We’re walking the Camino de Santiago, the Frances Route. This route starts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, and winds all the way to Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

500 miles.. on foot.

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I’m receiving a lot of questions about the Camino and what it is..

For those of you who don’t know, let me give you a little background because this is one of those things that’s hard to explain until you’ve felt the pull of it yourself.

The Camino de Santiago, known in English as the Way of St. James, is one of the most ancient and celebrated pilgrimage routes in the world. It winds across Europe, from France, Portugal, the northern Spanish coast, and beyond, which all meet in the cathedral city of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain, where the remains of the apostle Saint James are said to be buried.

The Camino Francés, or French Way, is the most famous of all the routes. First described in the 12th century in what may be the world’s first travel guidebook, the Codex Calixtinus, it has since attracted millions of walkers, making it the most popular Camino route of all. Starting from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port on the French side of the Pyrenees, it crosses four stunning Spanish regions, (Navarre, La Rioja, Castilla y León, and Galicia) passing through Pamplona, Logroño, Burgos, and León before arriving at Santiago.

People walk it for all kinds of reasons like faith, adventure, and sometimes just to figure out life. Along the way there are medieval bridges, UNESCO-protected cathedrals, an ancient iron cross that pilgrims have marked with stones for centuries, and a castle of the Knights Templar. It is, in every sense of the word, a journey.

Last year, Andy and I walked the Portuguese Route. It changed us in ways that we knew we would be back again. And, less than a year later, we will be doing it again.

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Here’s what I learned on the Portuguese Camino: your pack will humble you.

I carried a full backpack last year. By the end, my shoulders were wrecked and a wrecked shoulder, it turns out, travels straight down to your hips. I was compensating with every step, and my body hated it.

We decided to use a suitcase transfer service where your luggage gets picked up each morning at your accommodation and delivered to your next stop. This allows me to carry a lighter pack this year which I’m excited about.

With the suitcase transfer handling the bulk of our gear, I’m walking each day with an 18L Osprey day pack (linked here: Osprey), which is light, fits perfectly, and carries everything I actually need on the trail:

• My Sony A6400 camera (more on that in a second)

• Tripod for content

• Change of clothes

• Foldable sandals because the moment you get to your destination and take your hiking boots off, you want something on your feet immediately

• Rain jacket

• A few other trail essentials

And clipped to me: my Cotopaxi fanny pack (linked here: Cotopaxi) for my passport, license, and money.

I brought my Sony A7III last year. I love that camera. It is also an absolute brick to carry for 500 miles, and I felt every ounce of it.

This year I made the switch to the Sony A6400 which is significantly lighter, still shoots beautiful content, and actually makes me want to pull it out instead of dreading the weight. If you’re planning a Camino and you’re a content creator, learn from my expensive lesson: go lighter. Your footage will be just as good and your shoulders will send you a thank you note.

Here’s the full packing list for anyone planning their own Camino and wondering what actually makes the cut:

• Hiking poles

• Athletic dress

• 3 pairs of socks

• 3 t-shirts (linked here: Studio Smooth)

• 1 long sleeved t-shirts (linked here: Old Navy Hiking Long Sleeve)

• 3 pairs of shorts

• 2 pairs of hiking pants (linked here: Hiking Pants)

• Underwear & sports bra

• Zip-up jacket

• Swimsuit

• Water Bottle

& care essentials like blister cream, band aids, kinesiology tape, shampoo & conditioner bars, etc.

Best sunscreen face moisturizer (linked here: Shaklee)

Sleep Gummies (linked here: Lemme)

When you’re walking 500 miles, you stop caring very quickly about having outfit options and start caring a lot about weight, function, and whether something dries overnight.

I will be sharing this entire journey with you: the good days, the hard days, the blisters, the views, the albergues, the café con leche (I’m excited to try) at 7am in some tiny Spanish village where nobody speaks English and somehow you feel completely at home.

The Camino has a way of giving you exactly what you need, not always what you expect. Last year it gave me perspective. This year I’m walking lighter, in every sense of the word, with my husband by my side.

Buen Camino, friends. Be sure to follow along!

-M

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What a weekend it was at Long Draw Pizza. This was our final busy weekend to close out the 2025/2026 season, and we ended it with another record-breaking year. We are so, so grateful. To everyone who came in, tried us out, sent people our way, bought merchandise, and supported us here on social media: thank you. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for keeping our dream alive. It means the absolute world to us. We were also incredibly lucky to have an amazing team this year, and we get to celebrate them next weekend at our end of season pool party. They deserve all the kudos!

