Life Lesson in Terlingua: My Third Year at the Cook-Off

My third Chili Cook-Off is in the books, and it was the best one yet.

Before I joined Chisos as Creative Director, the thought of driving seven hours into the desert to camp in the middle of nowhere would have sounded miserable to me. Now, it’s one of the highlights of my year.

Chisos sets up camp with a group of fellas known as Cowboy Camp. From the crackle of their memorial fire pit to the massive potluck they host for anyone passing through, you can sense their spirit of generosity and remembrance in every moment.

Everyone out there is welcoming in a way that feels rare these days, and this year’s weather made it easy to soak in just how beautiful West Texas really is. The sunsets were unreal, the distant mountains shimmered in the heat, and the nights were full of laughter with new friends who share that same wild urge to escape normal life for a while.

Maybe it’s the remoteness, maybe it’s the fact that the event raises money for ALS, or maybe it’s just the freedom of leaving everything behind for a weekend with good people and good food. Whatever it is, it’s magic.

This third year out in Terlingua, I finally understand that belonging isn’t something that is handed to you, it’s a choice you make by showing up and joining in. And I'm already looking forward to the next one.

–Dimitri