My last trip before the US-Canada border closure, primarily based out of an off-grid "earth-bag" home in the middle (of the middle) of nowhere, but conveniently about 30 miles outside of Big Bend National Park. I remember loving the isolation, remarking on how great it was that you could go multiple days without seeing another soul. Looking back there is a sort of irony in taking a trip for the purpose of isolation only months before being forced into a life of isolation due to the pandemic.
A lot of the trip was hiking through the various trails in Big Bend, but having heard about the odd ball town of Marfa it was at least worth a visit, I ended up going back two more times. Maybe it was the experience of sharing Chinese food and drinking Americanos on Christmas day at the only coffee shop open for miles, paying for neither as the owner was more interested in conversation than coin. Maybe it was the weird buildings or the eccentric locals, in any event it's definitely worth a stop for anyone passing my this part of the world.
Guadalupe Peak, Texas
The hike to the top was an almost perfectly linear ordeal, it was uphill the entire way with almost no change in gradient. The views at the top were spectacular, but what really caught my eye was the mountains final gift upon the closing few minutes of the decent, a crimson sky that seemed to set the rocky peaks on fire.
White Sand, New Mexico
After a slight accidental detour on to the White Sands Missile Range, I had arrived at the White Sands National Monument. My first time ever experiencing the desert, seeing sand dunes in person; I can say confidently it will not be my last. I remember having the distinct sensation that desert wanted to draw me in deeper, to explore just over the next dune, with little regard to being able to make it out. Luckily the trails were well marked and the mountain ranges in the distance provided an excellent natural landmark for navigation, though part of me wishes that I had gotten lost, if only for a little while.
