West Texas: Work, Art and Bluegrass - April 4-10, 2011

I spent a very enjoyable week in San Angelo working with the San Angelo, Odessa and Abilene TxDOT personnel.  West Texas feels like 'home' to me and this trip was was no dissapointment.  I combined some work with pleasure as I stayed at a nice private RV park on Lake Nasworthy, a very well-maintained lake owned and maintained by the City of San Angelo. 

Lake Nasworthy Sunset

During the week, the RV Park (Spring Creek RV Park and Marina) is quiet and it was great to come 'home' and set in my lawn chair and listen to the wind in the Mesquites.  Sure beats staying in a hotel.


Mingo II @ Lake Nasworthy

To make things even better, BB and Henri was able to drive up Thursday evening to join me for the weekend, so we stayed over to see the sights in San Angelo.

Although it was a little hot for our tastes (96) to go exploring on foot during the middle of the day, we did drive around Fort Concho National Historic Site.  This is something that deserves much more exploration on a cooler day.  Established in 1867, I was amazed at the quality of construction, and at just how much of major fort this must have represented in it's day.  We'll be back to see more as soon as possible.

Fort Concho

We also visited the Old Chicken Farm Art Center in San Angelo.  This is a fascinating place which was once an active chicken farm.  After standing derelict for several years, the facility was purchased by an artist and his wife and turned into a venue where local artists could work and display their talent. 



Chicken Farm Art Center

Although many of the shops were closed, this venue hosts a "1st Saturday" art show each month where all the artists are open to display their art.  Perhaps next time we'll time it a little better and get there on the first Saturday of the month when all the events are happening. Even though most were closed, we were able to view some incredible pottery, batik and oils by some very talented artists.


Ain't Nuthin' BUTT Art!

We were also able to go to the 2011 Concho Valleu Bluegrass Festival and listen to some very good bluegrass music.  This is the 5th Annual event being held in San Angelo, benefiting the Concho Valley Home for Girls.  I can highly recommend the music by "Triple L" and the music by Mark Phillips and the IIIrd Generation Bluegrass Band.  Both of these bands have superb family harmony and incredible musicians.  The last-mentioned group currently contains two musicians who were named "state champs" in banjo and guitar flat-picking.  Amazing to listen to this talent.  Also if you want to hear some beautifully smooth bluegrass fiddle, give a listen to Daniel Foulks.

All in all, a good, productive and enjoyable week in San Angelo.  This week, I'll be home excepting a quick trip to our Arlington office tomorrow, then off to Goliad State Park this coming weekend!  Till Next Time.