delicious sight of water, trees and grass more than
makes up for it.
The back of the guest house opens to a rock terrace
and beyond that, a lawn sloping down to the water. In
warm weather that lovely clear water would invite a
plunge. It being winter, I’m not tempted, but I do wish
for a canoe. A little stroll around to one end of the first
pond takes you to an outdoor entertainment area, re -
ferred to as the Pavilion, framed by attractive rock
work. It is equipped with a barbecue grill, tables and
chairs, and there’s enough space for large groups.
Our ranch-style house is attractive and comfortable.
The spacious living room is furnished with deep, comfy
chairs and couches and has a rock fireplace that covers
most of one wall. The kitchen is equipped with every-
thing a cook would need.
Friends who have driven in from San Antonio,
Dallas and Austin come wandering in. After a commu-
nal lasagna dinner, we all turn in early. Tucked under
the folds of a soft quilt, I fall asleep to the sound of
absolute quiet.
Next morning, I take a jeep ride with two others to
check out the preserve. A prairie dog settlement has
established itself on the other side of the pond. Dozens
of these curious little creatures pop their heads out of
holes and blink at us with large black eyes.
The road follows the creek. Kept full year round by
several springs, the creek is one of the few remaining
recoverable fresh water tributaries of the lower Pecos
River. Caroline Spring, located at the headquarters,
produces 3,000 to 5,000 gallons per minute and com-
prises about 25 percent of the creek’s flow. The creek
itself increases the Pecos River water volume by 42 per-
cent.
The pristine waters of this desert oasis make a sub-
stantial contribution to wildlife downstream of the
Pecos River corridor. The creek itself sustains diverse,
abundant flora and fauna, including several rare and
endangered species.
Although we don’t see any fish, they are here. The
threatened proserpine shiner makes its home here. Its
dwindling numbers are the result of a vanishing spring-
fed habitat. For tunately, they will always have a home
here in Indepen dence Creek.
Many species of birds flock to the area. It’s an ideal
spot for birders or anyone who appreciates birds.
Among the species to be seen are vermillion fly catch-
ers, three species of kingfishers, indigo bunting, scissor-
tailed flycatchers, prairie falcons, golden eagles, wood
ducks, great blue herons, ladder-backed woodpeckers,
zone tailed hawks and wood ducks. If you’re lucky, you
might catch sight of the endangered black-capped
vireo.
Independence Creek is in a valley. Its lush plateau
makes a dramatic contrast to the surrounding rugged
canyon hills, covered with desert scrub and juniper
woodlands. Live oaks, remnants of vegetation that once
grew here thousands of years ago when the climate was
wetter and cooler, grow down by the water. They inter-
mix with a variety of other trees, including little wal-
nuts, Texas persimmons and black willows.
The jeep passes a few other roads marked with
faded, unreadable signs. Since it is drawing close to
departure time, discovering the mystery of where these
signs lead will have to wait until another time.
Noon has passed, and it’s time to head back home.
The visit has been far too short, but the tranquil beau-
ty of this place has been a wonderful escape from “real”
life. To fortify ourselves for the long desert drive back
to Fort Davis, we search for a Coke and hope to get one
in either Sheffield or Dryden, but both towns are closed
up tight. Once you leave the hidden oasis you’re on
your own for a good many miles.
This summer, I look forward to returning for one of
the preserve’s open weekends. It will be a chance to
refresh the spirit and finally go swimming. The water
looks lovely.
Cenizo
Second Quarter 2013
25