Saturday, November 16, 2013

I left the San Angelo Lodge shortly after 7 am, with the sky streaked with pink. I called the 1910 Sterling Hotel in Sterling City, my day’s destination. It was the only viable place in town. I spoke to Wanda on the phone and arranged for the night’s stay. Peter would be playing roadie, so it would be a great day. I zipped to Walgreens and then a final convenience store/bathroom break before I left the city limits on hwy 87.

It was a very rural day, here in west Texas. I passed a spot on the road called Carlsbad, TX. The name and the surrounding countryside reminded me of home in Carlsbad, NM. But that was about it. This is an unincorporated village with a post office and it is located in Tom Green County---cool name for a county I think. Anyhow, the population of the zip code is less than 1500. That village population is about 100. Not even a bathroom. I kept going, after the required photograph of the sign. This was a day of finding bushes. But once, when Peter came by to provide coffee and snacks (boy, did I feel spoiled), I stopped at a lone milling business and begged to use the bathroom. The sympathetic lady at the desk welcomed me in. People can be so wonderful. And save lives!

I rolled into Sterling City in the late afternoon, with Peter and Wanda standing out in front of the 1910 State Hotel to welcome me “home” for the night. First, Wanda gave us the grand tour of this fantastic old building. This historic building was built in, you guessed it, 1910, and was one of the first building of this ranching and mining town. It started as a bank, then became an office for two doctors, then a drugstore,

confectionary, and a cafe. TrinaBeth Johnson purchased it and has been renovating the stately old building over the last year or two, making it into a welcoming home for travelers of all kinds. Now with the oil boom in west Texas, they are getting more travelers through this tiny town. 

Sterling City had a population of less than 1000 about 5 years ago. It is still called the “Windmill City” due to the prevalence of windmills in the surrounding area. The city records boast a population of about 1000, although the residents swear this is wrong and the population must be 10 times larger. Perhaps it feels that way, with the incoming workers. However, these workers are temporary, renting rooms at the Hotel. In the fall, they also have a large banquet and celebration for hunters, creating another draw of visitors. 

Wanda at the 1910 State Hotel gave Peter and I a great tour of the venerated old building. The renovations are going wonderfully and they have a dining room with the greatest coffee and cookies and pastries around. Peter and I kept running downstairs from our room to get their coffee. And, yes, the cookies too! Yummmm!

Wanda has a long history with the building. She worked here as a young woman and just started working here recently as the hotel clerk. Her passion is her 28 year-old son. He was in a terrible motor vehicle accident a few years ago and it was touch and go for awhile, with his survival hanging in the balance. Eventually he recovered, only to get such a severe case of pneumonia that he almost lost his life again. In fact, he was in ICU for several weeks and Wanda checked him out of the hospital in San Angelo and paid for an ambulance to get him to a hospital in Austin. There, he slowly recovered, but he did recover. Wanda actually saved his life. There are not many people that would have the guts to go against a hospital and doctor’s orders to take a loved one to a different hospital hundreds of miles away. 

While we were finishing our discussion with Wanda, the night clerk or manager arrived--Leslie. This little firecracker is a transplant from Houston. Sterling City has a population of about 1000 and Houston’s population is 2.16 million! She is still dealing with some culture shock, but appears to be dealing well with it. 

Here is her story.  

Leslie met her husband through one of her best friends many years ago. This friend fell in love with a man through an online dating service (I can relate). This man had a twin brother and Leslie’s friend set her up with a date with the twin. They fell in love, got married, and had six kids. Yes, six. Leslie is a pretty, slender young lady who looks just old enough to have borne maybe two by now. But six???  She is looking mighty fine, lemme tell ya!

Since adulthood, Leslie has always worked at a job and she lived a pretty fast-paced life in Houston.  Her husband was in the military and did recon in Iraq. He returned to the states and is technologically savy. Over the last year, he was hired in the oil fields to install, manage, and program the software that works the big rigs and pumps. It was a great job and it required a move to the tiny town of Sterling City. There might be a few more moves in the future for them, but for now, they are learning how to live the country life. Hubby has been building a chicken coop out of pallets and materials that they have found around the property that they are renting. 

Leslie’s passions are multiple. She is passionate about her faith in God and her love for her husband and children. She loves the planet and her animals. They have a 30 pound miniature “house pig” who sleeps with one of the kids. She had Peter and I laughing as she described the rascal pig who can open doors and latches and cabinets. He will steal a loaf of bread and run through the house with it, Leslie’s husband chasing him for all he’s worth. The pig usually wins. They have bantam and silkie chickens that were purchased to raise for meat and eggs. But Leslie has made pets out of them and carries her favorite silkie hen around in her arms. This bright foul pecks on the front door every morning and, when the door is opened, she walks in and greets everyone and checks out the house for any changes, just like a curious cat. The farm is turning into a petting zoo and the Houston transplant family are the quirky new residents. And everyone loves them.

After I went upstairs and did my exercises, Peter and I came back downstairs to get their Keurig coffee and fresh cookies. There, we snagged Leslie again for more conversation and we discussed local and world issues, from water and oil to war and survival. We definitely enjoyed her passionate animation.

Eventually, we returned to the lovely room and Peter showed me some of his computer programing for composing music. Then he played some of the music recorded on his laptop, including sonatas and even opera. They were so beautiful my heart constricted and my eyes stung. Every time I woke up in the night, the strains were replaying in my head. They were so very beautiful.

I am very grateful for this life.

____________________________

Sunday, November 17, 2013

When Peter and I hit the parking lot at the 1910 State Hotel at 7:15 am, the hotel housekeeper, Rosemarie, was walking across the alley toward the hotel. I believe she may live in one of the houses on the adjacent street. She called out and said that her daughter liked my bike. At about that time, Daisy, her pretty “tween” daughter came around the corner of the building, having just inspected Henry David. I asked her if she would like to take a ride on HD; I would show her. With a sudden look of apprehension, Daisy shook her head “no”. Still, Peter and I walked with Rosemarie and Daisy over to where HD had been locked down for the night. 

While we headed in that direction, Rosemarie pressed $10 into my hand, “from my husband”, she said. “We think that this trip of yours is really wonderful”.  I hugged her and thanked her gratefully. She told me that she was the one who put all the little snacks in our room. What an absolutely sweet lady. 

I showed Daisy and Rosemarie the trike and then demonstrated how to ride it. Daisy climbed on with some trepidation and took off slowly down the sidewalk. She rode it to the end of the sidewalk to the next parking lot, turned it around, and came back. Peter walked along beside her in case she had a problem. She didn’t. She did wonderfully. Daisy was very quiet and shy, holding up the sleeve of her jacket/sweatshirt up near her pretty face whenever we spoke to her.

By the time Daisy returned HD to the 1910 State Hotel parking lot, her dad and her uncle had joined us. They inspected HD, asking questions about hills, gearing, steering, etc. We talked a bit about their jobs--both retired but Daisy’s dad worked for the utility department for about 25 years. 

