My "Quest" to get to Marathon started with a 'Southern Living' article about the Big Bend Region almost a decade ago. In 2011 I tried to make it here when I was working in Austin, the resulting experience recounted in an earlier Smitty's Blog post I am Not the Alien you're Looking For. This year I was finally able to get to Marathon and stay for an extended visit.
Marathon is different because of the things it doesn't have and the things it does. It has low humidity, few people and nonexistent traffic. I have never done well with crowds and, to be honest, I spend most of my time back where I live either in my office or on the porch. I almost dread going anywhere. In Marathon, and its surroundings, I don't mind getting out and doing things. The 30 mile drive to the next town is better and more relaxing than the 10 minute drive to the store next door at home.
Two of my absolute favorite things in life are the night sky and watching thunderstorms. Marathon is a Bortle Class 1 place (Bortle Scale), the darkest you can get. I have been able to sit outside and clearly see literally millions of stars and the MilkyWay vs about a dozen stars at home. Also, because of the High Desert landscape I can see storms all the way into Mexico.
Here I have made new friendships, reaffirmed old ones and even been able to to significantly make my marriage better; through my change in outlook. I have even found a Church that I feel at home in: Not a minor thing. This trip hasn't been perfect, nothing is. But, it has improved my quality of life, the way I see myself, and my outlook for the future.
If you follow this Blog (both of you) you might notice this is the first post in three years. That's because I haven't felt like writing, I didn't have anything important to say. Being in Marathon has changed that.
Marathon is not "Home": that is reserved for where my family is. But its a place that has allowed me to rediscover myself and feel alive like I haven't in a long time. I have plans to return, soon and often, but none of us knows what the future holds. Fortunately I have been able to fulfill my Bucket List here; so I will have no regrets should this be my only visit.
Marathon for me isn't just a change in Scenery & Location, but has allowed a "regeneration" of who I really am.
It took Years to get here, but it was Worth the Wait.
