Shooting a Music Video in Big Bend of West Texas

After more than a year of dating my boyfriend, Adam—who, if you’ve read my other blogs, you’ll recognize as the infamous Uber Guy—I was excited to share with him the beauty of Big Bend National Park in West Texas, a place that holds a special place in my heart. If you are curious about things to do in West Texas, I would also suggest to check out these posts:

This will mark my 6th visit to West Texas and the Big Bend National Park region in just 4 years. Interestingly, it turned out to be my last visit, as I haven’t returned since. It was November of 2020, amidst the pandemic chaos. My boyfriend, Adam, and I ventured to West Texas for a unique purpose – to shoot his very first music video.

Adam boasts a significant presence on YouTube with his children’s music channel, English Tree, boasting over 2.5 million subscribers. However, this project was for his non-children music channel, Adam Walters, and his debut single is called Starlight. It had been about two years since I had delved into filming anything substantial, a hiatus prompted by a past experience where my ex had criticized my footage harshly (and it got to me). Despite my reservations, Adam was incredibly supportive, encouraging me to embrace this challenge.

Together, we embarked on a journey of exploration and creativity, learning and growing as both individuals and as a couple. The collaborative effort was a beautiful testament to our partnership. You can watch the video we created together here:

Day 1: Austin to Ft Stockton

If you’ve read my previous posts, you might recall that my trips with my ex were often marred by endless complaints about driving and constant blame on me. Those experiences made me extra cautious with anyone I dated, as I wanted to avoid any potential negativity. I was so determined to steer clear of complaints that I limited road trips to a strict maximum of five hours, which I thought was already pushing it.

So, when Adam and I embarked on our first road trip together, I was understandably anxious. We set out from Austin for a five-hour drive to Ft. Stockton, a journey I had carefully planned to avoid any discomfort. To my delight, Adam was a breath of fresh air. He never once complained and has never shown any negativity on the road, even after five years of dating. His positive attitude and open communication have been a stark contrast to my past experiences. In fact, our road trips have only strengthened us as a couple. We’ve driven for up to 12 hours in a single day, and each time, we’ve come out stronger and more connected.

When we finally arrived in Ft. Stockton, Adam was already admiring the scenery, unaware that the best was yet to come. We settled into a cozy motel for the night, thrilled for the adventures ahead. The trip was already a success, thanks to the ease and positivity Adam brought to our journey.

Day 2: Ft Stockton to Terlingua

We had only about 2.5 hours to get to Terlingua, so it was a relatively short drive compared to the day before. As we passed through Alpine, Adam was mesmerized by every block we drove through. I had never met someone so observant, someone who admired the details of everything around us. It was refreshing to see the world through his eyes.

Once we reached Terlingua, we stopped for lunch at the High Sierra Bar & Grill. Adam was thrilled to explore the town; his excitement was palpable. He was fascinated by the steam-punk art scattered around and the ghost town vibe that seemed to whisper stories from the past.

Our accommodation for the night was a tipi hosted by Marc. This wasn’t my first time on Marc’s land; I had camped there on a previous trip. His sprawling property had always been a favorite of mine, offering budget-friendly options for adventurers seeking an authentic connection with nature. Though, it seems he may have discontinued renting his land on Airbnb, which is a shame because it’s such a hidden gem.

After settling in, Adam and I began preparing for the music video we had planned to shoot. We put on our costumes, and my gosh, filming a music video with just two people is no easy feat! But we did what we could, and the breathtaking backdrop of the Chihuahuan Desert made every effort worth it. The vast landscape added an epic touch to our project, making it an experience we’ll never forget.

After a couple of hours of filming, we settled back into our tipi. For Adam, the experience of staying in a tipi added an exciting new dimension to our journey, infusing it with an extra layer of intrigue and adventure. Amidst the flickering glow of the campfire, surrounded by the rustling of the wind through the desert brush, we found ourselves immersed in the magic of the starlight above us, eager for the adventures that lay ahead.

