9 Hour ROAD TRIP to the MOST ISOLATED SPOT in Texas: Exploring the Texas Countryside
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- Опубликовано: 5 июн 2024
- My property is in the middle of nowhere and in one of the most remote places in Texas. To reach this isolated spot in the desert, I have to make a long road trip through Texas. Why am I doing this? My goal is to build a homestead in Texas and make the desert greener. For this, things like a shelter have to be built and irrigation techniques for the desert have to be implemented. Will I be successful? Find out together with me and join me on my road trip through Texas.
Episode 3: • Every Way to NOT Reach...
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⏱️TimeStamps⏱️
0:00 Intro
00:10 Getting ready to go on next trip to property
1:58 Greetings from Fort Worth, Texas
2:26 The most stereotypical Texas outdoor country driving
4:04 Grand Total of deers and hogs
4:28 Second day of trip
5:00 What is this? Explain please
5:08 Pecos River Bridge
5:37 Pit Stop. Wild price for gas
6:10 Kitchy West Texas. Prada Marfa
6:33 Dust Devils
7:25 Sad Little Gate
8:00 Time to turn 4x4
8:14 On the next episode
In this episode, I will share with you the items I bring on my third camping trip and explain why I prefer to sleep outdoors instead of in a hotel. I will also show you my drive from Fort Worth to Del Rio, where I need to knock out my interview for the Global Entry program. Along the way, I will be counting deer and showing you some of the sights of a typical trip through Texas. Additionally, I will introduce you to Prada Marfa and talk about dust devils, small tornadoes that are not harmful. I hope you enjoy the episode!
THANK YOU all so much for the support!
Hi, my name is Shaun and I am 41 with a beautiful family: a wife and three young kids.
I live in Texas and I run my own business integrating software systems, which keeps me busy.
Yes, tech is my job, but geeking out on tech isn’t what I do in my free time; I spend HOURS daydreaming about permaculture.
I’m always looking for adventures.
That's why I lived in Yemen for two years learning Arabic, which I speak fluently.
And now I'm buying 320 acres of West Texas wasteland?!?
“What is wrong with you?” - that’s a direct quote from my wife, although she eventually did give me permission to steam ahead.
You might ask, “Why buy this land?”
I want a challenge. Longer term, it’s a good business project. Pecans is likely where I’ll start.
After my wife gave me her blessing, one of the first properties that came up matched absolutely everything I was looking for. The land is almost completely barren. Monsoon rains bring water at the height of summer, when it’s most needed.
It’s under $250 an acre
A wash in the middle looks like it has potential to capture massive amounts of water
I don't know if this project will work out for me or not, but one thing is for sure: it will be interesting. Stay tuned!
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#dustups #westtexas #wasteland #desertforest
Hi, I'm an El Paso native. I'm 70, and grew up close to the river. Originally West Texas was endless grassland, with plenty of rain, snow, and wildlife. A couple of centuries ago, cattle and sheep agriculture became dominant, and the lush grasslands gradually turned into dry desert with prickly pear, creosote bush, and mesquite. The Franklin Mountains were once covered in juniper forests, but that was removed for use as fuel by the muleros. Growing up next to the Rio Grande during the 50s and 60s, there were cottonwoods and wetlands up and down the river. You could hear frogs singing at night. Now the river is canalized, and the riparian environment has been mostly destroyed by the federal government. Like Sierra Blanca, there is a large aquifer that provides water for the county, the Hueco Bolson.
A good example of what the original grasslands may have looked like can be found in Southwestern New Mexico and Southeastern Arizona. Some of that land has been bought up by the Nature Conservancy. It is very beautiful.
I wish you luck in your endeavor; please know, however, that grasses would have been a big part of the natural ecosystem where you're working.
Grasses were the key then and will be the key again. Grasses stop rain run off and with burrowing into the ground they leave behind channels for the water to soak in. Plus they encourage the bacteria and fungal components of soil that hold water.
Excellent comment. When trying to revitalize a natural ecosystem its best to keep as many elements of the environment that naturally formed. Trying to create a forest without a good source of soil humus might be as pointless as what the Canadian government did to Sable Island. Tens of thousands of trees, including 69,000 evergreens, 600 fruit trees, and about 25 kilograms of pine seed, among others. They're all dead and gone and all the effort wasted because the island just isn't suitable to a forest. People have tried to turn peat bogs into forests with similiar results (and greater damage to another ecosystem).
Road to hell paved with good intentions and all that. Creating a new forest where one hasn't stood before might not be a good idea.
500% in agreement with Carol. I have an elderly friend who own desert land for n New Mexico which was purchased by his grandfather. When he went out on those lands to see what he was buying the prairie grass was knee deep ... trick is his knees were a little below his seat on the Saddle!!! Meaning chest high. Those grass were the primary way that humidity was taken from cooler air (at night) as dew. Several acre feet of water was harvested every year from the air while the current annual rainfall now (based on your comments) was 0.5-1.0 acre feet. Those grasses were ranged on by the millions of Buffalo which would eat some grass leave some patties. Periodic fires would char the grasses but not damage the roots. These regular burns created “biochar” and high created soil structure to hold water and water soluble nutrients. There would have darker soil and earthworms.
