When I used to teach Texas History to 7th graders a few years back, I would always discuss the Mystery Lights of Marfa during our Mountains and Basins unit. The kids loved it! Most had never heard of them and it really seemed to interest them. The whole mystery aspect is very appealing to 7th graders. The last time I went out to Marfa I made sure to make 2 trips out to the viewing area. It's so cool! There is a real nice viewing area set up on Highway 90 between Marfa and Alpine. You basically show up around sunset and look out at the horizon towards the south....and wait....and wait. Most people think that they see the lights....but they are car lights from highway 67. You can tell that they are car lights because they follow the same pattern....every time! Also, ranchers had reported seeing these lights before cars were invented. It's hilarious to see the tourist ooohing and aaahing over the car lights. If you are lucky enough....you will see the real thing. Which I think I did. I saw something out there around 11 PM. There were only a few of us there because it was late and it was cold!.....but we saw a flash of lights stretch out along the horizon....and we all kind of looked at each other in disbelief. This is an absolute must when you visit! It is really neat. Sometimes you see them and sometimes you don't. To read more about them....check out the link above.

This is a shot I took on one of the most scenic drives in Texas, "The River Road". From Marfa you go south on highway 67 through Shafter on down to Presidio. Once in Presidio, you are on the Mexican border. Presidio is really desolate and not very scenic. We ate at an awesome Mexican restaurant in Presidio for breakfast. From Presidio you head southeast on highway 170. It basically hugs the Rio Grande river. You go by the entrance of Big Bend Ranch State Park, not to be confused with Big Bend National Park which is a little further down the road. Highway 170 will take through Lajitas, Terlingua, and end at Study Butte ( Big Bend National Park entrance). If you are ever down this way, make sure you take "The River Road" and see a part of Texas very few get to witness.

This is a colored pencil drawing I did a few weeks ago of the neon hotel sign at the Thunderbird Hotel office in Marfa, Texas. It is a drawing of a night scene with the glowing neon. The Thunderbird Hotel is a real cool place to stay when you come to Marfa.

Well, I've got some new ideas as to how I want to set up this blog. I think what I'm going to do is designate different themes for different days. Here is what I'm thinking: