CIBOLO CREEK RANCH

Above is scenic Route 67, south of Marfa, Texas and on the way to the Texas border town of Presidio.   Marfa to the border is some 60 miles...and about half way is the Cibolo (SEE b low) Creek Ranch. Cibolo Ranch consists of some 50 sections of land....a section is a nominal square mile, or about 640 acres.  So the math tells us Cibolo is > than 30,000 acres of land!!

Here is the entrance to Cibolo, with the Chinati Mountains in the back ground.   Cibolo dates back to the early to mid 1800's, and the history of the ranch is very interesting.   The ranch is now solely owned by John Poindexter, a Houston multi millionaire.  Poindexter has a history of personal successes, finishing his BA degree in less than 3 years....and his MBA in 9 months....not to mention his PhD in Economics....also in record time.

Poindexter spent lots of time, energy and money to bring the old "forts" that make up the ranch up to date.   The ranch has multiple uses but primarily it is a West Texas private get away for those with "means".  The ranch has a 7500 foot long runway for those guests who desire to fly in on their private jets.....like Mick Jagger, who has been a regular at the ranch for some time.

"Wrinkled Rocker" Mick has brought his family and his entourage to the West Texas resort, hiring out a whole section of guest quarters...money not being an object.  The "lesser rooms" at the resort have nightly rates in the hundreds....and if you want more seclusion and attention from the staff you are talking in the several thousands.

The main part of the ranch is the Cibolo Creek location seen here.  If you want more privacy there are two other locations about 45 minutes away by car called Cienega and Morita...both restored old forts that now spare no luxury.

One of the courtyards with guest quarters lined along the left.  As you can see, the architecture is decidedly Spanish with an upscale fortress like theme.   A nice place to stay...if your wallet can handle it.

More evidence of the Spanish architecture....with an ornate cross hanging over the door.   The resort is a very well done blend of old design with contemporary upgrades...a design that works quite well.   Mr. Poindexter, for example, had his dining chairs hand made to reflect the early 1800's Spanish style of the period.

There are many fascinating "public" rooms such as the saddle room...this room also reflects many of the public writings about the resort....most of them glowing.

Here is the main dining area with the specially designed chairs that Mr Poindexter saw in an old New Mexico furniture book and had replicated to his specs.   

Well, to end anyone's curiosity we did not stay here....we came with new friends Betty and John on the ranch open house day, courtesy of Mr Poindexter.

                           Betty, John and Pam on our tour.

There are many gorgeous, big sky vistas like this one to enjoy when you drive the hundreds of miles of Cibolo ranch roads.  It was a pleasure for us to experience it.

On the way back North to Marfa and ultimately, Fort Davis, we had to make the requisite stop at the Marfa Border Patrol checkpoint.  What a great day to enjoy with new friends....another fantastic West Texas experience....this time to see "how the other half lives".