Your mission (Mr Phelps, if you decide to accept it) is to create a small living oasis using plants of the region (and maybe some non-native types) is to demonstrate the amazing changes (reversal) that can happen. Since you are very far away the oasis must have some amount of autonomy but you and smart people like Carole need to help.
This Land will only return to its old glory when humans just leave it alone for a very long time. In a famous speech from Chief Seattle he declared that he was perplexed by the expectation that he could somehow sell the land to them by signing a paper since he did not view himself as the owner and he saw the land owned only by the Great Spirit and the many plant and animal beings that Spirit breathed in.
In the name of ownership mankind continues to slowly destroy the short term restorative power of the Mother. The divine Mother is patient with her children. The last few hundred years are for her like an hour on one day in autumn. In German there is a word called Bodenschatzen which roughly translates to treasures of the earth. But in my feeling the German word does respect that the treasures are not just lumber, minerals and such but a living web (an ecosystem).
Your crazy courage to choose a most distant and desolated place like this is being blessed by the ancestral spirits of all those grasses, earthworms, junipers, birds, rats, rodents, snakes, wildflowers, and above all the BuffaloBison to whom the Great Sprit gave dominion over the Praries!!!
Excellent information especially when considering grass regeneration. Wow this creating some great comments from interesting people. I made my brief comment before reading others. Am going to enjoy following your progress.
Thanks for the history lesson , Carole . I have lived in El Paso , NM and Colorado over the years , but wasn't that informed about the history.
As a 71 year old native Texan, love your passion for your project. One thought for consideration, get a dog!
A big dog! (That's trained to obey you!)
Really two big dogs (I had a pair of Rottweiler x Rhodesian Ridgeback that were stellar. Ruger and Remmy) as protectors from hogs and cats. They work well to deter two-legged camp nuisances as well.
Yes, three big shelter dogs. It would add to the channel, give you security, and great friendship.
A small tapper for an alarm system too.
David says one dog, Wink says two dogs, Rottingboards says three dogs. so I will go with GET FOUR DOGS!!
I am a retired heavy equipment operator, Would love to help you out.
I also have been researching permaculture since about the same time as you.
Can't wait to see how your adventure advances.
Reach out: hello@dustupsranch.com
If you need Volunteers I am here to help in whatever is necessary. cheers from California!!
So sweet!
Hey Shaun, just sent you an email. Hope I can help.
Shaun, get a Ranch Hand front bumper installed. It will protect your truck from hitting deer which will destroy your truck and may kill you. It will also make you look like a roughneck oil guy/rancher and less likely to be hassled. Also, I'm retired military and we take water very, very seriously. Get yourself a half dozen Scepter water jerry cans. Those Kroger water jugs will leak and leave you high and dry. You can also very easily drop a 12v water pump into one and make yourself a little shower. You'll love it after a long hot day. You may not want to go to the expense of Satphone but at least get yourself a Garmin InReach which will tell you exactly where you are and give you emergency communication via satellite. Make stop in Langtry and visit the Roy "Hanging Judge" Bean museum. It's cool but importantly for you, they have a great garden that has all the local flora labeled. It might give you some great ideas. And lastly, take the Amtrack "Texas Flyer" someday between San Antonio and El Paso. You get to see lots of that part of Texas far from any roads. It also makes a stop in Alpine. But the highlight is the stunning rail bridge crossing over the Pecos! Best of luck, brother!
Life saving info in your post 4x4. Thank you for taking the time to share it. I'd also have regular check in communication times with a loved one and set my phones location setting so several loved ones have access to my location movements. I'd put a tracker on my vehicle they can access too. I'd have a chat with the local law enforcement and Border Patrol to get local insights. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst and then if you end up dealing with the worst it takes less time and you'll probably live through it.
You might want to consider a Satellite phone or something like a Garmin Inreach. The Garmin will allow you to use your phone to send text messages via satellite. Earlier this year it saved me on a Death Valley trip. I had a break down in my old Toyota 4 Runner and I was able to text my wife thru the device and she was able to arrange my rescue. Cheap piece of mind! I love the fact that you are actually doing this! I live in the Mojave in So Cal near Joshua Tree and love seeing other desert environments. Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of nowhere and sometimes in the middle of nowhere you find yourself!
Safe travels, and looking forward to watching your journey!
🙏🏼🇺🇸
Might consider a nice roof top tent for your truck. Will give shade on your truck bed for storage and get you up in the air for safty from animals.
I was attacked by wild pigs in a tent out in west Texas. They can be very aggressive and your along way from help.
Also a front hevey duty front bumper for your truck, cheep insurance for deer and pigs. Wont leave you stranded if an animal jumps in front of your rig.
He's got guns and a great opportunity to make bacon if thats the case.
