Subscribe now

Indian Head Trail is one of them.

Here’s the thing about living somewhere people travel from all over the world to visit, you learn fast which places the guidebooks get right and which ones they miss entirely. You won’t really find the Indian Head trail in the guidebooks, but that’s for good reason.

This trail sits on the western edge of Big Bend, accessed from outside the park off Highway 118. You will want to look for Indian Head Road just north of Big Bend Resort & Adventures. It’s easy to blow past if you don’t know it’s there. You will want to follow the dirt road for a little over a mile until it dead-ends at the park boundary. You’ll walk through a small gate and follow the faint trail until you see an information side.

The hike itself is just under 2 miles, nearly flat, and takes less than an hour at an easy pace. I’ve been many times and every time, it gives me something new.

I want you to understand what’s actually out here, because I think people walk past it without realizing what they’re looking at.

The boulders at the base of Indian Head Mountain are covered in petroglyphs and pictographs, carvings, and paintings made by human hands thousands of years ago.

There are also grinding holes worn into the bedrock, bowls carved over generations by people processing seeds and plants, and a small natural spring at the trail’s end. In the Chihuahuan Desert, water is life. People returned to this spot for thousands of years, and you can feel the weight of all those return trips.

Staring at the pictographs is almost spiritual. And, that’s what this desert is, if you slow down enough to let it be.

Since I live here, let me tell you what the internet won’t:

There is no shade. Pack more water than you think is reasonable and then add more. In spring and summer, temperatures climb fast and they climb mean. At least a liter per hour, more if you’re bringing kids or older folks.

The dirt road is fine in dry weather for most vehicles, but after rain it becomes a different thing entirely. If it’s rained recently, wait.

Come at sunrise if you can. The light on those boulders in the early morning is worth the alarm. Indian Head Road is also one of the best stargazing spots near the park, dark enough out there that the sky actually does what it’s supposed to do.

Bring your Big Bend pass. The trail is inside the park boundary even though you reach it from outside.

No camping, no pets, no wheeled vehicles on the trail. Pack out everything you pack in. There are no facilities out here, and that’s exactly how it should be.

Do not touch the petroglyphs. Do not take artifacts from the ground. And please, please do not add your name to anything out there.

Vandalizing archaeological resources on federal land is a federal crime: up to $20,000 in fines and two years in prison. But honestly, the law is the least of it. The real cost is what gets lost and never comes back.

This place was here long before us. With the right kind of respect, it’ll be here long after.

From your local friend,

Mallory

Subscribe now

Our season has officially ended at the restaurant, and the change of pace has been such a gift. I’ve had more time to slow down and really connect with people, and I’ve met so many incredible humans at LDP who follow my content. It genuinely inspires me to keep creating. This is my favorite part of the work: the people. We get to meet amazing individuals from all over the world, and that fills me up in a way that’s hard to describe.

On another note, my final grade is in.. I am officially a graduate of Arkansas State University with my Master’s in Strategic Communication in Social Media! I learned so much in this program and have seen real progress in building my own brand. I can’t wait to see what comes next. I look forward to creating, coaching, and consulting more in the future!

Subscribe now

We also got out on the trail this week and hiked one of our favorite trails, Indian Head. If you want a truly spiritual experience, walk where our ancestors did. You should see where they lived, experience the pictographs. This place is so special and so rich with history.

Indian Head Trail - Big Bend National Park

We are three weeks away from our journey.. Camino de Santiago, here we come! Now that grad school is behind me, the excitement is really building. If you’re new here: my husband Andy and I are walking 500 miles across Northern Spain this summer, and I’ll be bringing all of you along with me. We walked the Portugese Way last summer and it was an incredible experience. This one, though, is going to be something else entirely.

Catch up on our trip from last summer here:

Camino de Santiago - Portugese

We’re still working out our summer schedule at the restaurant and I’m not quite sure what things will look like yet. I’ll update you all as soon as I know more. Thank you so much for your support!

-M

Leave a comment

Subscribe now

Three years ago, everything changed. I went from having a structured career to being completely unemployed and at the same time, completely self-employed. There was no safety net, no guaranteed paycheck, no clear roadmap, but just a decision that we was going to figure it out. No matter what.

Today, I work for myself in every sense of the word. I contract with Keller Williams, co-own two restaurants with my husband, create content full-time, sell merchandise for our restaurant, and I’m in the process of launching something new that I’m really excited about. It didn’t happen overnight, and it definitely didn’t happen in a straight line. It’s been messy, uncertain, and at times extremely overwhelming, but also the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done.

