The first time I stayed in Tin Valley was in July a few years ago. Not many folks were there, and we stayed in Pancho Villa, a refurbished Airstream that was wonderful. We had a perfect view of the Milky Way at night, and spent our days in Big Bend - and had both places almost to ourselves. This week we returned to Tin Valley prepared to camp, but then a record-breaking snowstorm settled in. Rhonda moved us to a converted trailer with room for the four of us, heat, and a kitchenette.

Rhonda is a wonder. The place is pretty much off-the-grid, so don’t go if you want to be pampered and online. Go if you want a taste of independence, to hear coyotes howling at night, and zero light noise to see the sky. Can’t wait to return.