A least two good spare tires and a good jack.
I agree - get a ranch hand front end guard - even a coyote can take out your grill and lights. Texan with a Toyota Tundra here... trust me 🙂
On your pack and learn list. First aid. You are a long way from help. Knowing first aid and having the supplies is vital. Learn to ID venemous snakes. A dog would be a great addition if you can care for it during times you are not at the property. Tire issues can be real the more miles you travel on marginally maintained dirt roads and high heat/sun. Good jack...spares and know how to safely change tires. You are in a hostile environment don't pack light. Do some what if scenarios and make sure you are adequately prepared.
Had my battery shake loose on my Tacoma. Had to get a new transmission because it pinched the coolant line.
Shaun - That beautiful river you crosed @ 5:09 is the Pecos River. I know that road and it sure is long and lonely. A teathered aerostat is that blimp-looking thing you passed @ 5:02. It has a very sophisticated radar attched to its underside. It is not manned. Instead, its attached to a 15,000' cable. Homeland Security or ICE or one of those federal agencies that have propigated like rabbits in the past couple of decades raises it up and, when its at altitude, they use it as a "look-down" radar. The idea is to spot planes coming in from Mexico at low altitude, less than 500' or so. Such planes do not show up on normal air traffic radars. Several aerostats are positioned along the Mexican border. One is tethered on the East side of the Huachuca Mts. South of Sierra Vista, Arizona. Another is tethered East of US 95 around 50 miles North of Yuma, Arizona. I poke fun of the feds but, personally, I'm very glad these aerostats are in place. They close a major hole in our Southern air defense perimeter. One other thing. A big dust devil is not harmless. They can lift an un-tethered RV off the ground and flip it on its side.
Thanks for the information, that was very interesting to learn about the aerostat.
Seeing the one on Ft. Huachuca tethered on the ground from Buffalo Soldier Trail let us know it would be a windy day.
They have one right before Key West also.
There is also one south of Eagle Pass, Texas in Maverick County along that stretch of the Rio Grande. We lived in that area and it is interesting to note they blimp is not deployed if there are high winds. Up close they are HUGE.
Used to be one outside of Marfa toward Valentine
I’m a welder, carpenter, concrete finisher and heavy equipment operator for the past 13 year. I’m interested in what your doing and don’t mind moving to the middle of no where. What you doing sounds fun, would like to help!
I'm a roofer and jack of all trades, I would love to help, too!
I'm one of you, and wish I could help. Wife and kids probably wouldnt show up until about 10 years into this project though lol
Hook up with a local 4wd club out of Ft Worth and go out on at least 1 weekend trip to hit some light trails and learn to use your truck and what type of solo recovery gear you should carry. You don't need to join the club unless you want to but many in the hobby would love to make suggestions on type of minor mods it would take to really make it more capable (over stock) without much sacrifice to gas mileage. With no cell service, that truck is your life line to help.
Might also look into getting a SPOT Satellite Communication Devices. Yearly dues, but if you hit the button, then it activates a response/investigation. This might be good in case you fall and break something or get bit by a venous snake.
Hey Shaun, I can't tell from the quick shots of your truck but driving that road regularly I HIGHLY recommend making sure you have a quality set of all terrain tires with a full sized spare. They have tougher treds and sidewalls. Also, look into a Garmin InReach for communication when you're remote.
Im not to far away from you north of Pumpville Texas. Pretty sure that was the Pecos river you went over. I bought 100 acres but mine came with buildings and electric, we have to port in the water. They tell me a well is a min of 40k so that will have to wait. I have a pond on my property that the previous owner dug out a spot and put a liner down. It naturally fills its self and will even hold ducks in the middle of the desert. Its dry now though and need lots of rain to fill it back up. I have seen a mountain lion and now a bear. We dont have any hogs up where i am but we do have javalina which is not even in the pig family. I'm very interested in seeing how this all turns out for you as i too want to green up my area.
My suggestion would be to carry 2 full size spare tires.
The deer you saw on the road at 2:51 is an Axis Deer. Non-native deer from India. Really interested in how it goes. Grew up in Lubbock and went to school in Abilene w a degree in ag-business now working in IT in Ft Worth too and have somewhat of a ranching/farming family. Don't be afraid of heavy equipment, yes there is a learning curve, but if you can write apis you'll be popping wheelies in a bobcat before too long. Important part is be wary of steeper slopes. That's where you get in trouble. Wouldn't worry about mountain lions, you'll never/rarely see them and if you're making noise they'll stay away. Hogs are more of a worry. As you're making wetter land they'll come tear it up. Get you a 30-30 and learn how to shoot it always be aware of your backstop when practicing, make sure youre shooting into a hill. Get cowboy boots as they can offer some protection from the elements and surprises from rattlesnakes. You will see them so be aware. If you find one and can't leave it be (they do eat rats and mice) chop off the head and bury it immediately. If a snake doesn't have a rattle give it a wide berth and leave it alone. You might want to consider a hammock if you got something to hang it in as it will get you off the ground where all the creepy crawlies are! You also might look for your county's extension agent. They're job is to help agriculture in the area. Some may be good and some may be bad but maybe you'll find a good one. Also get to know the ag teacher in town if there is one and you also might check out the church and the Cafe old men like to show up early early for coffee and love to tell stories. Getting to know the good people there could be helpful! Good luck and I look forward to updates!