This is a family that appears to do a lot of things together. What a tight knit family. Rosemarie’s passion is fishing. She simply loves to be outside on the lakes and reservoirs in the area. Often, the water is fairly low, which has often been the case over the last few years. When the level is down, the water is murky and Rosemarie practices “catch and release”. But, when the water levels are higher, she enjoys keeping the fish and she cooks it for the family.

This led to a brief discussion of water issues; their opinion was that drought was the primary reason for water shortages in west Texas. Others have expressed the opinion that the booming oil industry has depleted the water supply as large amounts of water are needed for drilling. I imagine it is a combination of both. 

Daisy said her favorite passion is hunting. She goes deer hunting for 2-day weekends with her dad and uncle. They dress out the deer themselves and eat venison most of the year. Rosemarie jokingly added that, when she sees they have brought home another deer, she thinks “oh no, more deer meat”. Sometimes she longs for a good ole beef hamburger (or fresh fish!).

Daisy’s uncle said that this area is a popular spot for hunters. In fact, the annual hunter appreciation dinner would be held right here in Sterling City within the next week. Peter and I had noticed the banner strung across the main street welcoming the hunters. 

Before HD and I made our departure from the 1910 State Hotel parking lot, Daisy’s unlce pressed $10 into my hand, “for the trip” he said. I tried to give it back, explaining that his brother had already given me some money. But he refused, insisting I keep it.

I thanked them all and pulled out of the parking lot. I would eat well this week. Here is an interesting thing. Sometimes, the people who have the least to spare are the ones who share what they have the most. I pray that this wonderful family is blessed beyond measure. 

The route today was riding the 87 all the way to Big Spring, TX. There was a great shoulder the entire way and the sun was shining. The day would have been spelled 

P-E-R-F-E-C-T, except for the fact that there was a 20 mph headwind all day till about 2 or 2:30 pm.

Well, ok, the day was still PERFECT. Peter played “roadie” all day again. He stopped by with drinks and snacks every few hours throughout the day, and even a Subway salad around noon. Due to the absence of any town or gas station, I was grateful for the use of his car to get out of the wind for 10 minutes at a time, and once to use it as a visual barricade...

More than those wonderful benefits, I was grateful to have his encouraging presence and beautiful smile reappear throughout the day.

I arrived shortly around 4:30 pm at the Motel 6 on the west edge of town. After I took a much needed shower, Peter and I drove around town in his Jetta, looking for a place to eat. The “pickins” were slim and we settled on Pizza Inn, where a harried but sweet lady took care of our needs, while juggling almost the entire restaurant full of service needs and spill cleanups. Peter got a cheese pizza and I had the salad bar (I did sneak a few pieces of his pizza, though) and we finished it off with a dessert cinnamon and sugar pastry. 

Tomorrow, I will definitely have to get back to eating less bread and more fruit. Although, come to think of it, I still have some of that dessert pastry left over. I couldn’t let it go to waste, you know...

Peter headed back to Lubbock around 9 pm. It was so wonderful to have him as my personal “roadie”. Life can’t get much better.

___________________________

Monday, November 18, 2013

I slept fitfully and got it together by 7 a.m. It wasn’t even light yet. I waited 10 more minutes and, when the sky started to streak pink and purple, I turned on HD’s lights and rode him next door to the travel station in Big Spring, TX. After coffee reinforcement and shooting the breeze with the truckers, I headed northwest on hwy 87, in the early morning light. 

It was a great day: good roads, mild tailwind, temperature a bit cool, and mild grade to Lamesa, Texas. There were no bathrooms for 30 miles, but I was able to keep my fluid intake to a comfortable level. I arrived at the Lamesa McDonalds around 2:30. The assistant manager chatted with me outside and then bought me a cup of coffee from his store. While sipping my coffee and examining my iphone for potential lodgings tonight, a gentleman at another table asked me about Henry David. 

This was Conrad. This gentleman wore a right eye patch and what appeared to be an electronic device in his ear, perhaps a hearing aid. It looked like a blue tooth ear piece. There was a cane by his side.  Conrad is a Desert Storm veteran and former police officer and trainer. He came down with Guillain Barre syndrome a few years ago. This is a neurological disease with an acute onset that basically results in paralysis. Usually it is temporary, but many have died without proper care.  He spent many months in the hospital followed by additional months of outpatient physical rehabilitation. By the time he had recovered enough from the Guillain Barre and was up and walking with a cane, he then suffered a stroke, affecting his right side. A double whammy, for sure. However, he has not given up, by no means. He continues to work on his exercises but longs to have his therapy advanced. Insurance coverage has discontinued for any more physical rehabilitation. So, he was very curious about the sleek, low Henry David, with his stable three wheels but high requirement for lower extremity strength. Conrad says he is a very determined person and refuses to accept failure. His passions are all related to his career: service as a peace officer, training other officers, and participating in search teams in the rugged Texas wild lands---on horseback.

After the delightful conversation with this brave and determined man, I headed out to search for lodging. The cheapest motel looked half abandoned, and the parts that didn’t appear abandoned were cluttered as if hoarders have been living there for a few years. Out of desperation, I stayed at the Best Western---too pricey for my budget, but I figured I was almost home and so I splurged on a room. It was really lovely. Clean, large, airy, and big enough for HD. The breakfast in the morning was fantastic. They had a jacuzzi and a pool but the jacuzzi water was too cold, so I took a hot shower instead and wandered down the street to Subway and brought a nice, big salad back to the room. 

Keep going, girl.

_____________________

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

It was a windy day to Seminole. The nights are becoming cooler, but the day time temp was still in the 70’s. A-ok! HD and I traveled pretty much due west to Seminole. It seemed almost flat, but there was a gradual increase of elevation. 

It was getting harder to find places to, well, you know, pee. The plains were giving way to sparse desert brush. I found that, if I turned into a rare ranch road with the gate opened, I could park HD and no one would bother me. Then I could walk a bit further and find a ditch and a bush. A nice outdoor bathroom combination. Every now and then I would also come across an oil or agricultural related business---not many out in the country---and I could beg use of the facilities. Most businesses are tucked into town or along the edge of town. So, if it is 45 miles between towns, about 38 of them are empty of roadside businesses. On HD, it takes several hours to go 35-40 miles---it could take 5-9 hours, depending on wind and road conditions.  Ah, such are the challenges to a female on a trike. We really need privacy. 

About 15-20 miles from Lamesa, I was hailed to a stop by a ranch hand. This was Joe Rodriguez and his friend Manuel. Joe had many practical questions about traveling on the recumbent trike. We talked a bit about the agricultural practices in this area as well. The farmers grow cotton or milo or some other grains but usually rely on rain to water their fields. This is often not practical, as this area is entering the very outer edge of the Chihuahuan desert, although still technically considered Texas “plains”. Thus, the farmers take out insurance and then they are covered for their losses. Sometimes they don’t even plant, if the weather is just too dry. 

