Davis Mountains

Had a relaxing 6 and a half hour drive back from the Davis Mountains today. The rangers were very friendly when I checked into the park on Saturday. Told me I was the only person on the mountain and to be sure to sign out when I leave. I was then given a brief course on what to do if I encounter a mountain lion (do not run or turn your back on them) and also this topo map of the trail to the top of the mountain where the primitive campgrounds are:


Most people know I'm horrible with directions. Trust me, this blurry topo map (probably a 12th generation copy) did not make navigating any easier. What was suppose to be a 4.5 mile hike in turned into 7 or 8 miles. Overall, however, it wasn't a bad hike and only steep in a few places:



I made it to the top with plenty of daylight to set up my tent and unpack (it's nice that the sun doesn't set until about 9:20 these days):


Nice sunset that evening:


And sunrise the next day:


Here's a shot of the surrounding mountains from my camp:


I spent 3 days and 2 nights at the primitive campgrounds, but on the 3rd night I checked into the Indian Lodge, which is like a little hotel in the corner of Davis Mountains State Park. Built in the 1930s, it's been nicely renovated back to its original appearance. Apparently, I was booked into the honeymoon suite (really):




I did make it into Marfa one morning for a real breakfast at Squeeze Marfa:


This was my third visit to Marfa in the past few years, so I really didn't spend much time there (it's a pretty small town that doesn't change much). Most of my time was spent hiking, listening to my iPod, or reading. Perhaps not real exciting, but also perfect.