High and Dry

Vernon, Texas, is the county seat of Wilbarger County, located 56 miles west of Wichita Falls on U.S. Hwy 287, which continues on west to Amarillo, almost another 200 miles that way.

Farms and ranches: wheat, cotton, and cattle. Now suffering dry for lack of rain, and fear of wildfires in the tinder dry brush. But normally a dry climate, low humidity, sharp peaks of heat in June, July, and August, but cooling in September.

Altitude, 1200 feet. The population of Vernon is about 11,000 and has been in a slow decline, with an aging population. However, Vernon does not have the appearance of being down on its luck, or "seen better days."

The town presents a quiet and enduring strength, and I believe it has a future.