From Alpine to Marfa and on to New Mexico.

April 16th

What is a Marfa you say?  Take one part west-Texas agricultural town, 1 part artist's refuge, another part hipster tourist magnet. That might give you a feel for it. Or not. The story is this: In 1971 Donald Judd arrived here from Brooklyn and began the efforts that have become a hub for minimalist art and artists. Two foundations carry on his legacy.

The real picture

You can read the long form of this story here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marfa,_Texas

 It's quirky and it works. There are studios, galleries, "installations" and the interesting individuals that go along with these things. We arrived near lunchtime, popped the bikes off the car and rode nearly every street at least once. Had lunch at the Food Shark truck. Then we were off to see the most celebrated installation of them all.

But on the way there we encountered this::

I have to tell you this was one hell of a surprise and from a distance; we initially thought it was another bit of art. It is, but of the scientific kind. Here are the details if you don't already know. (yeah Beauchamps, I'm looking at you, 'cause I know you do)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tethered_Aerostat_Radar_System

Then we finally arrive

Actually, the back of the building was the most interesting.

Carlsbad was our destination for the night and a source of some confusion: hotels were crazy expensive.  I've never seen a Hampton Inn with a $350 rate! So we settled on what turned out to be the worst hotel of our trip so far; no big deal.

Tomorrow: Carlsbad Caverns & White Sands.