Texas is a huge oil producer and this is becoming a more profitable use of land than agriculture in this dry terrain. But farming gets into people’s blood, especially if passed down from generation to generation. There is something so bonding to the earth when you farm. So, even when they are paid to not even plant anything, these farmers hold onto their land, rather than sell it off. I have to admire that. 

Although it does seem odd to try to farm in a desert. Prickly pear does well and is quite edible, doesn’t require water, and grows just by winking at it. But I haven’t seen any cactus farms for serious agricultural use.

Anyway, Joe finished our conversation by asking what I eat on the road. I thought about what was in my cargo area at that very moment. “Ummm. Let’s see”, I responded, “I have some apples, peanuts, and some crackers I think!” I explained that I try to pick up food from grocery or convenient stores and often eat salads at night if I can get them, with occasional restaurant trips. 

He pressed 10 dollars into my hand and said, “Go get something to eat!”  

This was not only sweet and generous, but humorous, as there was not a store for another 30 miles. But, I knew that I would be hungry tonight, so there was definitely a use for it, especially now that I am living off my credit card. I thanked him and cycled off, thinking how touching it is that some of the folks I have met who have the least to spare are the ones who press $10 into my hands after just a 5 minute conversation. I pray they are blessed beyond measure.

I pulled into Seminole in the mid afternoon. Now the excitement was really building. This was a town through which I have driven numerous times, on my way to Lubbock. I took an iPhone photo of the town clock, which has been the landmark for where to turn to switch highways, and sent the photo to my oldest and youngest children, who also have driven through this town more times than they want to count. They were excited and responded with all the wows and oohs and ahhs that I needed to spur me on to the motel. 

I checked into the Seminole Inn on the west end of town, giving me just a little headstart for the morning. It was the most reasonable priced motel in town, so I was glad for that. The owner told me he had met his dream to own his own business and he and his wife were doing what they could to spruce it up. It was a decent place with clean rooms. I did my exercises, showered, and then took my laundry bag full of dirty clothes to the RV camping park next door, where they had a small laundromat. I did my laundry, ordered eggplant parmigiana take out from the Italian family restaurant next door (Thank you, thank you, Joe!!), and headed back to the room. I ate every bit of the heavy meal, as the ride next day was going to stretch the limits of daylight, as well as my endurance...

_________________________

Wednesday, Nov 20, 2013

I slept fitfully due to the anxious anticipation of the long day ahead combined with the excitement of entering home territory. I was on the road by 6:20 a.m. with the sky still dark and Henry David’s meager lights turned on full blast. Grabbing a gas station coffee on the way out of town, I joined the work trucks and cars beginning their day in the dark.  The road was flat and swift, which I needed for this day. 

I pulled up to the New Mexico border around 10:30-11:00 a.m. and stopped to take a photo. Wow! My home state. At last! Wahoooooo!!! I sent it off to Facebook and also to a few family members on my iPHone, and then shed a choked up tear or two as I realized how close to home I had come. How far I had come. The past and the future, rolled up into one pristine sign: 

Welcome To New Mexico. The Land Of Enchantment.

Yes, indeed it is!

A short while later, HD and I hit the edge of Hobbs, NM, the last town before Carlsbad, my home. This hopping town is thriving from the oil and gas industry as well as nuclear facilities, ranching, and farming. The highway that forms an “L” as it turns through the edge of town is like any other west Texas highway: industrial and nothing to write home about. To see and experience the fun of these west Texas/east New Mexico towns, similar to small towns and cities throughout the country, is to veer into the old downtown areas or into the newer shopping districts. Hobbs also sports a casino and a horse race track, so there are plenty of places for the oil workers to spend their money!

I stopped at the west edge of Hobbs around noon for a final convenience store stop and drinks. Then it was an all out struggle to get to the Halfway Bar and Grill, which is the halfway point between Hobbs and Carlsbad. There is actually a little cafe, Monties, about 10-15 miles from Hobbs, and I stopped there for a quick break. The wind was in my face most of the afternoon and it was hard work indeed to get to the Halfway Bar and Grill by 5:15 pm, after sunset and just as the sky was getting dark. My daughter Shannon met me there and we shared excited (and very tired!) hugs, took photos, and went inside to meet our contacts.

Shannon had contacted the owner, Mike Burton, the day before and obtained permission to park HD in their locked yard when we arrived today. While Mike was not there when we arrived, the two ladies working inside the restaurant were expecting us and showed us where to park my boy. Shannon and I unloaded what I needed for the night and then went inside to share a plate of french fries and a margarita.

This was about my worst nutrition day on this trip so far, due to lack of any grocery stores and paltry offerings in the convenience stores on my route. After the fries, I could feel the fatigue from excessive exercise (68 miles in a headwind on a fully loaded trike) and poor nutrition (you don’t even want to know!). 

We headed back to Hobbs in Shannon’s Hyundai Tucson and stayed the night at the EconoLodge. This was the only place we could find that would allow us to have a pet, as Shannon was accompanied on this last night by her loyal companion, Lou Dawg, a small Dalmation mix canine. Lou is always happiest when Shannon is in his line of sight. 

That evening, I was getting texts and messages from family and friends who wanted to know when I would arrive in Carlsbad, as they hoped to meet me there. I insisted I didn’t want a big deal but I gave my best guess on estimates, thinking I would arrive between 2 and 4 pm.

I went to bed, knowing that this journey would soon be over and home was just over the hill. Or down the hill, as the case would be.

___________________________

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Shannon and I packed up and arrived at the Halfway Bar and Grill around 9 am. We had the opportunity to meet Mike, the owner, who had so graciously housed HD for the night. Mike allowed us to take photos of him with us and he told us to come back and enjoy the music venues at the bar as well as the great food. What a great guy. 

I departed from the Halfway Bar and Grill about 9:30 a.m. It was 32 miles to Carlsbad and the wind that had been forecast for the day was decidedly absent. The temp reached the mid 70’s and the weather and road conditions could not have been better for this last day on the road. 

About 10 miles from the Halfway B&G, a policeman in a sheriff’s vehicle pulled up beside me, lights flashing. Well, I certainly wasn’t speeding, ha ha, and I was well over onto the ample shoulder. I stopped and he rolled down his window, asking if my name was Patricia Jo Kearney.

“Yes sir” I replied with some curiosity.

“Well, I have been looking forward to meeting you. My name is Officer Wyatt and I will be escorting you back to Carlsbad”. 

OMG. So much for a quiet entrance. Some one had put out the APB and I was getting a police escort.

Let me tell you. There is nothing like a police escort with lights flashing on a sunny day on a road with a mild downhill grade to get a cyclist pumping. So, I told myself it was time to actually push hard, so, I did. For the next 20 miles, I cycled hard and flew along at 10-12 mph, which is fast for ole HD. 

