Alpine - Way Out West Texas

Here is a shot of the Holland Hotel in Alpine, Texas. A recent trip during the holidays included Alpine, a wonderful visit to Big Bend National Park, and the some of the surrounding towns such as Terlingua where our friends Amy and Roy helped us "paint the town red."

I had a wonderful time on this five day adventure which brought a fully array of stimuli. Snow, views of the mountains of Mexico, hours of soaking in a natural hot spring, hiking through Big Bend National Park and even a visit to Midland, Texas where everything smells like oil. (What doesn't smell like oil looks like gold as there seems to be banks on every corner of the town. Think about that the next time you fill up at the pump).

I've really taken to the desert as a place to go and decompress. There is something about it that is very mysterious. Of course, I realize it's a place that can kill you too. Wild pigs and other creatures roam free as I suppose they should. After all, it is the desert.

My journey to Alpine for this year end took me via Southwest Airlines from Houston to Midland/Odessa where I met up with ground transportation for the remainder of my trip.

One point of interest which is of course, second nature for the local folks was the presence of border patrol agents and checkpoints. We drove through the same checkpoint twice during a span of two days where the agents simply asked us if we were American Citizens. I suppose we don't fit the profile of what they are looking for. Oh well, just a minor point worth mentioning.

Click here to see where Alpine, Texas is located in relationship to Mexico and Houston


Click here for the official web site of the Holland Hotel


Click here to see where Terlinqua is located in relationship to Big Bend National Park and Mexico


Click here for some miscellaneous shots from the vacation. (Photo Album). Anyone who wants to see me in my hiking and swimming gear will have to send email for a private pass.

Until Next Time...........