The Hidden Gem that is Pine Canyon
Life is Change, Good or Bad
SOMEWHERE IN THE LOWER BIG BEND: Up from Croton Spring, between the two branches that fork off the attending arroyo, sits a low pass joining these two watersheds. To this day remnants of old trails can be found running hither and yon in this area,…
Beware of Comfortable Places in the Desert
SOMEWHERE IN THE LOWER BIG BEND: When summer comes to this unforgiving land, the wary and wise adjust their sojourning accordingly. Even the wildlife does so, and they know their challenging environment better than any man. They lay up during the day more, and those…
Respect Private Property
SOMEWHERE IN THE LOWER BIG BEND: Evening was coming on as I finished the last mile of a day-long loop along the western slopes of the Rosillos. Atop some high ground, I looked behind to watch the golden hour settling in across the face of…
Cuidado: The Desert is NOT Your Friend
SOMEWHERE IN THE LOWER BIG BEND: This past Wednesday found me prowling along the northern reaches of the Rosillos, enjoying the rich verdancy of recent rains that will soon disappear. Then the only greenery will be at Buttrill Spring, hidden from view by the foothills…
My Roots are Here
SOMEWHERE IN THE LOWER BIG BEND: Since starting my writing efforts some six years ago, there have been so many things to be grateful for. Chiefly are those readers and friends who have encouraged, as well as supported, my new found endeavors. Their acts of…
Those Who Stand in the Breach
USS TEXAS: 100 YEARS LATER
USS TEXAS: 100 YEARS LATER By: Ben H. English (Written in 2012) If Douglas MacArthur was correct in old soldiers gradually fading away, then old sailors surely do the same by rusting into oblivion. Like the robust young seamen who once manned her battle stations,…
A SHORT HISTORY OF CHECHNYA AND CHECHEN TERRORISM
A SHORT HISTORY OF CHECHNYA AND CHECHEN TERRORISM By Ben H. English “A time will come when the whole world will go mad. And to anyone who is not mad they will say: ‘You are mad, for you are not like us.’” -St. Anthony …