Hey I grew up and work in West Texas. You need to get the county surveyor to mark the border of your property for you. This will also tell you wich roads are public acces to your property (i.e. you may get a key to some of those locked gates). Also since you lived in Yemen you are aware of Dracaena cinnabari (Dragon's Blood Trees). They could be a keystone species for your permaculture that are adapted to extreme desert conditions you will find there in the summer.
Cary a extra tire and plug kit with air compressor, come along with chain a few shovels, a couple of boards, a big jack and extra fuel for you and the truck
Shaun, Ive done A LOT of 4 wheeling in the military and out. The best advice I can give a newb is always drive in 2wd, when you get stuck, the 4wd can probably get you out. If you get stuck in 4wd, unless you have a winch, you're kinda screwed.
This! A farmer friend once taught me "2 in 4 out, 4 in tractor out" as in if you get stuck in 2wd you can get out with 4wd, but if you get stuck in 4wd you are going to need a tractor to pull you out, and good luck finding someone to pull you out if you are in the middle of nowhere and have no cell service. That being said, it might not require a tractor to get out but you likely will need someone to pull you with something. Plus, that dirt road looked pretty good and didn't need the 4 wheel drive. If the front and back can't turn independently (sand, mud, snow/ice, gravel) don't put it in 4, you are creating wear and tear (unless its true AWD instead of 4wd) and not gaining anything.
Also when u go on those back dirty rocky roads.. Air ur tires down... I think maybe as low as 20 to 25 lbs.. U may wanna double check the correct pressure
I finally started doing that. It makes a world of difference
Something I would recommend is to put out some trail / game cameras just to see what is around your property; inexpensive ones with large memory cards and each time you visit you swap out batteries and memory cards. Probably would be good to put one that can report on the road activity (as hidden as possible). You probably should set out some way for people to identify that this property is now being monitored so that people wanting to be unseen know to find a different route. And obviously see if you can get Starlink Internet soon for your property. Looking forward to following your journey.
Hughsnet for phone service.
These are the warnings this man need’s to see and understand or he will become just another disappeared never found or seen again tragedy of the desert, especially the desert on the Mexican Border!
@@MrChristianbowman82 Nah. The problem is leaving anything out there for any period of time. It might not be there when you get back to the property. Very few people cross this far out. Those that do will avoid contact. But if you leave a bulldozer out in the open out there for months at a time while you’re back in FW, it could grow legs and walk away.
Grew up in El Paso. In a few weeks the fun part with the winds start up. 80 mile an hour wind storms from December through April are common. Serious cold fronts with sleet, snow and ice come through also. Tents blow down,. Get a tiny house or shed to sleep in.
This is the land that earthships were made for.
Time to invest in some old fashioned hard copy maps and check with the county/locals. Any Aquafer or related surveys with the USGS, etc. Some topographic maps for your property will be useful with elevations for runoffs, etc. Is soil sampling an issue? I look forward to following your adventure. 👍
Yes! Paper maps don’t need batteries!
Last few seconds of the video; A cable winch is also a must.
You've probably figured some of these things out by now but just a bit of advice:
1. Don't advertise your property's location. Anything of ANY value you leave there will be gone by your next visit, guaranteed.
2. Save your 4X4 for hills, it eats gas.
3. Consider putting a camper on your truck for longer stays at the property. That or maybe get a small but very sturdy travel trailer.
4. Long drives suck. Download a ton of podcasts and audio books to pass the time.
5. You can't have too much water. Use steel jerry cans, not some cheap plastic stuff.
6. I'd recommend two spare tires. Also, an internal patch kit and the tools necessary to pull the tire off the rim and repair it yourself.
It feels so weird, you see RUclips videos about things happening some place in the middle of nowhere on the other side of the world. And then it turns out, that other side of the world is where you grew up. I know the climate and I have been doing gardening all my life, currently I take care of 12 Red Pines (24 years old). Wisconsin's natives that grow upright and quite tall and does well in poor sandy soils. We planted them when we moved into our house, and they modified the climate, allowing A honey dew mesquite and several palo verde. To thrive in the conditions, the pines created. And now they somewhat revived the death ecosystem of the city around my house, allowing natural brush to flourish and fauna to spawn naturally. So I kinda have been experimenting with ecosystem modification for 24 years in this region, what I've observed is tall weather resistant trees create the conditions for smaller plants that need semi shaded conditions to spawn. Increasing bio diversity and in turn bio mas naturally, what people call "weeds" and "invasive" plants turn out to be the base of life for animals like migrating species, and somehow when migrating species move into the habitat insects and foreign seeds start to appear increasing the encounters with small predators like geckos, spiders and bats. If there is any way a city girl with a country heart can help out in this endeavor, count me in.
