19 Comments
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Roger Gray's avatar

Wonderful story telling, buddy. Ironically I just started rewatching the Ken Burns series on the West last night. This is a terrific piece.

Jim Bob Moore's avatar

I haven't watched it yet, which is odd since it is my personal obsession. Maybe I'll get to it tonight, Rob, if I can make myself stop writing for a while.

Roger Gray's avatar

Rob? You are busy.

Jim Bob Moore's avatar

Ha. Rog. Sorry, bro.

D Alexander's avatar

Great story. This is a great reminder to visit out there before our wise benevolent government totally fucks it up. Anyone wanna monkey wrench? Life in prison doesn’t look so bad when you’re 70. Reckon its just words as I’m not particularly courageous or even foolhardy. Still the whole wall thing is incredibly stupid and the damage will leave permanent scars. Ugh!

John Hamilton Farr's avatar

Holy hell, Jim. I'm in awe.

Jim Bob Moore's avatar

And I'm waiting to read the Vette purchase story. I read the first one. Now give me the satisfaction of seeing the transaction fulfilled.

Jim Bob Moore's avatar

Many thanks, my friend. Very gracious of you to say as much. You're fine writer yourself.

Bob Groves's avatar

Jim, Great piece. Your discription of the moral abiguity of these guys helps me better understand this crazy state we inhabit. Thanks for sharing your gift and your knowledge.

Jim Bob Moore's avatar

Thanks, Bob. I'm afraid our historic moral ambiguity appears to have devolved into widespread political amorality. And I don't know if our population is informed enough to bring about change. I'm hopin', though.

Bob Groves's avatar

Given the way the Orange one has gone after Cassidy (LA.) and Massie (KY) I fear they would only see your story as evidence we need to get back to our roots!

Jim Bob Moore's avatar

I'm assuming their tiny dinosaur minds are already moving in that direction.

L. Obst's avatar

Mike and I really enjoyed this especially since my Papa’s family spent so much time out yonder.

Thanks

Mick Scott's avatar

Insightful as always.

There are lava fields outside Presidio?

Where would we find the Big Hill on Google Maps?

Jim Bob Moore's avatar

Mick - look on a map for Lajitas, Texas. 5-6 miles west of there on RR 170 is the Big Hill. On Google, it is marked by "Fandango Dom Rock." This is the location Kevin Costner and his college pals buried a bottle of Dom Perignon to be dug up upon their graduation from the University of Texas. It was all part of his second movie, I believe, called Fandango. If you've never seen it, highly recommended.

Mick Scott's avatar

I agree; excellent film.

Wow. I'm just trying to imagine the view from there to Presidio. A whole lot of beautiful emptiness.

Jim Bob Moore's avatar

You can't have any real sense of how immense that landscape is until you stand in the midst of it. Everything is rendered tiny and without meaning.

Mick Scott's avatar

Needless to say, the border situation is whack. So much harm being done.

Jim Bob Moore's avatar

And the harm is just beginning, my friend.