About 5 miles from town, another policeman pulled next to me and told me he also would be ensuring my safe arrival. He moved in front and I had an escort in front and behind. 

Yikes.

I was smiling and giggling and decided that someone would be getting a noodle lashing from me later today.

Then, about 1 mile from home, there were 2 more police cars and a firetruck. 

What the....??

One block before my street, I saw my son and my dear “little brother” Preacher Dave, among other friends on the street, taking photos and waving ecstatically. My son broke into a run, which is impressive due to sciatic nerve damage which has resulted in left foot paralysis. 

Thus, I was escorted down my street with lights flashing and sirens blaring. Neighbors came outside to see what the hubbub was about and HD and I rolled to the end of the block in front of my house to a small welcoming committee. Preacher Dave Rogers was behind the welcoming committee, bemoaning the fact that I was an hour early and the party was 1/4 of the planned size. Over the next few hours, friends arrived and I received many hugs and flowers and congratulations and welcome home sentiments. 

The police and newspaper reporter and photographer gathered around while Dave presented me with a framed statement from Mayor Dale Janway while the cameras flashed. The Mayor proclaimed it Patricia Jo Kearney day and called me a Hometown Hero. It was special and sweet and moving and unbelievable.

Within about 45 minutes, the mayor himself arrived and shook my hand. The police drove off in their 4 cars, congratulating me. I was humbled.

I was interviewed for the Carlsbad Current Argus, the local paper. Friends came and went for the rest of the day and evening. My house was warm and welcoming.

I am truly blessed.

And very, very happy to be home. 

________________________

Friday, November 22, 2013

This morning, safe in my warm home, I awakened to freezing temperatures and snow. Yes, snow. I had finished my journey in 75 degree weather, just in time.

Funny how things work out...

While the journey is over, the story is not. I still have one more chapter to write. Check in with me, on this blog, around Christmas. 

My love to you all. 

Texas Hill Country

November 10, 2013

I got up in the morning and packed up Henry David in the early morning light. I popped back in and gave Shannon a hug, kiss, and warm goodbye before hitting the road. I cycled through Austin to get to the west end of town. Luckily, the traffic was light as it was Sunday morning on a holiday weekend. 

This was now officially Texas Hill Country. It is really quite stunning. The higher the elevation, the drier it gets. So cedars and oaks give way to more grassy plains. There are a few rivers and lakes, but most of the lakes are actually manmade, catching the river water and supplying water to the small towns. Apparently, there is quite a water issue here, as the usage of water by homeowners and golf courses are affecting the rice farms and other agricultural needs in the valleys downstream. The ground is pure granite, so getting water out means drilling through tough rock. 

I read an article about the oil drillers who do fracking around here. Because water is limited, they are now adopting recyling practices instead of simply using all the effluent water and polluting the water table. About time.

It’s usually about money. Not altruism. Man, as a species, is just not that good. If you want policies to change for the betterment of the planet, and you think that people will make changes in their lifestyle and their business practices because it’s the “right” thing to do, well, think again. But when a price tag is in place, making planetary respect the economical thing to do, then policy can be changed. Yay for recycling water! 

In a gas station about 15 miles from Marble Falls, I met a man named Robert today. He has held many jobs in his life, most of them quite successful. He has been all over the world in the pro golf circuit. Now, he doesn’t play golf much anymore due to some serious spinal surgeries, but he still has a hand in the field. Literally. He designs and builds golf courses. He has built them all over Texas and is very familiar with the water issues. Most golf courses now water their grass with gray water, which is cheaper than potable water and adds fertilizer to the soil. Robert has always been such a busy man that he doesn’t like to sit around. So, even though he runs a successful company, he took on a part time job cooking on weekend nights at Poodies--a popular night spot in the area with live music. We had a great talk about the world, politics, and Texas water.

I crossed the Colorado river twice: in Austin and again in Marble Falls, my destination for today. I understand the Colorado river is shrinking, like so many others. Still, it was cool to cycle over it. Twice.

About 5 miles from Marble Falls, I left hwy 71 and turned north on 281. This was not such a pleasant road, but I had a great road most of the day, so I had no complaints. HD and I rolled into town in the late afternoon. I got an inexpensive room at the Hill Country Inn, a modest but clean motel. I did my usual nightly activities, grabbing a bean burrito for dinner from the convenience store at the end of the block. 

Time is so fascinating on the road. Each day is a new place and things seem so long ago. Austin seemed like last week, not last night. New Orleans seems like a month ago, not just over a week ago. 

Strange. Time.

________________________

Monday, November 11, 2013

Veterans Day on the road. No parades, no flags. I spent a good part of the day thinking about veterans, war, battle, diplomacy, international understanding. It was a bit different not to see a veteran friend in person and thank them. Just lonely stretches of road with very few towns. The area is becoming more and more rural. I see some farms and ranches, but mostly just wild land. Feels like home. I’m still in hill country, and will be for several more days, so the ride was challenging but good. I am averaging a very slow pace, even though the load is much lighter. I gave up my camping gear as I figured I could stay in motels for the rest of the 2 weeks I expect to be on the road. Nights are long and cool and the idea of sitting in a cold tent for 11-12 hours is just not appealing. 

After an uneventful but pleasant day on the road, I reached Llano, Texas in the early afternoon. It was a short ride today as the next ride to Brady would be hilly and long, with no opps for lodging in between. The signs welcoming you to Llano read:

“We Welcome Hunters”. It is a town of 3000 but has limited services. It does have a few restaurants luring in the hunting crowd. In the evening, I walked by a store that sells hunting gear with a neon, lighted deer hung upside down in fresh kill fashion, with a red pool of blood dripping from its heart. 

Welcome to Llano!

____________________________

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

An Arctic blast arrived today, with a North wind of 20-25 mph predicted, thus keeping me in Llano, as I would have to struggle not only with hills but an unreasonable headwind. Tomorrow, the forecast suggests a mild wind, maybe even a slight tailwind. So, I took the opportunity to stay here today and write. I’ve been working on the blogs since New Orleans and have been at it almost 4 hours. My neck hurts, my bottom hurts, and I think I’m ready to do something else! 

______________________________

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Another day through the hills, this time to Brady, Texas. Brady is in McCulloch County, which is the geographical center of Texas. It is also the last of my time in Texas Hill Country. It was over 50 miles today of road--no gas stations or towns or convenience stores. This meant finding bushes, trees, and culverts to take care of bladder business. At one point, I took a “break” to hide in a culvert to relieve myself. While I was busy tucking my tank top back into the waist band of my pants, I heard a voice overhead, “Excuse me, ma’am. Are you ok down there?”

I look up to see an attractive police officer, peering over the railing of the culvert. While my face burned hot, I laughed with embarrassment and answered, “I am fine, officer. No problems!”