Here's a tip for ya: make much longer videos! Just when ya think you can settle in, the video ends! Good content, just needs to be more of it! :)
Try to make regular videos (even twice each week). Your forest will grow slowly but the support and interest and advice will grow.
Nooo! 8 minutes is great. Too long and I will not watch.
I think a video a week is fine. I wonder how much time can he spend there at a time?
Thank you. I'll be switching to more of a chapter format in the next one
THIS!
Words cant describe how much I want to pack up everything and go help with this project. I grew up in the Mojave Desert of California(think Death Valley) and every bit of this area reminds me of my first true home. I grew up on 14 acres in the middle of nowhere in the desert where in truth my backyard was endless. I miss it so much and would love to be back in that environment.
I think he could use help from someone with your experience!
Shaun, Rex here from Australia . I don't subscribe to many Channels but your's I have. Unfortunately I don't have any expert advice to give you but I'm really interested in your project. I believe the world could be completely changed if simply "we" had the will. Try researching "water from air" as in refrigerating glass and condensing the moisture (if there is any). I think it's a fantastic idea but haven't heard much about it. There may be reasons for that. Maybe it's infeasible, but maybe you might be just the one to make it work. Again, no expert here just an armchair dreamer...all the best!
Rex and Shawn.
The lowest cost “water from technology” is grass.
Cattle and other large bodied ruminants that can/do eat grass need to be excluded from your test zone.
Downloading RUclips videos and podcasts for long drives is the best way to go. Standup comedy is #3. This project is not a 1-man project, if you want to see it come to partial fruition in your lifetime. I wish you the best of luck! I think with $1 million over several years, you could really change that property! Best of luck! Fly closer, get a simpler truck that you park by the airport? That's what I would do to reduce the drive.
It would be good to get a cattle guard on your truck as soon as possible. With that many deer and hogs on the road, you don't want to bang up your truck in the middle of nowhere. Thank you for creating this channel!
A tethered weatherstat radar system is a blimp shaped balloon that's on a couple miles of cable. It's used for long term weather surveys of a given area and has a bunch of different weather equipment on board. We used a cousin of them in Afghanistan with hi-def cameras on base to keep an eye out for the bad guys. Same balloon, just different equipment package.
Yes. Get a puppy that will be your dog. Get a radio that works at your land. If you go alone and are not always on the communication grid then make sure to tell people who love you what your plans are at most times.
And don't get too attached to that dog because it's one snake bite away from being some buzzard's breakfast.
Radio is a good idea, get your ham radio license preferably at least general.
Great video. Remember that 4WD is for getting OUT of trouble, not for getting you into it. It's a measure of last resort so if you find yourself needing it, try a different path. Can't wait to see what happens next!
I knew a wise old fellow that said "Leave it in 2 WD until you have a problem, then 4 WD to turn around and go back !"
@@markrenfrow9873 aww…thank you for remembering my words sonny boy😢
@@markrenfrow9873 Um, negative. I am an experienced 4-wheeler. My advice is to go into 4-wheel before you get into trouble, and you probably won't get into trouble!!!!
@@jchoate6258 An old Colorado saying ; 4 WD is so that you can get stuck much farther from home !
@@jchoate6258 I agree to disagree, and remember this fellow has never owned a truck, let alone a 4x4.
You should consider a satellite GPS system. Either a dash mount or a handheld. I use both as I have done a lot of road trips (Car, RV, motorcycle, back road and off road too) and solo hiking. There are many makes and models though I prefer Garmin. Other things to consider are comms. Some here have mentioned the InReach sat device as an example. I would look into two way radio such as Ham radios too.
Good luck on your endeavor!
You have a great opportunity to listen to podcasts and audio books on these trips. That's basically what I do. Plenty of info you can assimilate that pertains to your current endeavors. There's a song I tend to play when I'm doing long drives in desolated parts of Texas. Chris Rea's "Texas". It's got the perfect beat for driving (and drumming on the wheel) and the lyrics are easy to belt out the open window into the warm night. Helps keep the blood pumping and avoids falling asleep at the wheel. Which is another good band to try!
The last time I was in Marfa was four years ago. The last time before that was in the 1980s, probably about 1986. Before that I was there almost yearly, at least a couple of times a year as I traveled between ranches, where I either interned or trained horses and/or dogs. All this to say that I was always familiar with Marfa and the surrounding area. The last time I was there I was astounded . . . . and a little appalled. "Hipster" is definitely a word. Not sure it is the word I was thinking of at the time. Yes, I'm old as dirt and twice as gritty, but I'm not close-minded nor ignorant of the rest of the world. That being said, what is going on in Marfa is not all for the good, in my humble opinion and from what I have seen. I guess time will tell. I have a special fondness for that area, so I'm hoping for the best.
I'm happy to see you are more equipped this time out. Still not happy to see you going alone. Seriously, you need good snake boots. And shake those out before you put them on!
