FYI, two days ago while in Moab, we drove the Shaffer Switchbacks (over by White Cliffs) where you camped in your truck (I don’t recall the episode number). For us driving our Jeep from the base road (Potash) up to the top of the mesa (back entrance to Canyonlands), this is a white knuckle drive. Not one that either of us want to do again. That said, this is a beautiful place to explore.
We wanted to stay at the State Park, Gerald, but as you probably discovered it's a dead zone for the cell service we need to work. So we chose the next best thing. And as you'll see tonight we don't really get Marfa either. Our memory of the town was from October 2019, and we can only speculate that the arts festival was underway when we drove through the town back then.
Yeah, the Shaffer Trail isn't for everyone. But what a beautiful spot!
There is a really nice private rv park on the north side of Alpine on the road from Fort Davis. Full hookups, nice trees, etc. We like Alpine a lot and always drive there when in Fort Davis every year. Like you, we're not impressed with Marfa very much. Love this whole area. Going when the Nature Conservancy property is open is a nice treat, too. Ready for Balmorhea State Park to reopen. It's been closed a very long time.
@@dkpixs I think Balmorhea is open now, the parking was pretty busy when we drove past. We're sorry that we didn't get to hike the Nature Conservancy land this visit but it'll still be there for our return. And thanks for the tip on the RV park in Alpine!
OK, indulge me -- and forgive me if you took the McDonald Observatory (daytime) tour -- a couple of "fun facts". 1) The observatory is primarily used for research. They have a "Star Party" most (every?) night with several smaller (very good !) telescopes, but the main telescope is only available to the public the nights before, after and "of" the full moon (nights that are not good for looking beyond the moon). The big scope is reserved for research primarily and users have summited their project which has been reviewed and approved. They are then assigned a three night period for their research -- and if, by chance, all three nights are cloudy, they must resubmit their plan and have it approved again. We were told there are virtually NEVER three cloudy nights in a row in the Davis Mountains! 2) the telescope is anchored in the mountain -- separate from the building surrounding it (which is not attached to it) -- so it is not affected by anything going on in the building. And 3) the mirror in the main telescope is periodically resurfaced with (highly polished) aluminum -- and one typical aluminum can (e.g. a soft drink can) contains enough aluminum to resurface the mirror more than once (i.e. it's a VERY thin coating!). And so ends my "fun facts" -- though, I'm sure there are more. Oh, a bonus "fun fact" -- Jeff Davis county and all surrounding counties have a lighting ordinance that all outside lighting must face down and be low-pressure sodium so that the researchers can filter it out.
We love the factoids, Dave. Thank you so much for sharing those! Especially as we were not able to take a tour while we were there. Those facts are enlightening.
Another great video!
Thank you Johnny!
Nice looking area
It sure is. Very worthy of a visit, Norm.
I love history. Appreciate the history that you provide. Very interesting.
Thank you Joe, we appreciate hearing from you!
good job my good friend
Thanks bud! Hope all is well with you.
Have fun in New Braunfels, Marc. My wife and I have been there many times but never in an RV. We will be changing that the next time we go. Lots of nice RV spots along the Guadalupe River going up River Road towards Canyon Lake Dam.
Thanks so much! I've been locked in the RV editing video since we got here on Sunday night but that'll change starting tomorrow. We looked into the spots along the river and actually wanted to stay there; however, we couldn't find a campground with space available that allowed dogs at all, or at the very least dogs over 20 lb. We were surprised but it's almost a universal policy among the campgrounds along the Guadalupe outside of New Braunfels.
Oh man, I first read this as "Dave Mustaine" :)
😆
Marc, welcome to the great state of Texas. Thanks for producing such great videos. I truly enjoy your channel. Safe travels and God's blessings.
You're much too kind, Raul, and same to you. We've never yet experienced a bad time in Texas. Folks are warm and hospitable, there's a wide range of topography to enjoy, and lots to see and do.
@@GrandAdventure Marc, we were just in your great state of Utah. Our daughter, son-in-law, and two grand kids live in Saratoga Springs. I love visiting family in Utah. Beautiful scenery.
@@raulsoto05 terrific! I hope that our state has shown you the same warm hospitality as yours has shown us.
Nice video!
Thank you Mark!
Loved the history ❤ This was a very interesting video. I feel better acquainted with this area of Texas. 😊😊
Glad you enjoyed it Pamela, thank you as always! It's a great part of this country to getout and explore.
Thank you for another great video!
Thanks for watching and attending the Premiere, Erin!
Loved this episode, as usual!
So glad! Thanks for coming to the Premiere tonight, it was terrific to see you there.
You missed filming the Indian Lodge. We were there about a month ago.
Hope you enjoyed your stay there David! We caught it in the distance in one of those long sunset shots, but by the time we got to it the sun was too low and the lighting was all wrong.
Looks like you got the only tree
Yep, sure did! End of a row, too, so no one could be on our patio side. They have a unique check-in procedure: upon arrival, pick the site you want and text them the site you're in.
Thanks Marc. Sorry Marfa wasn't what you remembered or expected. This whole area is kind of lonely. Some of the images you took were really classic of the vicinity. You depicted it very well...
I really liked the restaurant bistro environment... old Texas western style. Almost like stepping back in time with the dirt floors and open sky in places. You don't see that anywhere else.
