Matt's New Mexico (Formerly Airstream) Adventure

[dinobarnesberlin]

They call Montana the “Big Sky Country" but I think Texas skies are just as big

[Palmer]

Looks great, Matt! I love all the old abandoned buildings in West Texas. I always find myself stopping to check out dilapidated old buildings and weird truck stops. If you find yourself on the 40 consider checking out Cadillac Ranch and its low rent step brother, Slug Bug Ranch. You can't forget the Prada store in Marfa as well. Here's a few pics of my last drive through. I also did some paintings of locations like that because I found them so weirdly compelling. So different from other pars of the country!

[Matt]

There are definitely some wide open spaces out here, that’s for sure.

All the small towns we drive through or visit have some quality murals or remnants of wall advertising.  I like that kind of stuff as well and Cadillac Ranch is on our radar, as is Marfa.

This was a productive stop. We took advantage of the larger town to finish our Xmas shopping.  We got a little fake tree and some lights/decorations that we’ll start putting up this week.  The kids were worried about Xmas out here but the success of Thanksgiving has changed their tune.

[Matt]

About a hundred miles from Big Bend…

[Matt]

[Matt]

Dugout Wells was a settlement inside the park.  Cottonwood trees grow here indicating underground water that runs off from the Chisos Mountains.  Lots of different cactus species.  Saw my 2nd roadrunner but they are too fast to get my phone out in time…

[Appfaff]

Looks serene.. thanks for so many cool updates!!!

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[dinobarnesberlin]

You should be making some extra cash as a location scout.

[Matt]

Some cool panoramic shots…

[Matt]

Lost Mine Trail up the Chisos Mnts.  Spanish gold seekers enslaved local indigenous peoples to work an ore mine in this area but they revolted and killed all their captors then buried the mine…

[Matt]

Our campsite in BB had no ele or water but the view was acceptable…

[Matt]

Javelinas are prolific here.  They’re like big headed squirrels.  They can’t be bothered with us.  It’s common to walk in to a pack of them rooting around on your way to the bathroom at night if you don’t have a flashlight.

[Matt]

Rio Grande cutting through Santa Elena Canyon.  Opposite side is Mexico…

[Matt]

Rio Grande cutting through Boquillos Canyon.  Also opposite MX…

Mortar holes created by the original inhabitants who used local lands to make medicine and food…

[Matt]

Tuff Canyon was different because it was created my erosion from erosion and weather and not the river.  Other worldly…

[Seul]

That's some beautiful country…

[louisbosco]

all these photos remind me of red dead redemption 2.. Arthur Morgan is that you? 

[Snowy]

Amazing, thanks for bring us with you!

[Matt]

It’s my pleasure.  Being so far from home during the pandemic is pretty isolating.  Having my forum family along for the ride on a a huge bonus for me.

[Palmer]

Those landscapes make me think of Blood Meridian. Perfect time of the year to be exploring in the Southwest!