Nice cliff hanger. But obviously you made it out alive because you were able to upload this video. Looking forward to following along. Maybe I'll volunteer, if you have use for a tough old lady who can still grab a snake bare-handed if need be, but knows better than to do it recreationally. How's your Spanish? Best wishes ;)
ETA: The tethered aerostat radar stuff is inflatables (like balloons or zeppelins) tied to a stationary point that can be raised or lowered to specific heights to use radar. Basically it's stuff used to interdict drug trafficking along the border. It's a moored balloon radar platform.
Love your narration and keeping it real without all kinds of corny loud music and distracting video "creativity". Keep it simple, keep it great!!
I never cease to be amazed, living in Texas all my life, how someone back in the 1800s decided to stop and make a tiny, tiny town out in the absolute middle of nowhere, especially in the western half of the state. People and infrastructure are very, very few and very, very far between out there even today. What were they thinking????? Those who haven't been here don't understand just how big it really is. It's 8% larger than France and nearly twice the size of Germany. It's huge! Watch out for rattlesnakes!! Love the videos Shaun!!!
So...the suspense is killing me...next installment, please.
Dreamed of doing something similar. My plan was to get a way to store energy off-grid, using solar panels to collect. Have electrical pump. Convert big machinery to electrical, move earth all day, chip dead wood, spread it where it makes sense. Understand the bacteria that will help at the stage you need to be. Watching with great enthusiasm.
Do you have mineral rights for your property? Also should check into if your intideled to rain water or the water under ground. I wish you all the luck. I wish I could have done what you're doing. But I'm old moldy dude. Happy new year.
I want to do what he's doing... but 1 hour from my house, not 8+ hours!!
This channel is going to be fascinating. For every one person able to actually begin something like this, there must be a thousand who wish they could.
As a native Floridian that has owned 3 Jeeps and loved the mud for decades, I have one bit of 4x4 advice for you: Don't bother engaging it until you need it. As Dad always said, if you can get through it in two wheel drive, make the attempt and learn what you can from the terrain. If not, then try four wheel drive. If you attempt it in four wheel drive and you get stuck, you no longer have many options. That's my two cents worth. Good luck and stay safe!
A large first aid kit would be a must.
I like to have a first aid kit secured within arms reach of my drivers seat while driving, at my working location and my sleeping area. 😀
This is my dream! Was looking a land near Dell City with a similar mindset. I’m so excited to watch you do this!
Lol 4 wheel drive is something to practice. 4LO to creep up and down hills 4HI to go up and down moderate hills and snow. 2x4 to do dirt roads just slow down on the curves. I took my 86 Nissan through the rockies in Colorado 2x4 on dirt ranch tracks. 4x4 is for loose steep or bigger rocks and gullies. Keep on posting you have a good rhythm going.
A friend of mine recently inherited 200 acres or so in far western New Mexico. It took a while to find it on google maps, and try to locate a road or trail to it. But there were none. The nearest town is the county seat (and only town in the county), which is about 75 miles away from the property. We went as far as we could on dirt roads and ended up about 30 miles north of the property, and from there no roads or trails at all. He thought we could bring a four wheeler and do it, but it's not feasible with the limited fuel we could carry. So the next idea is to get a couple of pack mules or donkeys and try to reach it that way, but then we have the problem of having enough food and water for us and the animals. We're starting to think it's just not worth the trouble Lol. We're both from Dallas so it's already a very long drive just to get out there!
Get a helicopter and have them take you to it. Then figure what you need. Look at a older tacoma or a Polaris RZR. They have about 500 pound payload capacity.
Figure it out and film the adventure of finding it!
200 acres has value to someone! Worth the adventure and future stories
Contact the land owner between the property and road and see if they have any knowledge of trails. If not, then try to get permission for clearing a path for easement.
A small airplane is a much faster way to get your supplies and yourself in and out of a remote area like that. There are “affordable” ones out there that can haul big and bulky items more efficiently than your truck and much cheaper than helicopters. There’s a good airport at Van Horn where you could base it, stage supplies and get fuel. This would be a great way to do your initial load-in of basic survival supplies and make several trips in a day to setup your base. In addition to Starlink, I’d get some solar panels, wind turbine and batteries to help you store power, too.
I'm just getting started watching your videos, and hopefully in the past year you have figured this out, but audiobooks are your friend on these LONG solo drives.
I have seen 2 of your videos now,completely found you at random,glad i did.I love what youre doing,your spirit,and your laid back personality.Thanks for the great,family friendly entertainment.
You're probably already aware, but just in case, look up David Bamberger who restored 5500 acres in Texas Hill Country. The key for him was grasses.
@@edisonwayne4037 Lol, wut?
You could build a pond to hold the water. Also, maybe tap a well if you could find water underneath the ground that could solve the water situation. I'd also like to see you make the land self-sustaining. A dessert fruit and veggies garden would be epic! 🙏🤙
The well would be the opposite of what he's trying to do (if he does it right, and I think he will). The trick is to slow down water so it sinks into the land and builds up some ground water over time. It'll take about a decade, if it goes well. It has been done in other places - literal springs have come out of the desert ground in places where these permaculture principles were applied.
