Van Go made its first foray of 2021 way out West to Davis Mountains State Park.
We arrived mid-morning Saturday before our campsite was available so we drove rather than hiked Skyline Drive, stopping at all the scenic overlooks along the way. A perfectly clear morning with a beautiful azure sky let us take full advantage of fantastic 360 views.
The road deadends at the junction of the CCC, Skyline, and Ft. Davis (the NH site is only about a mile down this trail) Trails where you can enjoy the views from this spectacular shelter.
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Back down campground area we visited the "fanciest little bird blind in Texas" - indeed, FANCY!
We closed out the short, winter day with some reading, painting, and javalina watching.
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As soon as the javelinas disappeared into the scrub, the sky decided it was showtime.
After that it was time to settle into stargazing. Last time we were at this park, we were able to attend a star party at McDonald Observatory. Obviously, tickets are much less available now, and we weren't able to get one. However, the west Texas night sky put on a pretty amazing show unaided.
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Sunday was another gorgeous day and we set out to hike the Skyline Drive Trail up to the Old CCC Trail junction and the take that back to the campsite. The combination of slow flow and explosive super volcanic events 35MYA is what makes this area such a geologic wonderland. Rocks mottled or striped in rich colors - aubergine, blood, rust, and brick reds, faded adobe and coral pinks, every color from the earth tones crayons - sepia, umber, sienna, and ochres too. Enormous columns emerging from the hillsides and crumbled layered stones underfoot - their diverse textures, colors, and conditions carrying the memory of every fire, flood, and human incursion.
After a break for lunch and to replenish the water, we hiked the Montezuma Quail Trail. We didn't see quail, but mule deer were everywhere.
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We are so grateful for these opportunities to disconnect and get outside.
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