Its hard to believe in the 60 years I lived in Texas how long it took me to do more than drive through West Texas. As a child we drove the wild stretches from El Paso to San Antonio on many a drive across the country following the dictates of the US Government. On my own it wasn’t until a musical bus ride around 2012, that I actually saw the towns of West Texas. And it wasn’t until last year that I came to stay for extended visits.

I have no idea what took me so long. Maybe the distances. I don’t know. But now, counting this trip, I’ve made four trips to the region. We came to watch the Alpine Cowboys play baseball, we hiked Big Bend, and this is my second go round with the Marathon Music festival. I have to say, I’m growing accustomed to the region’s face, and I like what I see. Long views, old mountain, big skies, and a consoling emptiness. Altogether, a visit is a lovely experience.

Today I’ll take a drive into the wilderness of Big Bend, tonight we’ll gather to sing songs, and tomorrow the official music starts. The weekend promises to be a glorious one, and I’m ready for any gift it might be willing to give. There will the be the songs of old friends and the songs of those who may become new friends. There will be walks through town, fine foods, and enough sunsets to keep me glowing for a month. I am ready for the day to begin.

John W. Wilson is the author of The Long Goodbye: A Caregiver's Tale