In the opposite direction, the land funnels down to the diamond-shaped top of El Capitan. Beyond spreads the barren brown desert. Over its surface winds the main highway. The pavement looks like a skinny, gray ribbon flung across rumpled flats. Dusty spur roads trail off, wending toward cattle troughs, drill sites and who knows what else.
Distant humps bump the far horizon.
On a clear day, one can gaze into three states from here - Texas, New Mexico and Chihuahua, Mexico. It's a humbling view with vacancy as far as the eye can see. Directly below stands the roof of the Williams Ranch. Sequestered in scenic serenity, it epitomizes the spirit of the Guadalupe Mountains. Robert Belcher's bride needed to give the place more than a 24-hour chance.