Hi Shaun, don't be afraid of the Mexican. We are your neighbors and are friendly. For thousands of years we have survived in this deserted area that we love.
If nothing else, this video gave this Brit an idea as to how vast America is. Anyway good luck with your venture, so glad someone has the courage to try and to actually do this sort of project, as it can only benefit the world.
I would suggest you have an alternate vehicle of some kind hidden out there (a dirt bike, and lots of bottled water). That way when someone from down south steals your truck, you can get back to the main road and report it.
Gotta a Little Cray Cray in you 🤔
Love it !!! 😍
I am a Horticulturist so this is an Awesome Experiment.
You will NEED Tons & Tons of
Compostable Material to assist the current sandy gravel soil to Retain moisture and eventually WATER.
It Takes Years...
Moved to Texas 8 years ago and my Property is finally holding water even in drought, but the newer plants still struggle UNTILL the roots are established.
I would be Happy to help you with your project. ✨🤗✨
Wish you all the Best 🙏🌱🍄🌱
Oh ask the electric company to dump all their tree trimmings onto your property... It's free.
Then get coffee grounds brought in from all surrounding restaurants along with food wastes...
You can get tossed out Produce from HEB & Wal-Mart and Aldi
You may get lucky and things will GROW 🤗 out of the pile of composting waste 🌱
In the future if you're alone like this on a trail start in 2 wheel drive. If you get stuck then you have 4 wheel drive to get you unstuck. If you get stuck alone and you're already in 4 wheel drive then you have fewer options to get unstuck.
Agreed! That's how I was taught to drive in rough terrain!
I took my youngest son to Big Bend a number of times to camp and hike ... Audio books were a lifesaver on that trip (it was about 8 hours for me)
Wow….I think you have just motivated a whole bunch of people….we are looking forward to seeing your progress….
When you were on the high bridge you were close to me. I invite you over for coffee next time your down this way and I’ll show you my solar setup.
Grew up in West Texas. I'm looking forward to vicariously living your adventure
I'd be less worried about the Mexican border than the local Texans....
LOL! 🤠🤣😂
A satellite phone is a must when visiting your property. Also a battery pack reserve that can charge cell phones is also a must.
True-Dat!
Yes that's true! We have 40 acres in West Texas south of Sonora, and got a satellite phone. Also we signed up for the helicopter rescue service out of San Angelo, just in case of injury, snakebite, or whatever. This place is remote, a lot of people don't realize just how remote it actually is.
After all that said, a simple camper shell to protect you overnight from the night critters & cold.
"tethered" "aerostat" is redundant. an aerostat IS a tethered, lighter-than-air balloon. most people would call it a "blimp", which is wrong wording. AEROSTAT is sufficient. It is used to lift radar high enough to get a broader area of coverage, watching the border in this case.
I'm in love with your series already! I live in Fort Worth area as well and you're inspiring.
Only 2 videos in and this is great viewing, man. Love your honesty and willingness to share your inexperience with transparency. As someone who has lived in these environments, I think your dream is pretty bonkers but I love that you are going for it and I wish you the best. I'll continue watching for sure.
Good video. Native Houstonian here. I take my family to big bend every year and I've thought about buying land nearby. We've camped near the Rio Grande couple of times and loved it. You're doing something good. With a desert forest, wildlife will flourish.
05:00 The Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS) are essentially tethered balloons with a radar system. They can put them up pretty high, up to around 15,000 feet, so generally speaking they're a lot more efficient to use that putting planes up with radar to watch the border. The FAA carves out a pretty decent chunk of area around them for restricted airspace since you can't really see the cable.
Valentine & The Eagles Band, I read Henley contracted a man from that town to paint the famous bone skulls which are featured on their 1970 albums. Now 4 wheel drive, you do not need it until you start vertical. And about the tires, carry a 12 volt air pump and tubeless plugs. They will save your butt. Finally can you give us Pecos River brats some advice how not to get nervous on the 810 Loop! I remember when Hi way 67 simply merged into White Settlement and Bowie. Those days are gone!
We call it the space fish. It's an air balloon anchored to the ground. It is between Van Horn and Marfa. Enjoying the film so far. 👍
Thanks for the video! I spent two lovely weeks around Del Rio 40 years ago. Drank a lot of beer, went hunting and rode horses on a huge ranch, went fishing on Lake Amistad, checked out the bars at boystown in Acuña; crazy times !
Tips for an inexperienced 4-wheeler. Stay in two wheel drive unless you get stuck. If you get stuck you can switch into 4WD and try to drive out. Avoid spinning your tires. Spinning your tires will seldom get you out of a rut, it will only dig your wheels in deeper if you are stuck. If you get unstuck consider turning around unless you have a buddy vehicle. Carry a shovel and a come-a-long unless you have an electric winch. A high lift "farm" jack can lift your wheels up so you can put rocks, branches or dirt into the rut. Consider getting a Garmin Inreach, Spot or personal locator beacon if you don't have cellular coverage and need to send an SOS for help. (Don't send an SOS unless you are injured or in real danger. Assume you will be charged for rescue services.)