“I saw the bike parked at the side of the road and I was concerned” he responded.

Now, truly embarassed, I answered, “Everything is ok, officer, I just needed to take a leak!”

“Are you sure you’re ok, then?”

“Yes, sir, I’m fine”.

I climbed back up the culvert and climbed back on the trike and took off. I should have taken the time to go back to the squad car to talk to him as I bet he had some fantastic stories to share. But, I guess I was a bit embarassed still, and so, off I went. 

The hills were diminishing in grade and the flora was changing. The trees were getting smaller and more scrublike. I rolled into Brady in the late afternoon and found the Sunset Inn. It was situated next to a McDonalds, so I went next door and got a coffee. Then I settled into the motel for the evening, with exercises and laundry to do. It was a long day but I was energized. Tomorrow would be a shorter ride and there was a wonderful gift at the end of it.

Peter would be coming from Lubbock and would be my “roadie” for the next 3 days. 

Yay!!

___________________________

Thursday, November 14, 2013

It was only about 35 miles today. I practically raced to Eden, TX today, checking into the Slumber Inn at the west edge of town. This was another small town, dotted with a few residential motels for workers and one viable motel for travelers. I waited for Peter to arrive in the evening, finishing my exercises beforehand. We ate the goodies he brought in his car. So nice to see him again.

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Friday, November 15, 2013

It was close to 50 miles today, from Eden to San Angelo, TX. There were enough towns that coffee and bathroom stops were available. But Peter met me on the road with snacks and hugs and encouragement. He checked into the San Angelo Inn in the early afternoon and I arrived mid afternoon. We had plenty of time to take a walk in the park, hand in hand, marveling at the sights along the Concho River. 

San Angelo has an annual Christmas celebration, lighting up the river for the “Tour of Lights”, which is now a 2.5 mile driving tour. While it was not yet Thanksgiving, the light structures were either already going up or being set up. The river, by Fort Concho, is a delightfully well kept river through San Angelo. In Carlsbad, we have the Pecos River and we celebrate “Christmas on the Pecos”. You can take boat rides along the part of the river where the riverfront homes are located. The owners, or community volunteers, set up fantastic light displays in the back yards, which extend down to the river itself. The boatswains play Christmas music and give you thick blankets in which to enwrap yourself to stay warm in the cold December night air. This reminded me of the approaching NM destination. 

We went to dinner at a precious home that had been converted to a chic restaurant. It was definitely a higher class than the Subway or convenient store dinners I utilize when I’m alone! Thank you, Peter!

I think I’m liking this “roadie” deal!!

Austin City Limits

Friday, November 8th, 2013

Shannon arrived at the Howard Johnson Inn after dark. Her google map sent her to the north part of Austin to an apartment complex. Once she figured out where the real HoJo really was located, she turned around and came south, crossing the Colorado River, which cuts through the center of Austin, and found the motel. We brought in her stuff, locked up Henry David, and went out on the town. Well, we didn’t really kick up our heels that much.

We went to Chuys--the ORIGINAL Chuys restaurant--it started right here in Austin. The building was old and colorful and quaint and we split a veggie enchilada plate. Even sharing the dinner, we were so full, we were glad we didn’t get a full plate each. She regaled me with stories of her time earlier this week in Austin with her close friends Shersy and Lori. 

As the evening wore on, we got sillier and sillier. We drove to downtown Austin and parked her Hyundai near 6th street and ---- and shot photos of St Mary’s Cathedral, even though it was dark. There were enough street lights to capture just a fraction of the magnificence of this building, which was constructed in-----. Looking out over the downtown area, we saw a mixture of architecture styles, from modern and post-modern skyscrapers to grand old brick buildings to ornate Gothic and romantic Victorian era buildings. And of course, in the section of 6th street known for its night life, the buildings were a hodgpodge of bars and restaurants and nice stores. It was Friday night, so the live music was pumping. After wandering just a bit, we went back to the motel. Tomorrow night we would do the music thang!

How sweet to be in Austin with Shannon.

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Saturday, November 9th, 2013

This morning involved drinking coffee from the continental breakfast room in the motel. There was only cereal and bread, no fruit or yogurt, so I returned to the room to rouse Shannon and get the good times rolling. She doesn’t drink motel coffee as a rule, so we planned to go to a quaint little coffee shop a few miles away. Within a short time, she was ready and we ventured out into the Austin city streets, ending up at Flipnotics, a great little coffee shop, perched on a hillside. They play live music most nights and a man was busy tuning the piano for the hour or so we were there. With both inside and outside seating and the shabby chic that is the cool Austin style, this little coffee shop is a local fave. While sipping our joe, Shannon and I took care of business on our macs.

Then, to the thrift shop we went. Last night, Shannon had shown me a music video about thrift shopping. Apparently, the slang term is now “poppin’ tags”. The video is by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. It does have some very “colorful” language and is a rap/hiphop song, so go there only if you like that style of music. I found it absolutely hilarious and we kept singing phrases from the song while we headed for the thrift shop.  Shannon makes me laugh so much that every thing becomes funny.

We bought books for 25 cents each; she will bring them home to Carlsbad. She picked up a few things, including a very cool leather belt pack. She can find a deal, lemme tell ya!

Then, we wandered along South Congress, or SoCo to the locals. The buskers were out on the street corners and there were several craft and art fairs tucked between buildings. We wandered through a craft fair and then into some local shops selling goods from all over the world. I have been looking for a headscarf since I lost mine several months ago. I had been unable to replace it because the fashions have changed and you can’t find a simple scarf to tie country bandana style around your head and ears. You can get either a small bandana scarf on which to blow your nose, or a long narrow rectangular scarf to tie around your neck. So, I found what a needed to keep my hair back and ears warm, as I am expecting some cold weather as I trek across Texas in November.

After coffee at Jo’s (cool, huh?), we went back to the motel and got ready for the evening. 

We met Daniel and Kristine Griffin at Masala Wok in north Austin. Daniel is my son’s best friend from 6th grade. They were best man for each other’s wedding and Daniel will always hold a very special place in my heart. Both Deois (my son) and Daniel are rather brilliant men and were the lovable nerds in high school. Both of them have a gift for languages and travel and have many exciting stories to tell. This was my first time to meet Kris, Daniel’s wife. He done good! She is just a cool lady and we had a great time. Daniel works at Spreadfast, one of the fastest growing software and website companies in the world. Daniel works in the customer support department, so he has to understand technology communications to a tee. Which he does.

After dinner, we went down to THE area in Austin to spend a Saturday night: 6th street. While Daniel was able to park in his company parking garage, Shannon and I searched the streets until we finally succumbed to a paying $10 for a spot and walking to the night scene area. We met up with Daniel and Kris, walked to a jazz club which was closed to outsiders that night, and then wandered back toward 6th street, popping into a bar with a good blues band. We had a single drink, listened to the music, and then shared hugs and goodbyes.