Because when you bet on yourself, you don’t just build a business: you build a life. And that comes with a different level of responsibility. There are no off days, no one else to point to when things don’t go right. You wake up every day and decide if you’re going to show up and make it work. That’s the part most people don’t talk about.

I’ve always been a worker. I love the grind. I love the day-to-day, the problem-solving, the constant movement forward. I’m a visionary, but I’m also someone who genuinely enjoys putting in the work. There are long days, intense pressure, the figuring it out as you go. That’s what makes this life work. Dreaming is easy. Executing is where most people stop.

There have been moments over the last three years where it would have been easier to go back and choose something stable, predictable, and comfortable. But I knew that wasn’t the life I wanted. I wanted ownership. I wanted freedom. I wanted to build something that felt like mine. So I kept going.

If you’re sitting on an idea, a move, or a decision you know you want to make, take this as your sign. Not in a cliché way, in a real way. Go after it. But understand that this path will ask more of you than you expect. It’s not about chasing comfort, it’s about chasing purpose. It will push you, stretch you, and force you to grow.

Chase your passions like you’re on fire. Go all in. Because your dreams are yours: no one else is going to build them for you. This is your life.

Cheering for you.

-M

Subscribe now

Subscribe now

A lot of work, a lot of creating, and a lot of thinking about what’s next… because I officially finished grad school.. WHOOHOO! 🎉 It’s one of those milestones that feels big, but also a little surreal. Like, okay… now what? And truthfully, I’m really excited about that question. Stay tuned.

At the same time, this was our first real week of business slowing down. After the chaos of busy season, it’s honestly nice to take a breath. But if you own a seasonal business, you know the deal. When things slow down, it’s not time to coast, it’s time to prepare. Summer is coming, and we’re already shifting gears to make sure we’re ready for it.

And speaking of what’s next… we officially leave in less than a month for the Camino. I cannot even explain how excited I am. Over the next couple of weeks, I’m going to start sharing everything: what we’re packing, our plans, and how we’re getting ready to trek over 500 miles across Spain. It’s going to be a full journey, and I want to bring you along for all of it.

I’ve been in the gym every day, really focusing on getting my body ready to move. That’s been a non-negotiable for me lately. We also made a last-minute decision that I’m very okay with for our trip. We’re using a suitcase service, so we won’t be carrying everything on our backs every single day. That said, we’ll still have our daily backpacks, so packing is still strategic. I’ll show you exactly what we’re bringing soon.

Outside of work and prep, there were some really special moments this week too. I got to help my goddaughter get ready for her prom, and she looked absolutely beautiful. And yes, we do have a school out here. It’s small, tight-knit, and the kids here are just really good humans. It was fun to see her experience something like that in a place like this.

We also made it a point to get outside this weekend because the weather was just too good to waste. We stopped at the Contrabando Movie Set, one of our favorite quick spots, and I shared more about it over on Substack.

And speaking of Substack… it’s been so fun. Seriously, thank you for being here. Getting to connect with you all, whether it’s online or in person, has been one of my favorite parts of this whole journey.

I’m already working on a content plan for when we get back from our summer travels, and I want to build it around what you actually want to see. So tell me, what do you want more of?

Because we’re about to ramp things up in a big way.

-M

Leave a comment

Subscribe now

We didn’t have a ton of time before work, so we hopped in the car, headed down River Road, and decided to make a quick stop at one of our favorite spots: Contrabando Movie Set.

If you didn’t know it was there, you’d probably drive right past it. It sits about 9.5 miles west of Lajitas on the left side of River Road, tucked right along the river, and it has this quiet, almost forgotten feel to it.

The old adobe structure is still standing, and knowing that multiple movies were filmed there just adds another layer to it. It’s one of those places where you can’t help but imagine what it looked like when it was in use; the crews, cameras, stories being brought to life in the middle of the desert.

Subscribe now

It’s perfect for a quick picnic, or honestly just sitting there and taking it all in before heading back into the day. No crowds, no pressure to do anything. It’s just a really beautiful spot to exist for a little while.

We didn’t have hours to spend out there, and we definitely had things waiting for us back at the restaurant, but getting outside completely shifts your mindset.

Living out here has taught me that it doesn’t always have to be a big hike or a full day in the park to matter. Sometimes it’s just about choosing to go, even when your schedule says you don’t have time.