Best wishes & good luck !
Hi, could I suggest you get a gaurd dog? Maybe adopt one from LEO or any dog thats trained. When you’re camping he will alert you to incoming threats, maybe migrants crossing, animals, etc.
Also try and secure a water source that you can filter from, maybe build an underground shelter for supplies and make sure you dont camp close to it.
I'm in Montana but I subscribed because I am incredibly interested to see how this goes for you. I too am in software (engineering software) but I grew up in agriculture as my family has been ranching in what became ND, and MT since the early 1860s.
reference to 5:00 A Tethered Aerostat Radar System is exactly what it sounds like. It is an aerostat (a large balloon, usually made of fabric and filled with helium) tethered to the ground, that mounts radar systems of various kinds. In this case a ground surveillance radar. They have both civilian and military uses. The US Army used them in Iraq and Afghanistan to observe large areas of ground around bases
This particular one is one of several along the US/Mexican border operated by Customs & Border Protection, primarily for drug interdiction (watching for low-flying aircraft) but also for people-smuggling. There's also one in the Florida Keys, used to look for suspicious aircraft and surface vessels entering US airspace or territorial waters or airspace.
i also wanted to add i bought a Hi boost. and it works boosting my cell signal.
I love mine!!
Use solar to produce water by way of 5 to 10 dehumidifiers, I recommend you buy a 40 or 53 foot cargo container to store and protect you supplies and equipment for the site
Buy a Bivvy satellite device!
Stay safe out that way brother. The land looks amazing!
Hey Shaun,
Highly recommend the 6gal blue cube jugs. I've had 1 for years now and it's great. WalMart has a water dispenser where you can refill. To refill mine is about $3 or less. You'd probably need a few. But those Ozarka deals are weak plastics that have a potential to burst (it's happened to me) and then you don't have trash plus you can refill them. Stoked for you.
Good luck! Love your approach!
That's part of what RV's and camper trailers are for, you should look into getting one or both. It's literally meant to be a house on wheels. Then you have no need to make use of a hotel/motel, your not "camping camping," and you have more effective space to have things with you. Also depending on what you have (and brought) you can spend multiple nights without much worry, and have access to a shower.
i also recommend bringing chickens and have a small chicken farm on your property, and plant whatever food producing plants you can wherever you can.
Happy New Year Shaun! Can't wait to see the progress on the property.
What an exciting journey you have ahead of you!! Can't wait to see it all!!
You just got yourself a new subscriber. I really look forward to seeing your journey with this project. I’ve always been fascinated with remote, desert areas (even though I’ve never been camping) and the idea of a desert forest is really cool, I hope it goes well
Thanks for sharing cannot wait for the next vid..
This is a great project. Looking forward to more episodes!
My husband and I on our road trips have had the 'can't get through the mountain, oh well" moment many times. That's the fun of exploring!
I’m happy I discovered your channel at the beginning of your project. Good Luck ! This will be interesting.
Very interesting !! I'm looking forward to following your progress.
Im here for it dude. I was just in Texas, drove from the West Coast, and the whole time I kept thinking about what it would be like to own that land. How much does it cost, what are other people doing out there, etc... Excited to see what you can do. Its been a dream of mine since I was barely an adult to buy a couple acres of the cheapest land in America and disappear into the wilderness, or at least carve out something to truly call my own..
Keeping up with your adventures, can't wait to see what comes next!
Can't wait to see more. So inspiring - Wishing you the best of luck!
Major props for doing what you are attempting to do. Be safe and good luck.
Hey Shaun, I'm binge watching your videos, I heard you say something about Valentine, that's pretty close to the property I'm looking at. Thanks for your amazing videos and info.
Video request:
More drone footage of the land.
interesting things found on the land while working.
Before and after/time lapse footage of: any earth works (by hand or machine), mulching, tree and vegetation growth, any experiments you try, water harvesting structure or natural creation (check dams, sand traps, pond digging), large rains, how the land responds to rain, try to catch the first rain on camera, how the water moves through the property on year 1, 2, 3 etc..., any natural springs that pop up, wildlife (maybe some trail cam footage).
I've wanted to do this forever man, I'll be watching for sure!
Can't wait to see your progress over the years.
Good luck. I’ll be watching 👍🏼
Excellent video. Lot to learn
Amazing adventure…I’ll be following your quest! 👍
O.O The suspense! When do we get to find out just how much trouble you've gotten yourself into? :))
Greetings from Central Illinois. Good luck with your endeavors! Looking forward to following your progress.
Lots of body’s out there. Great for growing stuff. Can’t wait to see your new adventure.
I am pulling for you. Good luck!
Shaun, excited to watch you journey, man!