I was back in West Texas a week ago to shoot gardens for my forthcoming book (due out spring 2025). Being up at sunrise and staying in gardens until after sunset meant I got to enjoy some beautiful skies every day.
Lavender and mango sunsets were a dime a dozen — and every one was magical under that big sky.
While admiring a wild patch of prickly pear along one Marfa street…
…I got a laugh out of a plaintive bit of graffiti on a stop sign: Stop talking, it reads. As if!
Prada Marfa
Last time I was in Marfa, I missed seeing Prada Marfa, a famous art installation along the highway west of Marfa, near tiny Valentine, Texas. This time I did a drive-by. Yes, it’s amusing to see a faux Prada boutique, with actual Prada shoes and handbags, out in the middle of nowhere. Is it an effective critique of consumerism and gentrification? Or has it become an unironic homage to selfie culture? What do you think?
Presidio County Courthouse
I also climbed up to the dome of the lovely, apricot-colored Presidio County Courthouse in downtown Marfa to take in the views.
Climbing up lots of stairs
Still climbing
At the top! It was like an oven in that airless room, but the views were good. I could see the Marfa water tower and mountains in the distance.
There’s the pink fire station and little park next door.
And there’s Marfa’s main drag with shops, a restaurant or two, and the Hotel Paisano — and sheets of rain in the distance!
Fort Davis
One day I was in Fort Davis and stopped at the Fort Davis National Historic Site to admire the volcanic hills behind the low-slung barracks.
What a dramatic backdrop for the old fort.
I saw several roadrunners and the odd raccoon, rabbit, and coyote along the empty highways of West Texas. But this sighting was the best: a band of javelinas hustling across the blacktop as I approached. See ya, boys!
One more West Texas sunrise.
Up next: I’ll show you the colorful landscaping at The Lincoln, where I stayed while in Marfa.
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