continued from page 13
people I just met in the morning and
feeling like family by evening. Joe
Chandler rolled up his sleeves and
made some peach cobbler that would
have Paula Deen asking for the recipe.
I have never before met a CEO that
got in the kitchen and served instead of
being served.
We all migrated outside, feeling as
relaxed as vanilla ice cream melting on
cobbler, and watched the sun go
A magical
oasis in the
Chihuahuan
Desert
of Texas
Off the
Pinto Canyon Rd
near Ruidosa
down. Then we sat under a spectacu-
lar view of the starlit sky. Joe and
Richard lit a fire and turned up the
country tunes, and we stayed up talk-
ing about everything from the history
of the ranch to the drinks that we
order from Starbucks. When my wife
and I got back to the cabin, we were so
relaxed we sank into the soft sheets.
We couldn’t help but discuss the high-
lights of our personal visit to Chandler
Ranch. The crystal clear water, the
warm sun, the wilderness were all
great, but it was the amazing hospital-
ity of the
Chandlers
and ranch
staff
that
made the
whole trip so
rustic lodging
camping
reservations
required
432.229.4165
remarkable.
I woke up just before the sun rose
and saw Joe and Richard up and at it.
They were warming up by the fire. I
scurried over there like a fox chasing a
mouse. Joe pointed to Independence
Creek, where dozens of deer could be
seen standing in its flow. “I told you
deer drink out of there.” Richard was
brewing a pot of coffee at sunrise, as he
usually does for guests who spend the
night. Mornings on the ranch are fresh
and peaceful.
After breakfast, I had the great priv-
ilege of meeting Joe and Anne’s sweet
mother, Charlena Chandler, who gave
me an autographed copy of her book
On Independence Creek: The Story of a Texas
Ranch. A stay at Chandler Ranch is an
authentic Texan experience with plen-
ty of room for adventure. It is without
question the hidden treasure of all
West Texas destinations. The ranch is
hard to capture on camera. It is simply
something that you must experience
hands-on.
We said our goodbyes and Anne
sent us off with a jug to fill with spring
water. It was sad to pack up all my
legal pads and coonskin hat and head
for home. Whoops, I left behind my
binoculars. I guess we have to go back
and pick them up.
Chandler Ranch cabins and info at
chandlerranch.com. Updates and pic-
tures of its construction can be seen at
facebook.com/ChandlerRanchFans.
Their contact email is info@chandler-
ranch.com.
on-line at: cenizojournal.com
chinatihotsprings.net
Dan and Dianna Burbach,
Managers
H AMMERFEST F ORGE
M ETALWORK S TUDIO
Hammerfest Forge is a source for
finely crafted ironwork
Fireplace equipment • Gates • Railings
Door and cabinet hardware • Signage
Furniture • Lighting (electric & candle)
And much more
Larry Crawford, Metalsmith
830.613.7404
2400 FM 1703 Alpine,Texas
hammerfest@ymail.com
hammerfestforge.com
D AVIS M OUNTAINS
N UT C OMPANY
Roasted and Dipped Pecans
You can taste the difference care makes!
Please stop in for FREE SAMPLES
Hwy 17 in Fort Davis • Open: Mon. - Sat. 9 to 5
Great handmade gourmet gifts!
We ship anywhere year-round
Visit us on the web: www.allpecans.com
800-895-2101 • 432-426-2101
dmnc@allpecans.com
14
Cenizo
Third Quarter 2016