Blog Archives
Everything is an illusion
Here’s a little different view of the movie set church from a couple of years ago.
near Lajitas, Texas
photographed 1.20.2013
Behind the Marker
Not only do I like to look behind things, I get a strange satisfaction in seeing the details of assembly. In this case, I was drawn to those twisted wires, in different colors, with those strange leggy ends poking in different directions.
in the cemetery
Lajitas, Texas
photographed 1.20.2013
In a dry and barren place
Out here in the desert, cemeteries aren’t the pastoral sites they are in other parts of the country. There’s no grassy paths to soften the scene, no trees to provide shade to mourners.
But there are uneven piles of rocks, topped by simple crosses. And, way in the back, the Virgin stands in her tiny grotto.
Lajitas Cemetery
Lajitas, Texas
photographed 1.20.2013
(I am gone for a while, and will not be responding to comments right away. But make some anyway, if you feel inclined, and I’ll get back to you – it just won’t be right away.)
I only report what I see
This is the biggest understatement I’ve ever read about this particular stretch of highway, known as the River Road: Nobody gets on FM-170 by mistake.
But if you do find yourself on this highway, with its mighty views of mountains along the Texas-Mexico frontier, you might see an old movie set or a ghost town or an cemetery or two.
And, you can also see this teepee-themed rest area.
River Road (FM 170)
near Lajitas, Texas
photographed 1.19.2013
UPDATE: December 2
In response to a request to see the rest of the teepees:
Things may not be as they appear
Look! An old building! It’s been abandoned right here on the border for years. I bet it can tell you some tales – banditos crossing the river (in both directions!), shootouts, bad guys, good guys, love gained, love betrayed. Etc.
Only: it’s part of a movie set. It was built in 1985 for a movie called “Uphill all the Way” which starred Roy Clark, Mel Tillis, and Burl Ives. (The information sign indicated this movie was a “border-western comedy.” Whatever that means.) Since then, it’s been used for several other movies and music videos. Including this one by country music superstars Brooks and Dunn*, which you might want to watch it with the sound off, as it’s pretty twangy.
near Lajitas, Texas
photographed 1.20.2013
* I am pretty sure I am somehow legally obligated to include the words “county music superstars” with any reference to Brooks and Dunn. Better safe than sorry, I say.
One Day | One Image 