Shannon and I were back at the motel by 11 or so. She had meetings to attend the next day, and I had a date with HD and the road towards home.

Austin was wonderful. I loved the architecture, the shops, the funky people, the local and international arts, the music, the music, the music. Everywhere the music.

This trip has been Amazing.

Alone On The Road Again

Saturday, November 2, 2013

This morning, we all packed up and checked out of the Lamothe House. We had such a wonderful time and we were sad to leave. The first item on the agenda was to get Shannon, our driver, her morning coffee. It took all morning to get these 4 women, who had stayed up till 3:30 am the night before, to shower, pack, and haul their stuff 1/2 block down the street to cram into the car. Thus, Shannon didn’t get her morning joe till about 11:30 am. Once she got her first sip of coffee, you could see the smile appear and we knew we would have a good day of travel. We had so much stuff packed into her Hyundai Tucson that, with the exception of our fearless driver, we all had luggage under our feet--to knee level or higher. Six feet were propped on any ledge or dashboard or seat back available. It took a good portion of the day to get to Lake Charles, because we needed a few bathroom and stretch breaks, from our legs being crammed into tight spaces. I wasn’t the only one looking like an old lady with the first 3 steps of walking. 

The ladies dropped me off at Capitol Cyclery at about 4 pm. John, the owner and  expert mechanic who put Henry David back in running order, had borrowed his father-in-law’s truck to take HD and I across Lake Charles to Sulphur--the town on the other side. Apparently, in this part of the south, you can cycle over rivers and lakes on the interstate if there is no other option--except for over Lake Charles. The interstate bridge has no shoulder and bicycles are prohibited. I had to wait until the store closed for the day, so I hung out in the parking lot and met a most interesting family.

Loyd, a retired man with a passion for cycling and a mission to pray for cancer victims, came to the cycle shop to pick up a few supplies. He approached me in front of the store and asked if I were traveling long distance. I responded yes and he said that he and his family were all traveling on tadpoles---these are recumbent trikes with two wheels in the front and one in the back. I became very excited and just had to meet this family; his wife and kids were in the car. 

Loyd and Denise Truly and family are from Quebec---New Brunswick to be specific. They started 4 months ago, traveling 30-35 miles a day when cycling. They stay mostly in campgrounds, with a motel interspersed here and there. Paul does all the repairs himself and, on occasion, the family has had to stay put to wait for parts when there have been breakdowns. 

Loyd, Denise, and their 13 yr old daughter all pull single wheel trailers behind their trikes. Their 12 year old son does not pull a trailer but cycles his own tadpole. The youngest, a cute little blonde about 5 yrs old, rides behind her daddy’s seat. Denise keeps a daily blog on her facebook page. They often stay at people’s homes through the “warm showers” program. This is a hospitality program for hikers and bikers traveling the country. You can pull into a town, find out if any resident is part of the program, call them up, and see if you can take a shower in their home. This is often accompanied by an offer for a meal and a bed. The family has met some incredible folks this way. 

Part of the purpose for this family trek is a “Pray for Cancer” program. They ask people whom they meet if they have a loved one with cancer; this family will pray for them. Isn’t that so cool? 

I talked to the kids for a bit. The two older kids enjoyed the first 3 months. Over the last month, however, they have been getting homesick and a bit tired of life on the road. But, they have many miles yet to go. Yet they did admit that they have had many adventures and have met some really wonderful folks. The goal is Brownsfield, TX; then they turn around and cycle back home to Canada.

Yikes, it will be winter!

The teenage girl, a very pretty young lady, said her favorite time was when they got a rental car and went to Florida. She enjoyed the cycling break and got a brief chance to enjoy the scenery while at rest.

However, the reason for the rest break wasn’t so great.

While approaching a hill, a truck passed the family but cut in too fast, before fully passing Denise. The driver ran into her front left wheel and crunched her trike, causing her some minor injuries but pretty much totaling the cycle. Loyd ordered a replacement cycle to be delivered to a shop in Florida, so they got the rental car, drove to the shop, visited some folks, and then got back on the road. 

This family will have memories to last a lifetime.

After the family left the parking lot, I went inside and talked to the guys. It was quite entertaining! I love it when the bro’s do their thing and tease each other as a way of support. John and “Quads” are serious cyclists and participate in local races. “Quads” got his nickname because he was a bodybuilder for a few years and developed such huge thighs that he had to walk with his legs apart. They are still quite well developed but now he can stand with his feet below his hips. The heavy weightlifting resulted in some injuries so he switched to cycling and he is enjoying it. He has a race tomorrow.

He and John enjoy pop music and compared notes about who were their favorite musicians and groups. They both have a secret, well, ok, not so secret, crush on Katy Perry. John is married and Quads has a girlfriend, but they explained that they are guys, so they still can have a crush on a pop singer! 

There was also a young man at the shop; I missed his name. Ethan? Oh, heck, I can’t remember. He is 18 and very slender and youthful appearing. Adorable. He is also participating in some cycling races. He enjoyed teasing his older counterparts.

I say “older”, but these guys are just in the mid twenties. All of them are incredibly good looking. The “older” guys have dark hair, the ever popular and sexy five o’clock shadow, and fit physiques. Young “Ethan” looks like he may follow in their footsteps. Time will tell.

After closing the shop, John took HD and I across the lake. John has a business related college degree and opened this cycle shop with a partner. Over time, he is buying out his partner so that he will have sole ownership. They have another shop and he takes great pride in all aspects of the business. 

John said that it is hard to find capable bike mechanics and employees. He cannot compete with the wages of the local plants in the area. Gas and oil refineries are a big deal here and there is a new plant coming in, which will be able to hire 25,000 employees!

Jeez. That’s the size of Carlsbad, where I live! 

That is one HUGE refinery. Its own city. 

John dropped me off at the Super 8 in Sulfur City, LA. I had a quiet night and got myself ready to get back on the road.

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Sunday, November 3rd, 2013

It was a nice ride today to Beaumont on hwy 90, crossing the final frontier into Texas. Next state is home! HD and I crossed a few bridges on the interstate as the only option, hopping on and off as soon as possible. Once we arrived on the east end of Beaumont, we got off the interstate and wove through the neighborhood streets. I found a Super 8 on a frontage road and arrived in the late afternoon, shortly before dark. After exercises, I went next door to Cafe Del Rio, a really wonderful Mexican restaurant. I ordered a spinach enchilada plate and thought I had died and gone to heaven. That’s the thing about exercise, for me, anyway. It makes me really enjoy eating a tasty meal. I even had a sopapilla afterward. It wasn’t served with honey but a small bowl of whipped cream---oh my god. 

OK, back to apples and bananas and crackers!

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Monday, November 3rd, 2013

I hit the morning traffic in Beaumont and was surprised by the size of this town. After leaving the congestion of the city centre, I cycled through tree lined streets. It had a small town feel with all of the mod cons of a big city, including a universit. Nice town!