And more often than not, those are the moments that stick with you the most.

If you find yourself out this way, it’s absolutely worth the stop. It’s easy, it’s beautiful, and it’s one of those places that reminds you why being out here is so special.

-M

Leave a comment

This week, we made it back out to our place on Terlingua Ranch, and every time we go, I’m reminded why we fell in love with this area in the first place. This was actually our first place here, before everything else, and it still holds something really special for us. There’s a quiet out there that’s hard to explain unless you’ve experienced it. And the sunsets… truly some of the best you’ll ever see.

We do have it listed for sale, not because we don’t love it, but simply because we don’t get to spend enough time out there anymore. It deserves to be enjoyed fully, and right now, our days are pretty full in a different way.

Subscribe now

But, back in town, it was a busy one across the board.

Real estate has been steady (in the best way), with a lot of upcoming meetings and conversations in motion. It’s one of those seasons where things are building behind the scenes, and I’m leaning into it.

Over at Long Draw, we were busier than we expected, which is always a good problem to have. Friday night was especially fun because we got to host a group from the Big Bend Conservancy. It’s always great seeing familiar faces and connecting with people who care so deeply about this place. Nights like that remind me how connected this little town really is.

On the personal side, I’ve officially entered full packing mode.

We’re getting ready for Spain, and I’ve been going back and forth on backpack choices more times than I’d like to admit. If you’ve ever tried to pack for multiple types of trips at once… you get it. I think we’ve landed on a solution, but I’m waiting on one more bag to come in before I fully commit. I’ll share what I end up going with, because I know I’m not the only one who overthinks this part.

And as if that wasn’t enough, we’re rolling straight from Europe into an Alaskan cruise in mid-July… which means the suitcase logistics are getting a little wild. We can’t bring everything, so it’s been a bit of a puzzle figuring out how to pack for completely different climates and experiences in one stretch.

But honestly, it’s a good kind of problem to have.

This week felt like a mix of slowing down and speeding up at the same time. Moments of quiet out on the ranch, balanced with full days of work, planning, and prepping for what’s ahead.

Grateful for all of it and I’ll be sharing more soon on what I’m packing, what I’m learning, and everything in between.

Oh, one last hooray…

I’M DONE WITH GRAD SCHOOL THIS WEEK!

I will soon have a Master’s in Strategic Communication with an emphasis on social media.

WE DID IT!!

Love you all,

Mallory

Subscribe now

This trip with us has been on my dad’s radar for a while, and we finally got a day off after our busy season. For those who don’t know us yet, my dad and I are super close. When my husband and I moved to Terlingua after buying a little pizza place, my dad wasn’t far behind. We’re lucky to have him as our personal guide, and he also runs Jeep and ATV tours with Far Flung. If you’re interested in booking a tour, give Far Flung a call for more details!

Subscribe now

We set out for Buena Suerte, and I’d recommend having a guide if you want to access the site by vehicle. I can’t even begin to describe how much I loved this trip.

Along the way, we took time to snap photos and explore the land. The road to the ghost town is part of the Marfa-Terlingua Road, which was the original route from the mines to the towns. Just imagine the people who once made this trek. The history blows my mind sometimes.

One of the things I love most about living here is the plant life. We spotted a few living rock cacti, and I learned that they’re actually protected due to being an endangered species of wild flora. We also took a moment to admire the stunning limestone and gypsum, it looked like a mountain full of diamonds! Gypsum is used in a wide range of applications, from drywall to certain foods and pharmaceuticals. This stop was one of my favorites.

When we arrived at the ghost town, I was absolutely blown away. From what I understand, the Fresno mines began operations in the 1940s and ceased in 1973. During both world wars, the United States was the leading producer of mercury, so this area primarily served as housing for the mine workers. There was even a post office here at one point.

We wandered through the grounds, soaking in the history and the breathtaking views. Can you imagine this place once buzzing with life? My dad then took us to the Fresno Mine, where we got to see the remnants of the entire operation. I love history, and it’s fascinating to imagine what it would’ve been like back in its prime.

This place is filled with stunning plants, wildlife, and a deep history that takes you back in time. I highly recommend booking a trip to see Buena Suerte. If you’re heading to the Big Bend area, be sure to ask for Chris at Far Flung. I can promise you an unforgettable experience!

Interested in seeing it on YouTube? Click the link below:

YouTube Video: Our Trip to Buena Suerte

Subscribe now

See you out west!

