Days 23 & 24 - Rain and Rough Roads

The night at the Baptist Church in Sanderson was I night I won't forget for a long time. After we ate the great dinner prepared by Kelly the pastor's wife, pastor Mike invited us to the rectory game room for a concert. He had his guitar and fiddle and we all sat down for some real Texas music. It was comical when we learned he really didn't play any of the instruments and only used them as props as he sang along with a number of old Texas classics. We all sang along to 'Momma Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys.' After a good night sleep on the commissary floor we woke up to find breakfast items left by Kelly. After two bowls of sugar coated cereal and some fresh fruit I headed out to another soggy day of cycling.

The first 20 miles were ridden in a steady rain. I tuned out the miserable conditions and thought of pleasant things. I looked down and saw my legs pumping away but I wasn't commanding them to do so. It's as if my legs peddled like one breathes, instinctively. The first 20 miles flew by as my mind took me away from the repetitive motion and the unchanging landscape. 

We entered a desolate little town where people had no drinking water other than plastic bottles that were delivered to the town each week. We were warned by a sign not to take any of the water from the distribution point which was outside an abandoned store. 

The second 20 miles were more difficult as the rain became more intense and the climbs became longer. We were all happy to see Kelly and James at mile 40. 

(Part of Judge Roy Bean's Museum)

Miles 40-60 flew by for me because Aaron and I pace lined these miles. He blocked the wind for me by riding in front and after a mile I did the same for him. We continued this procedure until we reached Judge Roy Bean's home and courtroom. He was known as 'The Hanging Judge.' The museum was interesting and I finally saw a vinagaroon. This is a cross between a scorpion and a tarantula, also know as a whip spider. 

(I hope one of these doesn't get into my tent tonight.)

(The Pecos River below our campground)

We finished the last 20 miles strong and after an 80 mile day we were happy to set up camp at Seminole Canyon State Park. The tent sites were very primitive and because we had only two campsite permits, our 17 tents werr literally touching each other. 

(My tent blends in nicely with the cactus.)

After a meal of pasta and carrots, which I cooked on my camping stove, I settled into my tent to write this post. Since there's no service here, you'll be reading this with my day 24 posting.

Life is good!

Day 24

It rained a little last night while we slept. It was enough to make our tents wet and soggy. However, we woke up to a spectacular sunrise. It was a true blessing after four days of steady rain.

The 40 mile ride to Del Rio, TX was uneventful. We had a nice cool morning but there was a headwind and the road was so rough that my GoPro camera bracket broke away from my handlebars. 

Shanon was so happy that the rain stopped that she tried a new cheering technique to keep us going. Her enthusiasm is infectious.

We arrived in Del Rio at about 12:00 PM so it actually feels like a day off. This was the type of day I needed. My legs were dead so I was able to replenish my body with some decent food and a nice nap in a comfortable bed provided by the First Baptist Church of Del Rio.

The Baptist have been very kind to us throughout this trip. They are truly kind and giving.

Tomorrow he head into Texas Hill Country. We have some long hard days ahead. Knowing I'll see my lovely wife in Johnson City will surly give me the boost I'll need.