Westerns are not really my thing, but that final descriptive paragraph appears to be speaking to some very different photos than the ones you presented here! :) I'm with you; I'd be running from a place that appeared so desolate, but his words really do bring it to life.

I also have to apologize; for whatever reason, little miss Ginabot hasn't been notifying me of your posts ... yes, I'm deflecting fault :) but I was beginning to wonder if something had happened to you, so I came and had a look and lo and behold, I've missed three of your posts!