Caverns of Sonora to finish vacation

"Morning Brew" Fort Davis, 2016
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/5.6, 1/12 sec, ISO6400
“Morning Brew” Fort Davis, 2016

こんばんは!How’s it going?

Today was the final day of our road-trip out to the Big Bend area of Texas. At the semi-last-minute, we decided to visit the Caverns of Sonora, which were on the way home. But first, it was a 3-hour drive to get there… 🚗 Grey clouds and no sky, but no traffic!

"Low Clouds" Alpine, 2016
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/8, 1/400 sec, ISO400
“Low Clouds” Alpine, 2016

We read some really good reviews at Trip Advisor so we were confident that it would be worth our while, and I’m happy to report that it was a really cool activity! We took the regular tour, which lasted a good hour and 45 minutes, and learned a lot about the history of the cave and the cavers who explored the caverns. Those explorers were very brave, and also very crazy!

"Descent" Sonora, 2016
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/2, 1/80 sec, ISO6400
“Descent” Sonora, 2016

Our guide, a self-described cave nerd, had a genuine enthusiasm about the caverns, and had plenty of stories for us. Good stuff!

"In Water" Sonora, 2016
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/2, 1/80 sec, ISO6400
“In Water” Sonora, 2016

The caverns and the rock and mineral formations were incredible, and we saw some types that we didn’t see at Carlsbad Caverns, or perhaps they simply weren’t pointed out to us there. What I thought was most amazing were the super-long soda-straw stalactites. I don’t remember seeing anything like that before at the caves we visited previously. (sorry, no pic of these)

"Coral" Sonora, 2016
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/2, 1/125 sec, ISO2000
“Coral” Sonora, 2016

After visiting the caverns, we ate an early dinner before hitting the road again for the final 3-hour drive back home. We arrived safely, not too late (8:30 PM), and now it’s time to relax and catch up with the cats. 🐱

It was another memorable Thanksgiving road-trip, and I’m already looking forward to our next one… but where will we go? 😜

"Big Miles" Texas, 2016
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/3.6, 1/50 sec, ISO6400
“Big Miles” Texas, 2016

I hope you had a nice Saturday!

おやすみなさい!

– B Barron Fujimoto

Alpine, Marfa, and Fort Davis

"Fancy Hot Cocoa" Marfa, 2016
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4.5, 1/34 sec, ISO3200
“Fancy Hot Cocoa” Marfa, 2016

こんばんは!How’s it going?

We spent today traveling the triangle of Fort Davis, Alpine, and Marfa. After a nice breakfast at the B&B, we made the 30-minute drive to Alpine to get two new tires for the Prius, then headed to Marfa to see the town. One of the highlights was grabbing coffee ☕ at Do Your Thing. It’s a really cool little coffee and toast place, with a nice atmosphere and yummy drinks. Worth stopping by!

"Coffee Time" Marfa, 2016
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/2.8, 1/100 sec, ISO800
“Coffee Time” Marfa, 2016

Marfa is a cool town with an interesting, artsy vibe. I can definitely see the appeal.

"Trash Talk" Marfa, 2016
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/3.6, 1/950 sec, ISO200
“Trash Talk” Marfa, 2016

Unfortunately, our time in Marfa didn’t extend into the evening, so we weren’t able to see the famed Marfa Lights. We did stop at the viewing station since it was on the main highway. Maybe some day (night) we’ll be back to experience it.

"Viewing Station" Marfa, 2016
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/5, 1/2400 sec, ISO400
“Viewing Station” Marfa, 2016

After Marfa, it was back to Alpine to visit the Big Bend Brewing Company for a flight of beer 🍺. The people there are cool and friendly and it was nice to drop in for a little while.

"Big Bend Brewery" Alpine, 2016
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4, 1/100 sec, ISO2500
“Big Bend Brewery” Alpine, 2016

Lunch in Alpine today meant a visit to Cow Dog, which is a food truck with maybe 15 different kinds of hot dogs. Delicious and messy! 🌭 Gourmet hot dogs. Recommended!

"Cow Dog" Alpine, 2016
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4, 1/800 sec, ISO400
“Cow Dog” Alpine, 2016

After lunch, it was back to Fort Davis. While shopping, we spotted this funny door:

"Brain Drop-off" Fort Davis, 2016
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4.5, 1/100 sec, ISO1000
“Brain Drop-off” Fort Davis, 2016

The last planned activity of our vacation was a visit to the McDonald Observatory. Unfortunately the weather was cloudy and rainy 🌧, so we weren’t able to look through the telescopes at the Star Party. 💫 But there were alternate programs offered which were really interesting and fun. I actually thought these were a good complement to the traditional Star Parties, so I think we lucked out on the weather!

"Cloudy Day" McDonald Observatory, 2016
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/6.4, 1/100 sec, ISO500
“Cloudy Day” McDonald Observatory, 2016

We did a lot today, but it was relaxed and relatively stress-free… just the way a vacation should be. Even though we ran into snags with the weather and flat tire, everything worked out in the end. 😄

I hope you had a nice Friday!

おやすみなさい!

– B Barron Fujimoto

Fall Arrives

"Cold Front Coming" Austin, 2016
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/6.4, 1/125 sec, ISO640
“Cold Front Coming” Austin, 2016

こんばんは!How’s it going?

Today’s photo is one that I took from my workplace this morning, around 7:45. I liked how the tops of the clouds caught the first rays of the sun. The clouds were the beginning of a cold front which came down all the way from Canada and finally arrived in Texas. 🌬 It’s not too cold since we are still in the mid-70s, but it is a big change from the mid-90s we’ve had the past few days.

I guess Autumn in Texas has begun! 🍂

In other news, my 48th birthday was yesterday. 🎂 I got some wonderful gifts that I’ll post about more in detail, but here’s a quick list:

  • Kindle PaperWhite
  • Instant-read meat thermometer
  • Street-photography book
  • Nose/ear hair clippers
  • Bouquet of flowers
  • Awesome sushi dinner 🍣

I hope you had a nice Thursday!

おやすみなさい!

– B Barron Fujimoto