It was another quiet ride along hwy 90. I’ve had a mild tail wind for a few days while I appear to be just missing the rainstorms by a day or two. The road has been fairly flat and there is still a bayou/swamp feeling as I head toward Houston. It is still nice and warm here in early November, but I hear that Austin just got 14 inches of rain!

I stayed the night in Liberty, TX at the Residence Suites Inn; the room was simple and clean and I was happy. Happy to be off poor old HD, my trusty trike!!

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Tuesday, November 4th, 2013

Today was the day to address the big city of Houston. I crossed the Trinity River on hwy 90 and, when I reached Dayton, I got off that sweet hwy and jumped onto Texas FM 1960. FM is a “farm road”. This had a glorious shoulder all the way to Houston. The map shows it crossing over the north end, so I thought, “Great! I will miss all the crazy Houston traffic everyone has warned me about!”

Ha Ha Ha! 

The traffic didn’t bother me, until about 3/4 mile before reaching the Hardy Toll Road, which is the most northern part of the FM 1960. Then, the shoulder disappeared and there were no sidewalks and I was blocked by curbs. For the next 7-10 miles, it was city driving at its nastiest. This was a 6 lane highway, called a “farm road”, but it was stop and go and hundreds of stoplights, and stores, etc. The road was hemmed in by a curb most of the time, and then there was a grassy bank. People walked in the ditch of the grass. This was my first, and hopefully last, “close call”. All the drivers saw me ahead of time and took the opportunity to switch lanes before they reached me, whenever they could. Occasionally, the traffic in the next lane was thick enough that a driver might have to follow me for 10-20 seconds before sliding over. I kept an eye on my rearview mirror.

Then, a big black pickup came roaring up the lane, probably excited that he thought he had the lane to himself. After all, the cars had all moved over and I am sure he was taking advantage of the “clear path”. I had no where to go because there were no driveways or curbs and this guy was NOT slowing down. He obviously did not see me until the last second when he slammed on his brakes and stopped behind me with only inches to spare. 

I was grateful that he didn’t honk at me in anger or fear. His heart was probably beating faster than mine. It happened so fast, I had no time to be worried more than 2 seconds. I’ve been more scared going over tight bridges in traffic, vehicles whizzing past but giving me just enough room to continue unharmed. 

This was the only time any vehicle had to slam on his brakes to avoid hitting me. Not bad for 8600 miles. I remain very grateful.

On the east end of Houston, I pulled into a McDonalds to grab some coffee. When I came back out to the trike, there was a white cargo van parked nearby, with 3 men inside, waving. Lee Morris, the driver, called out, asking where I was going and how far, etc. After a quick explanation of the trip, I asked him about what he loves. He said he used to love something that was bad for him, but he had “quit all that”. Now he enjoys his job and loves his kids. He currently sells and delivers office furniture. 

I arrived at the Extended Stay on Champion Centre Driver in the late afternoon. When cycling around the parking lot to my room, I met Ed Casey, a local resident. His wife had just undergone a foot surgery so they were staying in the bottom floor of the motel for a week. Their home has 2-3 stories and she has to climb stairs to even get to the front door. So, until she recovers enough to manage the stairs, they will stay at the Extended Stay. These rooms have kitchenettes and are fairly economical for Houston prices. 

Ed is semi-retired. He got into real estate about 33 years ago. You know--buying, renting, leasing, selling. This has been a huge success for him and he can close a deal in 3 days. He likes to live simply and says that he and his wife are comfortable and have all that they need, so he doesn’t feel the need to push it as hard as he used to. His son graduated from Texas Tech University and got into the real estate business upon graduation. But, when the housing market crashed in 2008, the son jumped ship and went into investment banking. He makes good money, but often works 7 days a week. Ed thinks that the real estate business is solid--the market may vary but people always need a home. He tries to work out win-win situations with his buyers so that everyone gets the deal they want. I like that! Ed and his wife have lived in Houston for decades; they raised their children here and all of them live in the area. It is a good life and Ed is happy with his choices.

After unpacking a few things, I took a long walk around the nearby mall and grabbed an ice cream cone at McDonalds. I had been craving a frappecino, but a frappe has twice as many calories as an ice cream cone. So, the cone won. I picked up a Subway salad for later, to eat in the room.

It was a good day all in all. Most of the ride had been uneventful and pleasant. I was hit by some sprinkling rain, but it was very mild. FM 1960 had been heavenly, until the last 10 miles. I arrived safe and sound and had a pleasant evening. Who can complain about that? Still, I needed to get off that FM 1960 road as soon as possible. Tomorrow.

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Wednesday, November 6th, 2013

I meant to get up earlier, but dagnab it, I keep going to sleep too late. So, I headed out about 7:30--about 30 minutes later than planned. But that wasn’t so bad. I had figured out how to get off that busy road after about 1/4 mile. Wouldn’t you know that they added sidewalks right about the time I got off that street? LOL!

HD and I made it through the city streets in morning traffic. It was actually quite good, because the school buses were all out and everyone was driving at a safe speed and so they had plenty of time to go around me when needed. 

On the northwest end of Houston, I leapt onto the frontage road of hwy 290. I rode this highway option for several miles to Hockley. Then I took the business 290 through Hockley, Waller, and Hempstead, getting directly onto the hwy after Hempstead, when it is no longer considered “limited access”. I hit some rain, a little stronger today, and battled a headwind all day.

In Waller, I stopped at a little gas station and convenience store at the west end of town. There, I met Dalip. This attractive, slender man is from Sri Lanka. He came to the USA about 2 years ago and hopes to return home in 1-2 more years. He came here to work and make enough money to pay for the modest home that is being built back home. He needs to earn $20,000 to pay for it, so he has been sending home whatever he can. He has a wife and 2 sons, age 6 and 10. He misses them terribly but talks to them almost daily on Skype. 

I am very grateful for modern technology. 

He told me a little about the tsunami that hit Indonesia and Sri Lanka in 2004. (Then, of course, I had to read about it some more that night.) Almost 250,000 people were killed. The wall of water was 98 feet high in some areas. The causative earthquake was the highest and longest in recorded history, measuring over 9 on the Richter scale. His family lived near the coast, but at a high enough elevation that no one in his family was injured or lost their homes. He described the sad plight of the Sri Lanka fishermen and their families, who live right on the coastline near the water. So many lost their lives. 

I asked him about the cultural differences between residents of Sri Lanka and USA. It is worth noting that Dalip has lived in 2 cities in the US: New York City and Houston---megacities. I think he drives from Houston to Waller to work every day in this store that is owned by a good friend from home. 

When I asked him about the cultural differences, Dalip’s eyes grew wide and he warmed up to his subject---home. He said the differences were substantial. At home, he said, people live very simply. He and his entire extended family are Catholic, but most of the people in his town and country are Buddhist. This has shaped the people to be peaceloving, close knit as families and communities, and satisfied with the basic pleasures of life. “They enjoy the 5 senses and each other”.