We leave a week from today! Living out in Terlingua, getting to the airport is an adventure in itself, so we’re actually heading out a day early to give ourselves some breathing room. Our route goes Midland to Dallas to Madrid, then a flight to Pamplona and a bus to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, where we begin our walk on June 5th. If you’re new here, my husband Andy and I are walking 500 miles across Spain on the Camino de Santiago. I plan to document as much of the adventure as I can, though posts may be slower than usual while we’re on the trail. When we get back, I’ll be releasing longer-form videos on YouTube, so please subscribe so you don’t miss them:

https://www.youtube.com/@Mundy_Out_West

And here’s something I don’t think I’ve shared yet; when we finish in Santiago, we fly to Seattle to board an Alaskan cruise with our family. It is going to be the most incredible summer, and I cannot wait to share every detail with you all.

As the season winds down, my brain naturally shifts into planning mode: what can we do better, what do we want to change, what comes next. I had a couple of weeks packed with appointments to get things in order before we leave, and one of those experiences was honestly the worst I’ve had in a professional setting in a long time. I won’t go into detail, but it was a real reminder of how one bad interaction can shape someone’s entire perception, and as a business owner, that’s a lesson worth sitting with.

This is my last Weekly Slice until we return! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for following along on all of our crazy, beautiful adventures that we get to call life. I love you guys so much!

FYI: Long Draw Pizza will be closed starting next Sunday, May 31st. I’ll update with official opening date soon.

Your Local Terlingua Friend,

Mal

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It’s called FM 170, also known as River Road. And, if you ever find yourself anywhere near West Texas, it is the one thing you absolutely cannot skip.

FM 170 runs roughly 120 miles through one of the most remote and rugged stretches of land in the entire country. It connects the border town of Presidio in the west to the eclectic outpost of Terlingua in the east, cutting straight through the heart of Big Bend Ranch State Park along the way.

The road earns its nickname by doing exactly what it sounds like, hugging the Rio Grande for mile after mile, with Mexico sitting just on the other side of the water. At points you can look across the river and see another country so clearly it almost feels surreal. It’s one of those rare drives where the road itself is the destination, not just the means of getting somewhere.

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The landscape out here is constantly shifting. One moment you’re in wide open Chihuahuan Desert, the kind of flat, dusty expanse that stretches as far as the eye can see. Then the road starts to climb, winding up into dramatic rock canyons and mountain passes before dropping back down again. It will twist and turn, snaking around curves, and crests hills that reveal views so unexpected they almost don’t feel real. At the highest point on the drive, you can see both Texas and Mexico simultaneously; with the Rio Grande cutting through the valley below you.

Much of River Road runs directly through Big Bend Ranch State Park, and it is massive. The park covers over 300,000 acres of Chihuahuan Desert wilderness, making it the largest state park in Texas, and one of the least visited, which is part of what makes it so special.

The park offers far more than just the scenic drive. There are 238 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Primitive camping is available throughout the backcountry, and the remoteness of the location means the night skies out here are some of the darkest and most spectacular in the state. If you’re into astrophotography or just want to lie on the hood of your car and stare at the Milky Way, this is the place.

Along the road itself there are designated pull-offs and scenic overlooks that give you a chance to step out, breathe in the desert air, and take it all in. Do not rush past these as every single one of them is worth the stop.

River Road is remote in a way that most people aren’t prepared for. This isn’t a scenic drive with rest stops and coffee shops along the way. It’s an unforgiving West Texas wilderness, and it demands a little respect and preparation.

Gas: There are virtually no gas stations along the route. Fill your tank completely before you start, either in Presidio on the west end or Lajitas/Terlingua on the east end. You don’t want to run out of gas out here.

Water: Bring significantly more than you think you need. The desert heat is serious, especially in the summer months, and there are no services along the road.

Cell Service: It is essentially nonexistent for the majority of the drive. As much as I want to tell you that you don’t need cell service and to just “enjoy”, it’s important to prepare for as you go out and explore.

Timing: Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need. The drive itself can technically be done in an hour and a half, but if you’re stopping at overlooks, getting out to take photos, and actually soaking it in, plan for most of a day. You want to start early, especially in summer, to avoid the worst of the heat.

Night Driving: BE CAREFUL. There is usually wildlife on the road and the complete absence of lighting can make it dangerous after dark.

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There’s something about River Road that’s hard to put into words until you’ve actually done it. It’s the kind of drive that slows you down in the best way, where you find yourself pulling over constantly, stepping out of the car, and just standing there taking it in. The scale of the landscape, the silence, the history, the feeling of being somewhere that hasn’t changed much in centuries: it all adds up to something that feels genuinely rare.

We live in a time where most scenic destinations are crowded, over-documented, and carefully managed for mass tourism. River Road is none of those things. It is raw and quiet and almost entirely overlooked. You might pass a handful of cars the entire drive. You might pass none.

