Guest Author - Marilyn Crain

If you’ve ever driven across Texas, then you know that the state seems to go on forever. You can begin at the Texas-Arkansas border in the evening and if you’re a passenger, you can go to sleep and still be in Texas when you wake up in the morning.

But, that drive is worth the effort when you’re headed to Big Bend Country. This region of Texas is bordered along the Rio Grande River by Mexico and by New Mexico. The eastern side of the region runs from Midland roughly down to Del Rio.

As with every region of Texas, there is something for everyone here. Among the many parks, Big Bend National Park would be first. Actually, it was Texas’ first national park. You’ll want to spend a lot of time here, or visit at the wrong time of the year and you’ll want to run away. So do your research and pick the right time to visit this amazing protected place.

You have your pick of many state parks. Among the very best is Balmorhea (pronounce Bal-more-ray) State Park. Anyone who has grown up around the Davis Mountains knows about Balmorhea. It’s been everyone’s childhood favorite for decades. The park, with its enormous swimming pool, was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps around 1940, but the spring has provided water for thirsty travelers for thousands of years. About 25 million gallons of water flow from this spring through the pool every day.

If you want to know about the pioneer days of Texas, visit Judge Roy Bean’s Langtry or one of the remaining forts. You can choose from Fort Bliss, Fort Davis or Fort Stockton. Fort Davis is my personal favorite. And while you’re in the area, stop in Alpine, a wonderful cool reprieve, home to Sul Ross University. Try the fare at one of the friendly, hometown cafes.

Speaking of food, summer is the time for absolutely the best melons, Pecos cantaloupes, grown around the town of Pecos, of course. Then, there are always the chili cookoffs. Probably the most famous is held each year in Terlingua.

And don’t forget to check out the really strange Marfa Lights. In this time of so much technology and scientific knowledge, scientists still don’t know what causes these ever-changing lights seen from the town of Marfa.

Or, if stars are the lights you want to see, climb a mountain and see the McDonald Observatory. It’s on Mt. Locke in the Davis Mountains, near Fort Davis. You may want to plan your visit to coincide with the annual Texas Star Party, held every year at the Prude Ranch, near Fort Davis and the Observatory.

If you’re a college sports fan, don’t forget El Paso, home to Texas Tech and University of Texas, El Paso. So, if the Red Raiders are playing at home, stop in to say hello and enjoy a good game.

One thing that you must see is the West Texas moon, especially if you’ve always lived in places with hills and trees blocking your view of the horizon. For example, driving from Odessa toward Midland and on eastward, in the early evening, the way the moon looks amazing. You can’t believe that it seems so huge and so close; you feel that you can reach out and touch it. It’s a sight you will never forget.

If you’re coming from the east, it may take a bit of patience, to get across Texas, to Big Bend Country, but every mile will take you closer to a region of diversity, history and just plain fun.