-M

We’re also gearing up for our big 500-mile walk this June (Camino de Santiago), which still feels a little surreal to say out loud. I’ve started thinking through how I want to document it, and I’m leaning toward sharing updates here on Substack and on YouTube, then pushing everything out to my other channels. So if you want to follow along in real time, make sure you’re subscribed. I have a feeling this is going to be something really special.

Subscribe now

This week felt a little magical. I got to hike Cattail Falls with my dad for the second time, and it was just one of those perfect West Texas mornings. We had the trail mostly to ourselves, and after a good rain, everything out there just feels alive. It’s one of those places that reminds you to slow down and take it all in.

Work has been really good, too. The restaurant is starting to slow down as we move out of peak season, which always shifts my focus a bit. Real estate has been a big priority lately. For those of you who may not know, outside of the restaurants, I coach and consult in real estate. I help people start their careers and grow their businesses, with Keller Williams, specifically with Keller Williams Austin. I genuinely love what I get to do. These conversations around growth, business, and building something meaningful never get old to me. And, it’s crazy that I hit 10 years in the business last December!

Speaking of business, I’ve got something fun in the works for this fall. If you’re a small business owner, or someone trying to grow your brand or presence on social media, just know… I’m building something for you. More to come soon.

And a big personal milestone: I have TWO weeks left of grad school. I can’t even believe I’m typing that. I’ll officially have my Master’s in Strategic Communication with a focus in social media. It’s been a lot of work, but also incredibly rewarding. To be able to pair real-world experience with actual education in this space has been a game changer, and I’ve already seen the impact. I’ve loved marketing and social media for as long as I can remember so to be able to communicate strategically has worked wonders for our businesses.

If there’s one thing this week reminded me, it’s this: you’ve got to roll with it. Power outages, unexpected challenges, things completely out of your control: it’s all part of it. You figure it out, you keep moving, and you don’t let it steal your joy.

Life is good. I’m grateful. And I’m really glad you’re here.

—Mallory

Subscribe now

Subscribe now

This week, I made one of those decisions.

Nothing catastrophic. No major fallout. If you walked into the restaurant, you probably wouldn’t have noticed anything was “wrong.” But behind the scenes, I knew. We were too short-handed. And the truth is, it didn’t happen by accident, it happened because of a decision I made.

I made a call too quicky and I assumed we could make it work. I didn’t adjust early enough. And in a business like a restaurant, especially out here in Terlingua, those small calls compound quickly.

And, what that looked like in real time was a team stretched thinner than they should have been, longer ticket times, and more pressure in the kitchen. There was less margin for error. Everyone still showed up, still worked hard, still delivered, but it wasn’t the standard I expect from myself as a leader. I screwed up.

And that’s the part that sucks. I put my team in a tough position.

These are the things people don’t see when they think about owning a business, especially a restaurant. They see the full dining room, the food, the atmosphere, the brand, and fun times. What they don’t see are the decisions made days before… the ones that either set your team up to win or quietly make things harder than they need to be.

This is the kind of thing that keeps me up at night.

Not because it was a disaster, but because it didn’t have to happen.

As an owner/operator, you carry a different level of responsibility. You don’t get to pass it off or explain it away. If the team is struggling, if the system is strained, if things feel harder than they should: it’s on you to trace it back and own it.

And this one? It was on me.

But there’s something important in that, too.

These small mistakes are rarely about one bad decision; they’re about awareness. They’re signals. They show you where your systems are tight, where your assumptions are off, and where you need to level up as a leader.

Because if you ignore them, they do turn into bigger problems.

It leads to staff burnout, inconsistent service, missed opportunities, and resentment to your own business. It’s all a slow erosion of the standard you’ve worked so hard to build.

That’s how it starts. Quietly.

So here’s the lesson I’m taking with me:

Small decisions deserve the same level of attention as the big ones.
Because in business, there’s no such thing as “just this once.”

Every schedule you approve, every shift you leave uncovered, every time you assume it will “probably be fine”: you’re either protecting the standard or chipping away at it.

And leadership is really just a series of those choices, stacked over time.

This week was a reminder that the standard doesn’t slip all at once. yet it slips in moments. In decisions that feel minor and in the things no one else would ever notice.

But you do, and you will.

And if you’re doing this right… you don’t ignore that feeling. You learn from it, you tighten things up, and you move forward better than you were before.

That’s the job.

