Terlingua Ghost Town

Jeff Moore, Alan Cressler, Doug Strait, Paul Aughey, Manuel Beers

On the way, my radar detector started chirping KA band and I spotted a state trooper.  I eyed him as he passed by and to my surprise he quickly U’ed around and flicked on his lights.  I saw him before Paul (who was behind me) and began slowing down.  He passed Paul and pulled behind me.  I exclaimed, “why the hell is he pulling me over!”  Jeff in a better temper answered my question.  The trooper then walked up behind the jeep and wiped away the dust from the back window.  Upon seeing the temporary license taped inside the window, he said, “have a nice day” and walked away.  I soon caught back up with Alan and Paul as we entered the ghost town. 

            I first thought to myself this isn’t much of a ghost town as I stared around at many, modern buildings.  We parked at the Terlingua Trading Company and walked across the tufa? To many adobe-style ruins.  One house, still remained very livable.  A cot sat next to one wall.  I wondered if illegals sometimes slept here.  We photographed and toured the ruins on both sides of the wash and then browsed the bookstore inside the Terlingua Trading Company.  For a small town, the selection of books encouraged audible surprise.  Most everyone purchased Blair’s book.  I decided to get his Texas Cave book later since the last remaining copy had a bent cover.  We all jumped back into our cars and drove into Big Ben.