What To Know
- Jep and Jessica Robertson, along with their family, travel from Louisiana to Mingus, Texas to explore a new business.
- They consider joining a unique ranch community project called Comanche Moon.
- After immersing themselves in the community and bonding with the project’s team, Jep and Jessica decide to fully commit to the move.
Jep and Jessica Robertson have hit the road from their home in West Monroe, Louisiana for Mingus, Texas on Beyond the Bayou. The Great American Pure Flix and Great American Family follows the Duck Dynasty couple as they embark on their next chapter. During the August 20 episode, they took their sons Gus and River with daughter Priscilla and grandson August on the journey with them. They have trusted in God to guide them in their decision. As they got closer to their remote destination Jessica questioned, “If you got bitten by a snake, would you make it to the hospital in time?”
The plan was to survey the business venture Jep’s friend Lance proposed regarding partnering up and working on Comanche Moon. A sprawling ranch community including Mirador with its whimsical, earth-sheltered Burrow houses. Through their visit Jep and Jessica would contemplate what their day-to-day life in North Texas look like. They’re considering not only them, but members of their family whose roots were strongly tied back states away. Read on to see if Jep and Jessica move forward on the big move.
At the start of the trip, Jessica was not all-in on this idea. Upon connecting with Lance, the ranch owner, he went over his approach of taking thousands of acres of land and transforming them into these communities tied to the great outdoors and nature. His vision was that those who want more of a recreational, easy-going lifestyle would enjoy activities such as fishing by the lake or a round of pickleball. He set a deadline with the builders to get the structures up and be operational quickly.
Lance toured the Robertson family through what would be Baker Burrow, Gardner Burrow, and Writer Burrow. Think of the “Texas Shire” as one that would be inhabited by Lord of the Rings hobbits, only maybe with cowboy hats? Within the space would be a kitchen area, bunks, and overall living quarters. “There is not another place like this in this world, “Jep could see. The dad could see the child-like wonder from how Gus and River reacted. Jessica liked the raw and authentic feel of it.
Lance explaining what life would be like in Texas to Jep, Gus, and River Roberston. (Great American Family)
Although when Lance described the outhouse, despite not really being just a hole in the ground, Priscilla wasn’t on board. “We won’t be staying here,” Priscilla thought. Jep wanted to set up a camp, minus August and Priscilla, to get a sense of the vibe. He also saw this as an opportunity to make a nice outing while there. The endeavor was way bigger than Jep thought with the gravity of it all sinking in.
They also met up with Dwayne, the project manager, and his wife Tammy. Jess was still undecided considering they have three grandbabies with one on the way and a big life at home. It would be a change no doubt. River and Gus started setting up the tent. “I would say our camping skills are…okay at best. We don’t do it enough to be great at it,” Jep admitted. The crew were able to get the site situated.
Jessica spent the day with Tammy painting and building a bond. Tammy took Jessica through the design visions for the Burrows including adding some beehives. Jessica could envision a role for her on the property. She later went antiquing and also met Tammy’s daughter Mattie, who worked on the marketing and social media side of the project. Jessica and Gus also participated in a Polaroid photoshoot for materials. Gus was able to show his drone flying skills as they gathered content.
Meanwhile, Jep joined Dwayne to roll up his own sleeves and contribute as well. He helped spray concrete on the walls of one of the structures. To know he was part of something someone else would enjoy made the process especially meaningful. Jep also lent a hand removing a ramp. The whole experience got Jep thinking about his grandma and dad Phil. He learned life lessons while fishing and being around them to shape who he’d want to be as a husband and father. Priscilla was content at a comfortable hotel room with baby August snacking on the couch.
Jessica and Jep reflected on their experience thus far. They were both having fun. “We have a lot to talk about and figure out.” Jessica admitted. She opened up about her anxiety about all the things that have to happen in order to pursue this project. Jep caught up with his long-time friend and Church Pastor Trey about how God led him there. The family met with everyone for an outdoor barbeque. Jep and Jessica took Lance aside to tell him they are a thousand percent in on the project. Their new journey was about to begin.
Jep & Jess: Beyond the Bayou, Thursdays, Great American Pure Flix (9/8c, Saturdays, Great American Family and GFAM+)