Critters
Photographs and stories by Alexa Walker

YIN YANG BURROS
Alpine, Texas

As sometimes happens, it took me two trips to Alpine to finally get the shot I wanted. I mean, how cute is this? Burros are a local favorite in the area, made a little more close to the heart by the late Burro Lady, Judy Magers, who was a genuine character almost beyond belief in this day and age. She allowed me to photograph her once, when I came upon her riding on Patches, her burro, between Valentine and Van Horn. An incredible sight - a weatherworn grand dame atop her beast, with blankets aplenty and her worldly possessions hanging down all around her. There's a tribute to her at the Apache Trading Post in Alpine, where these delightful creatures happen to reside. Hard to beat West Texas sometimes.