17th Annual Texas Power Wagon Re

17th Annual Texas Power Wagon Reunion

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April 30, 2009 through May 3, 2009

Alpine, Texas

Experience the real west.

Ride the trails on a working cattle ranch in the real West.

Climb some mountains...

Look at many miles of prairies...

When you are here, you are truly in the old West.

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Scenic West Texas

If you wanted to tell an out-of-state tourist how to find some of the most scenic areas and best historical sites that represent the old days of Texas back in the 19th century, all you would have to do is draw a line on the Texas map along US 281 from Mineral Wells north of I-20 down to Pleasanton just south of San Antonio and tell them to go anywhere west of that line.

Between US 281 and the Rio del Norte (Rio Grande River) you will find some of the most beautiful state and national parks and most significant historical sites anywhere. There are many places that have become the homes of legends.

Alpine Area

Alpine is at the heart of West Texas. Twenty miles to the east is Marfa, famous for those mysterious lights, and even more special as the location for the classic western movie "Giant," with Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, Dennis Hopper and James Dean. Twenty miles to the north is the Fort Davis National Historic Site. It’s one of the best preserved and restored 19th Century Army Posts in the country. Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th and 10th U.S. Cavalry and 24th and 25th U.S. Infantry were garrisoned there while involved in struggles with Apaches and Comanches. Another well known attraction is the McDonald Observatory 17 miles north of Fort Davis. Head 100 miles south and you will be at the Big Bend National Park.

The Reunion Site

This area map shows the way to Alpine. If you are coming from the west you will probably find it better to take US 90 south east from Van Horn. Texas 118 south from Kent is very scenic (a great road for touring motorcycles and sport cars).

SITE LOCATION

The Reunion will be held on a Ranch that is located right on the edge of Alpine. Go to the end of Cactus Street and you will be at the ranch gate. The gate has a pair of stone columns.

Cactus Street is in the southwest part of Alpine. Click on either Google link below (motels or rv parks) for a map. Then zoom in and drag the map up and right. Cactus Street is very visible. You should also select the "satellite" view to get an idea of the terrain.

Accommodations

At the Reunion Site

There is primitive camping. Bring in your water and all your supplies. No other facilities are available. Also, please be sure to remove all your trash. Cattle will eat plastic bags. We will have to be self-sufficient.

Alpine Area (includes some in Marfa and Fort Davis)

Alpine Chamber of Commerce listings: http://www.alpinetexas.com/accommodations.html

Hotel Locations:

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&q=Hotel&near=Alpine,+TX&fb=1&view=map&cd=2&z=13&om=1

RV Park / Campground Locations:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=l&hl=en&geocode=&view=map&time=&date=&ttype=&q=Campground&near=Alpine,+TX&ie=UTF8&z=9&om=1

Reunion Activities

The Annual Texas Power Wagon Reunion is so named because we value the friends whom we have met that share our interest in these great trucks - and those friends we haven't met yet. As always, the Reunion of friends is more important than simply rallying some trucks.

This Reunion is the farthest west of any we have had. We really want to see our Power Wagon friends. So we say to all those whose trucks are not finished or who may not have a good means to bring their trucks to the Reunion, "Y'all come - with or without your trucks - and share rides in the trucks that are there." We'll talk some, then ride some, then talk some, then eat some, then ride some, and then talk some more.

Because we will be on a working ranch, we will be doing more driving along and looking at the scenery than we will be doing any extreme driving that would tear it up. After all, cattle eat grass and tires do not make the grass grow. We are still scouting out the riding areas and will be sure to have some trails that everyone can enjoy. And we are always looking for some spots with a higher degree of challenge.

Start making your plans and give us some feedback to help us make this event even better.

If you have questions please call Mark McElyea at 817-937-6580.

For additional information and local directions at Alpine, call Lloyd Bluntzer at 361-877-7992.

You may also e-mail Paul Cook txpwrwgn@wildblue.net or call 512-932-2377 with any questions.

Let us know if you are planning to attend.

Mark is working out details for some on site meals and you can be sure there will be some good eats. We'll keep you up to date on those plans here. To be sure the plans are adequate, he will need to know how many will be there.

A quick note: Some folks ask about bringing motorcycles or ATV's. Cattle are used to seeing trucks but there's some concern that they might be "spooked" by ATV's or motorcycles. We regret that they cannot be allowed. Land for enjoying our great trucks is becoming scarce. We must consider the landowners and do everything we can so that we will be welcome to come back. There may be a $25.00 area maintenance fee charged for each vehicle that is driven on trails and other areas off the main ranch roads.

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Tommy Vaughn is a real cowboy who has worked at several of the ranches in the area. He knows a lot of folks and a lot of folks know him. I guess he knows every stream, every draw, and every mountain for miles around. He knows all the nice camping spots and all the great trails. But most important to us, he knows the folks who own the ranches that have the nice camping spots and great trails. Tommy helps "Mac" make the arrangements.

Thanks, Tommy, for all your help.

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CINCO DeMAYO

Last year, we were invited to drive our Power Wagons in the Cinco deMayo parade. We expect to be invited again this year. Even if we are not in the parade, the activities are well worth enjoying. There are many nice restaurants with excellent food. Classic and custom cars participated in the Parade and a car show followed.

Here are some pictures of last year's festivities.

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And some found LOVE...