I’m always learning.

-M

Leave a comment

Subscribe now

My dad and I got out early and headed toward Cattail Falls. The weather was absolutely perfect. It was cool, quiet, and just enough breeze to make you feel awake but not rushed. It was the kind of morning where everything feels still in the best way.

We had the trail to ourselves almost the entire time.

The hike itself is a little over 5 miles round trip, but just know that you’ll have to park about 1.5 miles from the actual trailhead and walk in from there. It adds a little distance, but honestly, it’s part of what keeps the experience what it is. I would start early because there is very little shade until you get to the falls.

And when you get there… it feels like pure magic.

Cattail Falls is one of those places that doesn’t feel real at first. Water in the desert always stops you in your tracks. It’s quiet, tucked away, and incredibly fragile. That’s the part that matters most.

Subscribe now

Please note: if you go, respect it.

Don’t bathe in the water. Don’t add anything to it. Don’t treat it like it’s there for you to use: it’s there to exist. The ecosystem out there is delicate, and it stays special because people choose to protect it.

On the way back, we started passing people heading in and it reminded me how rare it is to have a place like that to yourself, even for a little while.

It wasn’t just a hike. It was time well spent. With my dad, in a place that continues to give more than it takes, if you let it.

These are the moments I’m trying to build more of.

Out here, you don’t have to go far to remember what matters.

Grateful to be here.

Thanks for being here!

-Mal

Leave a comment

Subscribe now

This week slowed me down… whether I liked it or not.

I got hit hard early in the week. Monday started with a sore throat, and by Tuesday I couldn’t get out of bed. The body aches, fever, cough: the whole works.

And if you’re anything like me, being forced to stop is one of the hardest things.

There’s always something to do. Sitting still? Not exactly my strong suit.

But sometimes your body makes the call for you.

I finally started feeling like myself again on Saturday and made it back to work. Huge thank you to my husband for holding everything down this week. That’s the reality of what we’ve built: when one of us is out, the other steps all the way in.

Subscribe now

Of course, the desert didn’t take a break.

Saturday rolled in with one of the wildest storms we’ve seen in a while. If you caught it on social, you know that the wind was insane. There were even rumors of a tornado touching down in the Ghost Town.

Out here, we get these sudden microbursts that come in fast, loud, and a little intimidating if you’re not used to them.

Somehow, we only had a few power flickers and never fully lost power, which honestly felt like a win.

Now it’s time to shift gears.

The Camino is coming up fast… like less than two months fast.

And if I’m being honest, I feel behind. I’m so behind on training, preparing, and I have checklists I need to make for everyone while we’re away.

But I’m not going to spiral about it. We’re just going to do what we always do: adjust, refocus, and start stacking days again. Progress doesn’t come from perfect timing, it comes from getting back in motion. And, lots of prayer… we’re going to need it!

Tomorrow morning, “Hiker Dad” and I are heading into the park, and I’m really looking forward to that time. There’s something about getting outside, moving your body, and having a good conversation that resets everything.

I’ve missed getting out in the park.

On the business side: we’ve been moving.

We’ve sold a ton of merch lately, and I don’t take that lightly. Every shirt, every hat: it all supports what we’re building out here, and I’m so grateful for it.

I’m working on some new designs now, and I’ll be sharing those soon. And for those of you asking about the shirt from yesterday’s videos, I’ll drop the link here so you can grab it.

Respect the Wildlife T-Shirt

You all keep this train moving, and it means more than you know.

Cheers to a new week.

To feeling better.
To getting back to work.
To fresh starts, even when they’re a little delayed.

And if you’re in the area, come see us. We’d love to have you.

—Mallory

Leave a comment

This trail is a full-body, lungs-burning, legs-on-fire kind of workout, and it rewards every step with some of the most stunning views in the Big Bend region.

Subscribe now

One of the best parts? The trailhead is located right in Lajitas, which makes it incredibly accessible if you’re staying nearby. From here, the Mesa de Anguila trail can technically take you all the way to Santa Elena Canyon, but for this hike, we stick to an out-and-back route of about four miles total.

The hike starts off deceptively easy. You actually get to pass through Lajitas golf course on the way there. The trail is mostly flat as you move toward the base of the mountain, which makes it feel like a great warm-up. But don’t let that fool you. Once you hit the climb, it’s straight up, which is steep, steady, and demanding. This is where the cardio kicks in, and there’s no coasting your way through it.