Day 3: Canoeing Through Santa Elena Canyon

We kicked off the day with steaming cups of coffee and burritos at Espresso Y Poco Mas, fueling up for what promised to be an unforgettable adventure. Our chosen escapade? A thrilling rafting trip along the Rio Grande, a gem we stumbled upon through Airbnb Experiences. While I’d previously opted for Far Flung Experiences in the past, they were temporarily closed due to the pandemic, so that’s how I came across this particular experience.

Adam and I were eager to capture some footage for our music video, and the guides suggested a canoeing excursion through Santa Elena Canyon—a departure from our initial plan of white water rafting as a group. Their cautionary warnings about the potential dangers on canoe gave us pause, but we ultimately decided to seize the opportunity. And we couldn’t have been happier with our choice! The rush of adrenaline was invigorating, and navigating the canyon’s waters was surprisingly manageable. Honestly, the prospect of white water rafting seemed lackluster and overcrowded in comparison to the peaceful yet thrilling experience of paddling through the majestic Santa Elena Canyon. If you’re interested in venturing in this specific Airbnb experience you can find that link HERE.

We then delved into the ghostly remnants of Terlingua, with a specific pit stop at the Terlingua Trading Company. Here, we reveled in the laid-back atmosphere, mingling with fellow travelers as we sipped on ice-cold beers and lounged in the welcoming ambiance. It was here that I snagged an awesome bumper sticker sporting the motto “Viva La Terlingua,” a cherished memento that adorned my car for over 5 years.

As night descended, we found ourselves nestled in a remarkable abode known as an earth home. Its unique architecture and beauty captivated us from the moment we arrived. Unfortunately, our attempts to operate the solar shower proved futile, prompting a brief excursion to a nearby location recommended by our hosts—although the exact details escape me now. What remains etched in my memory, however, are the breathtaking stars that adorned the night sky, a celestial display made all the more spectacular by our remote location, a stone’s throw from the bustling town. Definitely check this beautiful Airbnb out, you can find that link HERE.

Day 4: Backpacking the South Rim

We rose before dawn, ready to tackle the South Rim Trail. This was Adam’s first time backpacking, so we geared him up with the essentials. I took the opportunity to upgrade some of my own equipment as well. If you’re curious about what I bring on my backpacking adventures, you can check out my current gear list here:

  • My Current Backpacking Gear

Backpacking in Big Bend is never easy—switchback after switchback, the trail challenges you at every turn. But the reward is worth every step. The views are nothing short of breathtaking, and the night sky at Big Bend is an experience that words can hardly capture. With no light pollution and a new moon, the stars put on a show like I’ve never seen before. The entire sky was alive, twinkling and glowing with countless stars and shooting stars streaking across the heavens. It was as if the universe had put on a special display just for us. Truly magical!

Our adventure was punctuated by some extraordinary wildlife encounters. At one point, we found ourselves extremely close to a Mexican black bear—a thrilling yet humbling experience. Later, Adam spotted a bear galloping through the valley, adding an unexpected element of excitement to our trek. These moments reminded us of the wild beauty and unpredictability of Big Bend, making our journey even more memorable.

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Day 5: Big Bend to Marfa

–Discuss about viewing beautiful vistas —

As we began our descent down the South Rim Trail, disaster struck. I stepped on a tiny rock, and before I knew it, I had twisted my ankle. This wasn’t my first time dealing with a sprained ankle—Machu Picchu had already seen to that—but this time, the pain was different. My ankle throbbed with an intensity I’d never experienced before. Still, with adrenaline coursing through my veins, I managed to push through. We had another six miles to go, and I wasn’t about to let a sprained ankle stop me. But by the time we reached the car, I could barely walk an inch

Determined to make the most of our day, we headed to the Fossil Discovery Exhibit, where we marveled at the remnants of dinosaurs that once roamed this land. It’s fascinating to think that Big Bend, now a rugged and arid landscape, was once covered by an ancient ocean teeming with life. The fossils we saw were like whispers from a time long past, telling stories of a world that existed millions of years ago.

