The idea for Captive Sunset arose out of a search for a secluded retreat. My sweetheart and I had spent the afternoon driving around looking at small lake cabins after we found what appeared to be a very promising log cabin on the lake but the neighborhood seemed more than a bit questionable.

We were in front of the property that had been advertised as having a lovely lake view when the realtor called to say she was running late to meet us and asked where we were and without missing a beat my sweetheart told her we were on the corner of Knife and Gun Fight. She has a cleaver way of telling me no dice...

Hopes were high as we drove out to see it as log cabins are rare in this part of Texas especially when they back up to the water on a lake that’s close enough to consider commuting from. I've always dreamed about having a log cabin where I could write about my day afield next to a roaring fire in a stone fireplace overlooking the lake with my lab Jessie and sweetheart by my side.

This vision usually is set on a most scenic lot that overlooks a small boat house. Of course it would be fairly secluded, the only exceptions being kindred spirits that are blessed with similar cabins just close enough to be convenient but private enough to not be heard or seen so that the Milky Way in all of its glory would be the only night light that we would need.

Hopes were so high after speaking to the realtor that we nearly put out a for sale sign on our own property before driving up to the lake. Upon arrival our hearts sank as the prison style razor wire on top of a high fence that surrounded the small property told a story of neighbors that were obviously not kindred spirits… Disappointment hung in the air as we drove to see the next property that was surrounded by 20 acres and backs up to the Hagerman NWR.

As the sunset I thought about the wire that changed the lives of my forefathers, early ranchers in the Republic of Texas as well as Native Americans, and the range wars that occurred over the wire. I’m sure that my great-grandfather’s spirit was troubled when he felt the need to fence in the sections of land that he had fought for but I’m sure that he never dreamed about having to live on a couple of acres surrounded by high fence and razor wire.

When I set up for these before and after shots, the first showing what the open range looked like, my spirit was focused on what both my Anglo and Native American ancestors thought the first time they saw a Captive Sunset. I wondered if they realized that the wire changed their journey forever as the range was no longer free to roam...


Blue Moon
Blue Moon's Captive Sunset ©2008

Great story and pics...