Dispatches from Way Out West

Recently I had the honor of traveling to Alpine, Texas to take part in the Way Out West Texas Book Festival. 

 

I’ve traveled through that part of the state before, but usually by plane or, if it was in a car, at night.  This was the first time I could really take in the magnificence of the surroundings. 

 

My photos don’t really do it justice.  Imagine raw, unsculpted land, hard-edged hills with sparse vegetation, like stubble on a chin…

               

 Flat topped mesas … Collarbones of pink rock on the tops of mountains …

               

 

The kind of country where you wouldn’t be surprised to see Yosemite Sam mosey out from behind a boulder or John Wayne ride up on a horse.

 

It was hot, but it didn’t feel that way.  The atmosphere was lighter, drier, and there was a constant breeze.  A spicy, earthy aroma spiked the air.  Sound bounced off nearby mountains, making it difficult to tell how far away something really was.  Even colors looked different – uncommon greens and browns.  At times I could pretend I was driving across an alien moon.

  

The locals were just like the land -- earthy, open, warm.  Grittier, too.  In Alpine small talk about weather could turn into intimate conversations within seconds.  They weren’t interested in idle chit-chat; they wanted to make real connections.  They thought nothing of grasping my hand or asking my age.  I fit right in.

 

After a lovely welcome barbecue that first night, the presenters and other honored guests were treated to ... a bellydancing show!  Of course!

                                      
 

One of the biggest highpoints was meeting a group of librarians, many from McAllen, Texas.  During my lunch break on the first day of the festival, we toured the Alpine Library together.  Guiding was Connie Roe, who used to be a librarian there.  From left to right:  Ema Torres (McAllen), Cesar Garza (McAllen), Michelle Shelton (McAllen), Connie Roe (Alpine), me, and Jose Gamez (McAllen).  [Not pictured: Kate Phoran (McAllen)]

 

The library was very charming – two residential homes joined together, with lots of lovely native plants and a big backyard where they host performances and speaking engagements.  I also really loved the "tree" in the children's room.

                                  

 

After our tour, we had a tailgate party on the street before heading back to the fest. From left to right Jose Gamez, Ema Torres, Kate Phoran, Connie Roe, Cesar Garza, and Michelle Shelton.

 

I also met or was reunited with several amazing authors, illustrators, poets, photographers, and publishers.  Sadly, I don’t have photos of everyone.  DJ Stout (who was born in Alpine) was there presenting his upcoming book The Amazing Tale of Mr. Herbert and His Fabulous Alpine Cowboys Baseball Club.  Big Bend photographer James H. Evans was there with his beautiful wife Marcy.  Other presenters included the lovely Carol Dawson, Scott Wiggerman, W.K. Stratton, Rose Alcala, and Lonn Taylor.  And I really enjoyed talking with Bobby Byrd and Lee Merrill Byrd of Cinco Puntos Press.

 

Everyone had great fun listening to author/illustrator Xavier Garza.  He is a master storyteller.

 

Listening to Ben Saenz and Denise Chavez (who are cousins) was like going to literary church.  They are both so witty and wise.

 

Friday evening we all met up at a lovely restaurant for Trattoria for drinks and dessert.  They had an amazing menu, including Ghirardelli Hot Chocolate, Mayan Mocha, tiramisu, and the most beautiful chocolate cheesecake.  Behold:

 

On the final evening of the festival, Sul Ross University featured a benefit concert by the Flatlanders!  I was there with my boots on.  Doug Moreland opened the show.  He was lots of fun.

 

My camera was not up to snuff for the concert photos – especially since using a flash was not allowed.  Happily I sat beside one of the nicest and most interesting pairs of people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting, Steve Barr and Rachel Barr.  Steve very kindly shared his photos with me.  (Thank you, Steve!)

 

 

Here’s a great one of Joe Ely.

 

And one of Butch Hancock. 

 

And a not-very-good shot of Jimmy Dale (from my camera). 

 

Afterward we chatted with the band a bit.  The lovely Lana McGilvray took the following photo of me with Butch – who is a super nice guy.

 

She also snapped one of me with Joe.  The very tall guy standing with us is a professional trick rider (forget his name) and a friend of Joe’s.  During the concert Joe told a very funny story about him hopping the fence at a zoo and riding a rhinoceros. 

 

The fun was not over yet.  The next morning before I drove back to Austin, the organizers treated us to a cowboy breakfast.  And I mean a real cowboy breakfast where they set up a tent, dug a pit, boiled coffee, and made the best biscuits, eggs and gravy I’ve ever had.

 

 

Thank you to all of the lovely people of West Texas who befriended me on my stay – especially Jean Hardy-Pittman, wonder organizer, and Cyndi Hughes and Jan Baumer of the Writers' League of Texas.  Also thank you to the very kind and welcoming people of the Maverick Inn.  Here are some photos of my charming digs:

 

                                         

 

Goodbye, West Texas!  I hope to return very soon!