Entering the Desert

                       Finally out of that gorgeous Texas hill country and entering the desert. 

                                   
                                   
I rode over this bridge which did not have a bike lane.  A few times I got off the bike and let semis pass by as I pushed up against the rail.  I thought it was nice of me and they seemed to appreciate it.

                                               

We are camping at Seminole Canyon State Park that has fantastic views from our campsite in all directions.  The Texas state parks have been outstanding.


                                   

                                     

                                     
                                              
It’s hard to reconcile the beauty of this place with its brutal and violent history.  It’s depressing and grim when one considers how many different groups ran out the native inhabitants of this land.  Ancient rock paintings are found on the walls of many of the areas rock shelters.   

                                            

It’s hard to describe the feeling of riding on these roads that seemingly go on forever.  Sometimes I just stop and listen to the wind and the sound of the birds and I am filled with gratitude.  And I sing.  Oh, do I sing.

   

   

  

Tomorrow we’ll be going through this area.  I don’t know if I can bike 88 miles unless I have a good tailwind.  We might be spending the night in the car by the road.  Don’t worry.  I’ve got my snacks all packed.  Priorities.

                                    He’s such a welcome sight when he rides out to meet me!

It’s hard work being the support person. I’m not being sarcastic.  When you are a journalist, a cook, a counselor, a people person and you are naturally inquisitive and pastoral you attract people wherever you go.  I’ve been known to mutter “there are people up there and I don’t want to talk to them.”  That does not stop him for one second! 

We are close to the US/Mexico border and the bike route is following the Rio Grande so today I came upon a border inspection station with a big sign that said all vehicles had to stop for inspection.  Well, I debated.  I’m not in a vehicle.  I decided I should probably stop.  They take borders seriously around here.  All traffic was diverted and I fully intended to stop and then at the very last second I found myself veering left and cycled between two big orange barrels.  I got on the other side and thought I was in the clear but then heard a loud whistle and a pickup truck with a U.S. customs official came roaring up to a stop.  I was prepared.  “I wasn’t sure if I should stop.  This isn’t a vehicle”.  I was told that yes, everyone has to stop.  I offered to go back so the dog could sniff my bike but the nice officer said no I could go on.  I’m sure I’ll have more chances to make this tough decision in the future.  There are so many check points.  I thought I had a stronger argument though.  A bike is not a vehicle.  

                                                

On another note, thanks to the library staff for posting our ramblings.  It’s difficult writing from our phones but it’s the only way to blog.  I don’t have the most nimble of fingers and often feel frustrated by trying to communicate in this way.  The pics are probably better than the words anyway.