After that, we made our way to Marfa, a two-hour drive from Big Bend National Park. We treated ourselves to a much-deserved meal at The Waterstop—every bite was like heaven after the grueling trek. Despite the pain in my ankle, which had only worsened by this point, we couldn’t resist stopping by the St. George Hotel for dessert. My ankle was in agony, and walking even a centimeter felt like torture, but the dessert was worth it.

We ended the day by checking into a rustic Airbnb housed in a 100-year-old antique building. The charm of the old architecture, with its creaky floors, vintage decor, and worn piano, added a unique touch to our adventure. The building’s character was the perfect fit for our music video, so naturally we did a bit of filming there too! You can check out that Airbnb HERE.

Day 5: A Relaxing Day in Marfa

Today was all about taking it easy. In the past, I had only visited Marfa during the weekdays, when the town is usually quiet and many places are closed. Marfa is one of those quirky spots where shops and galleries open and close on a whim, so it’s always a bit of a gamble. But weekends are different—there’s a buzz in the air as vacationers fill the town. I was thrilled to finally explore some of the art stores and coffee shops that I’d missed on previous visits.

We also made a delightful drive out to Valentine to see the Prada installation, where we met a fascinating guy named John Thornton, who was moving from Austin, TX, to Wyoming. With him was a woman who mentioned she was from Kyle, TX—just a neighboring town from Austin. She confidently declared that she was going to be the mayor of Kyle one day. We had a great chat, filmed together for a bit, and enjoyed the serendipitous meeting. As John Thornton continued his journey to Wyoming, we couldn’t help but think that “John Thornton and The Mayor of Kyle” would make an excellent band name or even a great song title.

Adam made me an amazing sandwhich

Despite my severely swollen ankle, Adam made sure I didn’t miss out on anything. He drove me around as we captured more footage for his music video. Fortunately, my role was minimal—I just had to hold the camera, which was a relief given my condition. One of the highlights of the day was seeing the Marfa Lights together. These mysterious, glowing orbs appear on the horizon and have puzzled visitors for years. Some say they’re caused by car headlights or atmospheric conditions, but no one really knows for sure. Witnessing them was a magical and eerie experience that added to the unique charm of our trip.

We were staying at El Cosmico, a place that holds a special spot in my heart. I’ve always camped there in a tent during past visits, but this time, we were lucky enough to stay in one of their eclectic RVs. El Cosmico is a truly special place, offering a blend of creativity and rustic charm. It even has a communal kitchen, so after a long day of filming, Adam cooked us a nice meal, and we stayed in to enjoy a cozy night together.

Marfa always has a way of making me feel like I’m stepping into another world, and this trip was no exception. I always love my time in Marfa.

Day 6: Farewell to Marfa

With a mix of nostalgia and contentment, we bid farewell to Marfa and the enchanting El Cosmico as we packed up and began our journey back to Austin, TX. There’s always something bittersweet about leaving a place like Marfa—a town brimming with creativity, mystery, and undeniable charm. Ending my Big Bend hiking trips in Marfa has become a tradition I cherish deeply.

As we drove away, I found myself reflecting on the incredible experiences we’d had: the ghostly allure of Terlingua, the serene beauty of kayaking through Santa Elena Canyon, the rugged adventure of backpacking in the Chisos Mountains, and even the challenge of spraining my ankle along the way. Through it all, I felt incredibly blessed to have an amazing traveling companion like Adam by my side. We’ve shared so many adventures since, and each one has strengthened our bond.

You know you’ve found your person when traveling together feels effortless, even when the journey gets tough. As the miles slipped by, the magic of Marfa lingered with us, tucked away like a cherished memory we can revisit anytime.