As tough as the climb is, the payoff is immediate. Once you gain elevation, the views open up in every direction. You’re looking out over the vast desert landscape of Big Bend and the bend in the Rio Grande, with layers of mountains, winding terrain, and that endless West Texas sky. It will absolutely take your breath away, in more ways than one.

This is one of those hikes where you earn the view and that makes it even sweeter. I highly recommend Mesa de Anguila if you’re looking for a challenging workout paired with unforgettable scenery. Just know what you’re signing up for: this one is tough. Bring plenty of water, pace yourself on the climb, and give yourself time to soak it all in once you reach the top.

Hard hike. Incredible views. Worth every step.

Let’s do it again soon! - M

This week feels like a bit of a reset and a reminder of why we’re building all of this in the first place.

First things first, we officially moved over to Substack. And, I’m LOVING this platform so much.

I made this move for a few reasons, but the biggest one is connection. I don’t just want to post updates into the void. I want this to feel like a place where we actually interact. I would love this to be a place where conversations happen, where stories are shared, and where this little corner of the internet feels a bit more like sitting around a table after a long day in the desert.

I’ll be rolling out a group chat soon so we can talk all things Big Bend: hikes, hidden spots, where to stay, what to see, and honestly… just life out here. My goal with this space is simple: build something that feels real, not just another platform.

Subscribe now

On another note, Easter weekend came in hot… and cold.

We were busy, but it came with its fair share of challenges. The power was flickering nonstop, a big temperature drop, and then a full outage this morning. If you’ve ever lived or worked out here, you know… when the power goes out, everything pauses whether you’re ready or not.

So I’m playing major catch up this morning by resetting, regrouping, and getting things back on track. The work never ends but I wouldn’t have it any other way. That’s the reality of running a business out here, it’s not always smooth, but you learn to roll with it.

One of the highlights from this past week is that we were able to donate almost $2,000 to the Big Bend Conservancy from our t-shirt proceeds.

That’s because of you. THANK YOU!

The Conservancy does incredible work out here by supporting trail restoration, conservation efforts, educational programs, and helping protect the natural beauty of Big Bend for generations to come. This place is special in a way that’s hard to explain unless you’ve experienced it yourself, and organizations like this are a huge part of keeping it that way.

So truly, thank you for being part of something bigger than just a purchase.

This weekend also reminded me why I love what we do.

I met so many of you. We talked hikes, favorite spots, where you’re staying, what you’re exploring next, and running businesses. Those conversations never get old to me. It’s wild how many people from all over the world end up right here in this tiny desert town and we get to be a small part of your trip.

If you’re heading this way, here are my top 5 hikes you have to experience:

• Lost Mine Trail

• Santa Elena Canyon

• Balanced Rock

• Closed Canyon (Big Bend Ranch State Park)

• Chimneys Trail

Each one gives you a completely different side of Big Bend, and that’s what makes this place so special.

But here’s the deal and I’m going to be direct about this because it matters:

The desert doesn’t care if you’re experienced or not.

You always need to bring more water than you think you need and add electrolytes. There’s not a lot of room for mistakes out here in Big Bend. Please check the weather, bring snacks, and always let someone know where you will be.

Respect the desert, and it will give you an experience you’ll never forget.

Grateful for this week. Grateful for the chaos, the conversations, the support, and the chance to keep building something meaningful out here.

More soon, especially inside Substack.

Please subscribe so we can keep the content going! Love you guys!

-M

Subscribe now

Subscribe now

And, what we didn’t know then was just how much this place would shape us in ways we never imagined. Long Draw hasn’t just been a business, it’s been a teacher. It’s taught us patience when things didn’t go as planned, resilience when we were pushed past what felt comfortable, and humility in the moments we had to figure it out as we went.

There have been long days that turned into even longer nights, seasons that stretched us mentally and physically, and moments where we questioned everything. But mixed into all of that have been moments I’ll carry forever in my heart. Like, the people we’ve met, the conversations shared across the counter, and the feeling of building something from the ground up in a place we love so much. This little “hole in the wall” has my heart.

And, somewhere along the way, it stopped being just about running a restaurant and became about creating a life. A life that’s full of hard work, but also full of purpose, connection, and meaning. (and a shit ton of pizza, HA!) I think that’s what this journey has really taught me, that the hard parts don’t take away from the life you’re building, they’re what give it depth and purpose.

