A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.
Lao Tza
Well, the trip wouldn’t be complete with out Another Beautiful Canyon. This one was Closed Canyon. Interesting name, I know. Some rock-climbing skills were required. This canyon leads to the Rio Grande, but the access to the river requires vertical climbing gear. Which means height (no thanks to either).
It was early morning and we were the only people there. It was a little unnerving given that we were right on the Mexican Border. Interesting enough it is the first time Steve’s spidey senses were up. However, we prevailed. Steve looking for other humans and me planning escape routes, if we crossed a bear or a coyote!… I know right!
We stopped to check out the Hoodoos. We nearly lost Winnie in the ruts and potholes of the entrance way! So, we decided that the Hoodoos would have to wait for another day.
We skirted the Mexican border till we hit Fort Leaton State Historic Site. (more history). It is one of the largest and finest historic Adobe structures in Texas. It was built in the early 1800’s. The adobe buildings were historically made with bricks that were a mixture of straw water and clay. You wouldn’t think that they would be strong enough.
What is that ridiculously large wooden cart that Steve is standing by you ask? It is a Carreta! It is believed that this is the first wheeled vehicle that was brought into the U.S.; by the Spanish in 1590. The wheel that Steve is next to is 6 feet tall. It is believed that some of these back in the day would have wheels that were 9 feet tall and it could take up to 12 oxen to pull them!
Then, there it was; the first sign of real civilization. The little town of Presidio. We loaded up on some amenities. We tried a Mexican treat called Conchas (light and fluffy shell shaped sweet bun). I am so glad we only bought one as I could have eaten a dozen.
Then we headed North. We did get stopped by US Border Control, but once they found out we were Canadians they waved us through. (We must look trustworthy😊). This last part of our drive was a flat and wide-open expanse of desert. Such a different terrain than we have seen in a while.
We had a brief stop in Marfa (population 2000) to look for the PRADA shoe store. I know right. Finally stopped at Davis Mountain State Park for the night. Electricity, water and HOT SHOWERS!! Halleluiah!