If you’re planning a West Texas trip, whether you’re coming for Big Bend, Marfa, or just passing through build River Road into your itinerary.

You won’t regret it.

Living the dream,

Your Local Friend in Terlingua

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The week was also full of appointments, which led to more appointments, all things that piled up during season and need to get done before we leave for Spain. It’s officially catch-up time.

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Speaking of Spain, we leave for the Camino in two weeks from tomorrow and I am SO excited! We are all packed and ready to go. This week I’ll be posting about what I’m bringing and where to find all of the Camino content, so stay tuned for that. If you’re new here, my husband Andy and I will be walking over 500 miles across Northern Spain this summer. We did a shorter version last year and it was an incredible experience. I cannot wait to bring you all along for this one.

We also celebrated my sweet husband’s birthday yesterday! It wasn’t an over-the-top kind of day, but he got the entire day off, which, if you know our life, is probably the best gift of all.

A little heads up: there will be two more issues of the Weekly Slice before I take a summer break. But don’t worry, we will do a major catch-up when I get home and I’ll have so much to share!

One more thing: I’ve decided to focus a lot of my energy in building the the Mundy Out West YouTube channel.

If you’re on the platform, I would love for you to subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@Mundy_Out_West.

And if you watch my videos, please leave a comment telling me what content you want to see: I promise, I read every single one.

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Not much of an update this week, just know your friend in Terlingua has been enjoying her down time. Ha! The weather is hot, the time slows down, and the sunsets get even better during these summer months. I appreciate every single one of you.

-M

And I’m here to tell you that what you’re seeing is the highlight reel and nothing more.

My husband and I own two restaurants. And it is the hardest thing we’ve have ever done.

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It’s Not Easy

The money will always go out before it comes in. There is no version of owning a restaurant where you aren’t watching the numbers with one eye while trying to run a business with the other. You’ll write checks bigger than your thoughts on a regular basis. The equipment breaks at the absolute worst time, food costs spike, and a slow week doesn’t care that you had a great month. And, the expenses don’t pause because you need a moment to catch your breath.

You build a team, you train them, you invest in them, and then a holiday weekend rolls around. The weekends you need to be fully staffed, the weekends that can actually move the needle for your bottom line, the weekends you’ve been counting on and the time-off requests start rolling in.

Nobody tells you about that part. Nobody posts that moment where you’re staring at the schedule at 10pm trying to figure out how to make it work with half your team gone. But, you do it any way and somehow it always works out.

No one thinks about how your entire livelihood depends on the success of the business. The stress and anxiety that comes with it is unexplainable. There are one hundred moving parts, a million questions, and a responsibility that takes over your life.

The Question That Lives in Your Chest

There’s a question that every entrepreneur knows and the one you may not say out loud. The one that lives in your chest on the hard days, quiet and heavy:

Can we really do this?

I have asked myself that question more times than I can count.

And somehow, the answer turns out to be yes.

And, it’s not because it gets easier or there’s some magic moment that arrives and the hard parts disappear. But because you dig into something you didn’t know you had, and you pull it off.

The schedule gets covered, the week turns around, the doors stay open, and another day happens.

You pull it off, and that becomes the answer.

What Social Media Gets Wrong About Owning a Business

Here’s the thing about the highlight reel, it’s not lying, exactly. Those good moments are real where the house is full and the pride is strong. The days when everything clicks and you look around and think I built this; those happen, and they’re worth every hard thing that came before them.

But social media skips the part in between. It skips the 6am and the midnight. It skips the loneliness of being the person who has to hold it all together when everything in you wants to sit down and cry.

If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur looking at someone else’s business and thinking it looks effortless: it isn’t. I can promise you that. And, what you’re seeing is the result of a thousand hard days that never made it to the feed.

And if you’re a fellow business owner reading this at the end of a brutal week: I see you. I feel you. We’re all in this together.

Why We Keep Going

I’m not going to wrap this up with a bow and tell you it’s all worth it in some easy, tidy way. Because it’s not easy, it’s messy, and anybody who tells you otherwise is selling something.

But, what I will tell you is this: there is something on the other side of can I really do this that you cannot find anywhere else. You won’t find it in a salary, not in a title, not in anything someone else built for you. It’s this particular feeling of pulling it off when you weren’t sure you could. It’s keeping the doors open day after day. It’s writing paychecks that support other families. It’s meeting new customers who give you a great review.

That feeling is worth it. You won’t feel it every day but enough days which makes all of this worth it.

Owning a business will ask more of you than what seems fair and it will test you in ways nothing else will. It will have you questioning yourself at your lowest and surprising you at your highest.

And if you’re built for it, you’ll keep answering yes.

Always keeping it real & cheering you on,

M

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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

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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!

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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!

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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