Desert Country

We left the hills behind, and the Gas Stations. Although we were on I10, we managed to hit an 80 mile stretch with nothing, and I mean nothing. Until we came to a rest stop where there was WIFI, but no gas (sorry, petrol). We never got as far as getting connected because we started talking to a man BBQing. Who then assured us there would be some fuel about 15 miles down he road (I'd already been on reserve for about 10). As he was cooking meat before it defrosted he did couple of small steaks for us.

It was an early lunch, but it would have been rude not to.

We dropped off I10, due South, towards a small town called Alpine. We were on a plateau, with mountains appearing ahead. Proper stuff, just like the movies.

The Hill Country was good, but this is better, the bends are more sweeping and faster, which is better for the Pegaso, also each bend opens up onto a new view. Yes, a desert with mountains. We both like it.

We have been resting in Alpine with another CouchSurfer, Wes, it never ceases to amaze me where we can find a CS, while we sorted out he route ahead. I've had a chance to check the bikes over, we have repacked and restocked.

But its not all work, we had a ride up into the mountains, swam in a spring fed pool (constant all year round temp of 22-23C) and been to see the Marfa Lights .

We had not heard of them either, and went up last night to have a gander. Great ride through the gorge as the sun set and then dropped onto the plain again. And amazingly, after standing around in the desert in the dark with a bunch of weirdo freaks, we did see some that were due South and SSE where there is nothing, absolutely nothing. Happy Days.

We even had a good local store.

I am writing this, sat on a veranda, drinking beer as the sun sets over Highway 90, watching the world go by.

Texas

Its big
Its beautiful
It has many faces
They all wear stetsons, and all have guns (in their cars)

The USA

Its big :-)
Its beautiful :-)
Not met an unfriendly person.
We have left a trail of jealousy, "Boy, I've always dreamed of dong that" was a common statement
The east and south can be as good as the West.

If I had to plumb for a favorite state on this trip, it would be Louisiana. And not just because it is the only state that has the toilet flush on the "right" of the cistern, I applaud the French influence. With thanks to Scott (Cycling Man) for pointing this out.

Tech Stuff

Miles done - 5250ish
Oil Change - 1
Gear Lever used - 1
Chain adjustment - 1 (yes 1 in over 5k miles)
Bikes Washed - 0
Money spent - yes
Fuses used - about 10