As I was riding today, I realized that three weeks ago I left Kamloops for San Diego. For most of those who are reading this missive, the past three weeks have probably been somewhat unremarkable, with the exception of my older son, Ryan, who travelled with his volleyball team to Havana, Cuba. I, like Ryan, am experiencing something quite different and exciting, and at times I find it difficult to realize the rest of the world is not moving at the same pace as I.
I feet very much out of touch, and I've only been gone 21 days into a 62 day trip! It's not a negative feeling, just interesting.
The winds last night shook and pummelled my tent until just before 4 am. Needless to say, sleep was somewhat sporadic. The day broke clear and calm, but it wasn't long before the winds reappeared, making the ride to El Paso a bit of a chore. On top of that, I forgot to put on sunscreen, and am feeling a tad warm right now.
I've been in a musical mood the past couple of days. Yesterday, I channeled Frankie Lane, from Paint Your Wagon, singing, " Away out west, they've got a name for rain and wind and fire. The rain is Tess, the fire's Job, and they call the wind Maria". Today it's Marty Robbins, " Down in the west Texas town of El Paso, there lived a beautiful Mexican girl". Or some such thing. Anyhow, my compadres (notice how I'm being one with the south) have expressed their appreciation of my serenading, and more so that I've stopped.
Speaking of the south, Nicole made grits for breakfast this morning, in honour of crossing into Texas today. I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised, so much so I'd have them again.
The good news about entering Texas is that we're now almost a third of our way across the country. The surprising news is that it will take us another 18 days and 1000 miles to cross the state!
We're staying in an old hotel in downtown El Paso that has been converted into a hostel/residential hotel. Four to a room in bunk beds, two rooms sharing a bathroom, back to basics all the way. Derek and I were scheduled to cook, and when we heard we had access to a full kitchen, we planned a fairly substantial meal. When we took one look at the grungy set up and filthy cookware, we opted for plan B, and served up baked beans and Caesar salad, done with our camping equipment. Food is food on the trip, no one complained, and all was devoured. It helped that we bought a cheesecake for dessert.
There's a scale in the lobby of the hotel that apparently is quite accurate, according to the majority of the group who have stepped on it. If it is, I've lost almost 10 lbs since I left Kamloops! The strange thing is that I don't feel or look like I have. Cycling burns calories and works the legs, but does nothing for the core, so I'm just as flabby as ever, but in a lighter way.
Tomorrow we head to Fort Hancock, and will be out of wifi range for a couple of days.
Messilla, NM. This Billy the Kid gift shop was once a courthouse, and it was there that Billy was sentenced to be hanged.
Pecan tress.
We all miss you Murray..
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