This land is rather stark... hard tack old west for sure. You either love it or you don't at all. The romance of the area is it's throwback to a time long gone. This is what I consider the old west... Mexican style.
One really needs to read the history and novels written about this area, in order to more fully appreciate what they are seeing.
This whole area doesn't have any development. Just a few old towns and rough wide open spaces broken up by the Davis Mountains. The Davis Mountains, in particular the present Livermore Ranch that recently changed hands, was the old haunts of Geronimo before he was captured.
Gord
Thanks, and terrific to hear from you as always, Gord. I actually like lonely terrain, there's something about the remote starkness of its beauty that appeals to me, and West Texas is a prime example of the phenomenon. The Davis Mountains just spice things up a little bit with some character to punctuate the open desert.
That Al Campo Wine Bar & Bistro was an absolute charmer. The owner was the one out running food that night, and has a genuine passion for their product. He was the one himself who explained his 7-hour smoking process for the chicken. Mrs GA got the last half chicken available that night, and while the rest of us ordered several types of tacos, we all found ourselves positively smitten with the chicken.
@@GrandAdventure Thanks Marc... really nice added commentary on the chicken you enjoyed so much. I will definitely have to seek this place out as soon as I can.
Yeah... you really get what I shared about the area. Glad you enjoy it. Even for me, it's an acquired taste. I used to live in Williams Lake, BC for eight months back in early 1999. This is where the Chilcotin and the Caribou meet. This is really hard tack First Nations terrain. Left over moraine from the last ice age. Thank God for the mountains in the area that gave it some relief.
The only thing that grows there is prairie scrub and land itself is uneven and pocked. Flipping good for nothin but sadness and despair for those who ever tried to eek out a living on that soil.
No wonder the local first nations tribes turn to alcohol. You can almost smell the eucalyptus on the land that's in the mouthwash they drink because they can't afford grain alcohol.
West Texas tends to remind me of that experience because of the desolation.
Gord
How are you doing master Marc as always iam gathering main points about places you visited briefly here it’s Davis mountain is originally known as limpa mountains are range of mountain in west Texas located near fort Davis after which they are named fort was named for USA. Secretary of war later confederate president Jefferson Davis Davis mountain popular site for camping hiking includes fort Davis national historic site Davis mountain state park historical architecture value of fort along with rugged natural environment of park is significant destination for tourism in Texas peak baldy peak at top mountain live more most of island is under private ownership as ranch land nature conservancy own has conservation easement the Davis mountain is sky island an isolated mountains range surrounded by desert town of fort Davis there are oak species pinyon pine alligator juniper fauna large mammals as white tail deer elk peccary only one record grizzly bear in Texas was killed in Davis range in 1890
Hey there Khatoon, another wonderful summary of the area!
Hey Marc, what’s with that empty RV park. Every place we stayed at all summer and fall are packed on the weekends, the weekdays are about half full. We cant wait to get out west next summer see some of this stuff. Larry
Larry, Fort Davis is pretty remote, so I doubt they ever get too busy. But I know what you're saying, places were packed until we got to Labor Day. Things have eased up since then. We can't wait to have you out here to join us!
Marc, I'm trying to figure out how you got parked next to the only shade tree in the whole park? We are ATV/ UTV people so I look for riding areas at your travel locations. I didn't see much on the maps, did you see any good riding trails in your travels?
Hey Marv! Davis Mountain RV Park has a unique check-in procedure, as they don't actually have any employees on site. With a reservation you simply pull in and select a site, then text the owners the site number you're in. That site we selected not only included the only tree, but it was at the end of a row, meaning no one else could pull in and park on our patio side.
I'll readily admit that as we're not ATV owners ourselves, we seldom look for trail opportunities when we're visiting an area, much less notice them. That said, all of the land in the area is privately owned, save for the Nature Conservancy trust (no ATVs) and the sprawling State Park (ATV status unknown, but doubtful knowing how most State Parks operate).
Lets just call you tube, the commercial channel
Finally there are several private ranches offers hunting opportunities facilities Macdonald observations accessed by spur from state highway 118 fort Davis is eastern base of Davis mountain founded in response to war department interest in route through south west with available water fort an incorporated community census designated place attractions there in Davis Macdonald observatory planetarium Davis mountain state park fort Davis national historic sites Davis mountain nut company buffalo trail scout ranch Madera canyon hiking trail wild rose gallery mount Livermore Davis mountain scenic loop zoos rattlers reptiles thank you for your cultural documentary channel you as guide tourists for all people around world especially us as foreigners subscribers as overseas students enjoy to explore places unknown to us to increase our cultural level improve our English language as well stay safe blessed best wishes for you your family friends
Same to you and yours from the both of us, Khatoon.
Is Big Bend NP on your itinerary this trip?
Not this time, Lew, as we visited there in 2019:
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Marc, how could you.....tell us the chicken was cooked for 7hrs, and was to die for.....and not include a picture of it. I think that qualifies for cruel and unusual punishment. I am going to go get a cookie!!!!
LOL! With the low light on the patio at Al Campo and the seasonings rubbed on the chicken all blackened from the smoker, it looked like a giant hunk of charcoal on video. You'll have to trust us until you get to try it yourself. 😉