Sri Lanka is a tropical island in the Indian Ocean off the southeast border of India. It is often referred to as the “pearl of India” and the land of “smiling people”. I can imagine that there is plenty there to titillate the senses: smells, sights, sounds, tastes, and textures in this tropical paradise. Heaven!

Dalip said that people eat together in the evening; families gather to share simple food and converse and relax. His father still buys fresh fish from the fishermen at the wharf every day--the daily catch. The produce is fresh-picked and people eat simple and healthy. People don’t have a lot of possessions, but that is the give-and-take between a fast-paced life to get “stuff”, and a slower life to simply enjoy what you do have. That being said, Dalip still felt the need to come here to work so that he could provide a nicer home for his family. He wants the simple life, but in a sturdy home that can withstand the vagaries of weather. He is anxious to return to his beloved homeland.

I got back on the road with plenty to think about after talking to Dalip. 

Around Hempstead, the flat lands gave rise to gently rolling hills. The headwind increased and the last 20 miles of the day were quite a challenge. I had to turn on the flashers during the final 45 minutes of the ride today. I arrived at the Super 8 on the east end of Brenham shortly before dark. This is a newly remodeled motel with spacious halls and rooms. I brought HD inside and I had a pleasant evening with the typical rituals of exercise, shower, and a simple meal. Tonight’s dinner was a sweet potato that I nuked in the microwave and a small back of jalapeno kettle chips. Yumm!

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Thursday, November 7, 2013. 

After cereal, yogurt, and coffee from the offerings at the Super 8, I headed out on HD through Brenham, stopping at a Walgreens for bottled water and a bar of chocolate. I still had bananas and an apple and figured I would pick up some peanuts at a convenience store somewhere along the way when I needed a “break”. 

When I reached the town of Burton, there was a great little gas station/convenience store and auto mechanic shop at the west end of town. I pulled in to find a restroom and a drink and had the opportunity to meet Jim Bobo, one of the mechanics there. Then, the owner came in, who told me his name was “George”, with a wink in his eye. He added “Curious George” and let me know that I did not need to know his name. “George” ranted for a bit about the country’s politics for the last several decades (since he reached drafting age and experienced VietNam). Then he ranted about people in general and gave me advice on personal protection gear. 

But, from “George” and Jim, I did get a bit of local history of the shop. It was built in 1929 and was initially a Ford dealership, selling Model T’s and the like. The store has a round front with ceiling high windows--perfect to show off those cars. The auto shop is the original one, with tall steel rafters and huge wooden ceiling beams. I saw the old car lifts and Jim showed me around the place. It used to be quite the place to stop: a car dealership, auto repair shop, diner, motel, and picnic area were all on the property. Since it is several miles between towns here, I imagined it to be a popular stop. There were old black and white photos of yesteryear throughout the convenient store and repair shop. In the repair shop itself, there were a few old classic cars undergoing rehabilitation. There was an old Studebaker that I particularly liked. 

Those old cars were gas guzzlers, but boy oh boy could they move! My first car was an old Plymouth Fury, a retired police car painted gold. It cost me $50. I had to put in a new battery and buy the insurance and that was all it took to make this car ZOOOMM!! If I took my foot off the brake, it would fly across the intersection with just a teensy bit of verbal encouragement! I loved that old car. That was when there was a gas war in 1976 and the gas was a measly 19 cents a gallon. Still, I rode my bicycle more than drove my car, but when I wanted to travel far and fast, that old Plymouth did the job with flying colors. And I mean flying! 

Jim is a friendly man who enjoys meeting the travelers who stop in the store. The convenient store is being renovated and expanded and will soon offer fresh sandwiches to customers. Jim works on the cars and helps as needed in the shop. His passions are people, music, and helping others. He moved back to this town, after living in the city for most of his adult years, to take care of his aging parents. He is “semi-retired” and works the hours he wants, while checking on mom and dad throughout the day. For fun, he grabs his guitar and jams with a few friends. He loves the small town life where everyone is family. The churches are the town hub and the fire department does a few fundraisers a year with games, music, food, and fun for the kiddies. In a neighboring town, there is a place where there is like a big hoedown from time to time, where the locals can gather and kick up there heels to some good country music. Life is slower and relaxed and suits Jim well at this time in his life.

I rode hwy 290 all the way to Giddings, Texas. It was a great ride with a wonderful shoulder. The scenery is really lovely, with wide expanses of meadow and grassland. The hills are becoming more evident and it will basically be uphill to New Mexico from here. So far, the hills are easily managed, but when I hit the official “Texas hill country” as I head west from Austin, the grades will be getting steaper. The air was much cooler today and I even kept on my leggings and long sleeved shirt. When I left the Super 8 this morning, it was 46 degrees. That was ok with the leggings and lightweight shirt I wore today, because of the exercise of cycling. 

I arrived at America’s Best Value Inn around 3:30 pm, where I was assured the prices were the best in town. I walked down the street to the grocery store for the next food supply for today and most of tomorrow. I have been snacking on corn tortillas and sandwich cheese slices (they were cheap!) while I write. Soon, I will hit the floor with my exercise routine. I plan on an earlier night because I need to get to Austin before dark, if I can. 

I love Henry David, my trusty trike. But he IS a bit slow, if you know what I mean. Or is it me?

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Friday, November 8, 2013

HD and I left America’s Best Value Inn when the sky was bathed in pink. I tried to get a somewhat earlier start today as the ride would be hilly and long. And it was. But, oh so beautiful. This is entering my favorite part of Texas--the beginning of hill country. It did not disappoint. Hills, meadows, cows, horses, streams and brooks, autumn flowers and subtle changing colors in this subtropical land. I even saw my first prickly pear cactus and felt as if I were coming home once again.  The air was cool today but I didn’t have a headwind, so I wore my long sleeved shirt, an overshirt, thermal socks, the everpresent leggings and riding skorts, and a fuzzy hat, and continued on, enjoying the sights and sounds. The highways were fairly kind and the drivers respectful. It was an uneventful ride, mostly because I was simply concentrating on getting in the miles so I could make it to the motel before dark. These shorter autumn days are interfering with the number of available, safe hours I can cycle. So, I find myself in a hurry, taking fewer breaks. My odometer/speedometer has not worked since Lake Charles, so I have no truly effective way to gauge my timing. Every now and then I come upon a road sign telling the distance between towns, but these signs are few and far between. When I don’t have a speedometer working, I find myself getting lost in the sights and sounds and I often slow down. So, I tried to concentrate on keeping the pedals moving. I arrived at the Howard Johnson Motel South in Austin by 4:30, giving me time to do my exercises and even shower before my daughter Shannon arrived.

Once she arrived---the hilarity began. It is so nice to have her here again. No longer alone...