I took GPs comment more like a "how did this topic end up here in HN, just now as I plan to travel there". Admittedly I also can't see the connection to IT, but I enjoyed the read nevertheless :)
I've, incidentally, been to the desk once. It was in pretty bad shape at that point (perhaps it's been replaced since) and had the worst smell I've ever come across.
Alpine is a great little town, though. I often tell my wife that I'd love to move there, maybe in retirement. It's got a "quick" connection to Big Bend and Marfa, and because of the isolation, you don't really need to worry about it becoming overrun.
It's a great city with a beautiful history. Sadly, over the past 10 years, it's been turned into a gentrified Wild West LARPing ground for Austin influencers. Housing has become egregious, and it has lost its local charm because of the influx of visitors. Most businesses are no longer locally owned.
