Sunday, May 19, 2002

History, modern technology meet west of Abilene

By Brien Murphy
Reporter-News Staff Writer

It’s not easy being green in semi-arid West Texas, where droughts are measured in years and summer vegetation is often brown. But after this spring’s rains, there’s enough pretty scenery to make the drive worthwhile.

Driving through southwest Taylor County on U.S. Highway 277 is like riding a gentle roller coaster, with ups and downs and sloping curves.

You’ll be tempted to stop and photograph the wildflowers growing alongside the prickly pear. Wait until you get to a safe spot, like the hilltop picnic area south of Caps, with a view of the hills to the west.

At Farm Road 89, stop for a soda at the Coronado’s Camp Country Store (complete with a wooden porch and a wagon wheel mounted out front) and turn west for a winding drive through thick groves of trees.

Just when you think you’ve crossed the line where the dusty West Texas plains begin, turn north on Farm Road 126 into Mulberry Canyon, and prepare for the mesas and greenery to explode through the windshield.

Take a moment to pass through the Butman Methodist Camp, a retreat and family reunion lodge lined with wildflowers, junipers and red oaks.

North of the camp, turn left on Farm Road 1085, stop briefly at the historical marker to learn about the woman World War II pilot who died in the canyon serving her country. Then follow Farm Road 2035 to get a look at how energy companies are “thinking green” — harnessing wind to produce electricity.

The wind turbines at the Trent Mesa Wind Project electricity-producing wind farm stand taller than the Statue of Liberty. Pull over on one of the paved shoulders and safely observe the mechanical monsters in action. They’re bigger than they look from Interstate 20.

Not far from that, you can fish, boat or picnic at Lake Sweetwater or continue into Sweetwater and visit Newman Park, home of the city’s Christmas Trail of Lights, a quarter-mile walking trail, and antique military vehicles.

After traveling Interstate 20 west to Colorado City, stop by Wood’s Boots to marvel at all the colors (pink, kelly green) of their footwear, get a free fudge sample next door at Kandy Kottage, and take a sandwich to Ruddick Park. There, you can join the locals for a little quiet and some green space.