To our team, our community, and everyone who has supported us along the way: thank you for being part of these four years. You’ve made this place what it is. We’re still learning, still growing, still showing up, and still so grateful we chose this life.

Cheers to cheese, amazing marinara, and a lot of laughter!

-M

Subscribe now

There are a few places in Big Bend that just feel different, and Balanced Rock is one of them. Welcome to one of my favorite places in the park!

It’s one of those hikes that doesn’t take all day, but still leaves an impression. The kind where you’re not just checking a box, but you’re actually experiencing the landscape. There’s a little something for everyone.

The trail sits in the Grapevine Hills area, and right from the start, you feel it. Big boulders, wide-open desert, and that quiet that only Big Bend can give you. It’s not overly technical, but it does keep you paying attention, especially toward the end where you’re weaving through rocks and climbing just enough to feel it.

And then you see it.

Balanced Rock.

Just sitting there, perfectly placed, like it doesn’t make any sense, and somehow makes all the sense in the world.

Why I love this hike:

It’s short, but it’s not boring.
It’s accessible, but still feels like an adventure.
And it’s one of those spots that reminds you how wild this place really is. A big plus for some animal sightings or footprints!

You don’t need a full day. You don’t need a ton of gear (just a lot of water). You just need to get out there.

A few things to know before you go:

– It’s about a 2.2-mile round trip
– The last section involves a little light scrambling
– There’s no shade, so go early or later in the day
– Bring water (always, this is Big Bend)
– The road to the trailhead can be rough, so take it slow

Photo spot alert:

Yes, it’s one of the most photographed places in the park.
Yes, you’ll probably take the same picture everyone else does.

But if you slow down for a second, it’s more than that.

It’s the quiet.
It’s the scale of everything around you.
It’s the reminder that nature doesn’t need to try very hard to be impressive.

Every time I’m out here, I’m reminded why we chose this place. Why we built a life out here. And, why Big Bend keeps pulling people back.

Balanced Rock is one of those stops that’s easy to get to, but hard to forget.

If you’ve done this hike, I’d love to know: did it live up to the hype?

And if it’s on your list… go. Seriously. It’s worth it.

Check out my YouTube video here:

Balanced Rock

Your friend in Terlingua,

M

Subscribe now

If you’re here, I’m really glad you found your way. If you’ve been with me for awhile, I’m excited for this change!

After a lot of thought, I’ve officially moved Mundy Out West from my website over to Substack, and I couldn’t be more excited about it. This space just makes more sense for what I want to build: something more personal, more interactive, and a lot more fun.

Substack gives us the ability to actually connect through conversation. I’ll be opening up chats dedicated to things we all care about: Big Bend, Terlingua life, running businesses in the middle of nowhere, hiking trails, and building lives we’ve always dreamed of. This will be less of a blog and more of a community.

If you’re new here and wondering, “Who is this?”

I’m Mallory. I’m a serial entrepreneur, restaurant owner (x2) , content creator, real estate career strategist and someone who decided life was too short not to build something a little unconventional.

A few years ago, my husband and I took a leap and moved out to Terlingua, Texas, right outside Big Bend National Park. We bought a small pizza place (Long Draw Pizza), and what started as a dream turned into a full-blown adventure.

Out here, I run businesses, create content, work in real estate, and spend as much time as I can exploring the desert. It’s not always easy (actually, it rarely is), but it’s a life we chose, and one I’m incredibly grateful for.

What’s Happening Here?

This space will be a mix of everything that makes up life out west:

– Weekly updates from the pizza shop (The Weekly Slice)
– Stories and lessons from building businesses in a remote town
– Hiking guides, Big Bend recommendations, and desert adventures
– Real, unfiltered moments of entrepreneurship
– Thoughts on building a life you’re actually excited about

And most importantly: conversation. I want this to be a place where you don’t just read, but where you engage, share, and feel like you’re part of something.

There’s a lot of noise online. A lot of surface-level content. This won’t be that.

Mundy Out West is where you come to slow down a little. To get inspired. To see what’s possible when you take a chance on a different kind of life.

Whether you’re here because you love Big Bend, you’re building something of your own, or you just want a little escape: there’s a place for you here. There’s no judgement and I’m always open to running ideas!

Let’s Build This Together

If you’re new, introduce yourself in the comments or jump into the chat when it opens. I want to know who’s here and what you’re building, dreaming about, or working toward.

And if you’ve been following along for a while, thank you. Seriously. You’ve helped make this whole journey possible.

More to come soon!