Paladin Pedaling

Yet Another Quick Update

2011-02-04T20:47:00.000-08:00

Today is the day I head to the groomers for a shave and a haircut. My friend Jean bought me a gift certificate after seeing a photo of me in December and said something along the lines of, "You look awful!" However, I made a rated-G version for this entry. I am fairly certain there were a lot of expletives included.

Just a thought, I may even bathe before hand. Day three of the same clothing. No biggie. I'm not going back to the Patrick Stewart corporate look (photo used in international insurance trade article about company, of which I was CEO).

Also, not staying with the Ted Kaczynski -

I'll probably settle for something in between...

Well, anyway..I did get chopped. Below is the progression of the grooming taken by friend who purchased the grooming

It has been odd seeing my mug. Perhaps, I'll wear a burqa going forward.

To my friends and family, I'm glad I'm back in the region and look forward to seeing you soon. To my children I miss you, love you - always have and always will.

A Quick Update

2011-01-31T20:49:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm back in MD. Getting here and seeing snow was actually, (gulp) kind of nice to see! The problem occurred that while removing snow from my 100+ foot driveway, I pulled the same thoracic muscle I have previously pulled. But this time, the pain put me on my back for a full day and some more.

I did get a little bit of playtime in the snow with Karma and Custer for which I'm doggie sitting. Custer is a happy dopey yellow lab that Karma knows very well. They are snow pouncing, snarling, playing buddies.

It is great having Karma! I rarely put her on a leash except in very crowded places and restaurants. We went to the airport today to recover a bag I left on the plane. Throughout the terminal, I did not have her on a leash for a moment. She is very attentive to both voice and hand commands. My personal favorites are first, when she starts to stride away from me, I make a short hissing sound and she looks to me and goes in whatever direction I point. Second, when we are in line at a grocery store she will sit upon the short hissing sound and a snap of my fingers. It's very cool to have a good connection and understanding of dogs...thank you Sally and Cesar Millan!

Sadly, I have no new photos at this moment of Custer and Karma together and cannot wait to take those two mountain biking when I've healed a bit more and the snow has melted and the trails are usable.

But I do have great news! My blood pressure is down significantly! I went to my family practicioner who checked me out today...lowest my BP has been in about 2 years! Woo hoo...and she smiled too. Yeah for bicycling and getting out of the rat race and sleeping in ditches and cuddling up with a hound or two - they are all good for the heart and soul!

Until I get some more photographs and head out on my new adventures, that are yet to be determined, but I'm certain they will be good ones, take care.

To my friends who contacted me asking if I was OK because I hadn't made a posting in over a week, thank you for your concern! I miss you all. To my children, I miss you, love you and forever will.

Dad/Tim/Baby bro.

Just a Stroll Across the River - Don't Tell My Parents!

2011-01-19T19:17:00.000-08:00

A Stroll
After a late start, I decided to make a quick jaunt just 6 miles away to the Rio Grande. With my rental car due back by 2:30, I headed out with Karma to the Mexican and American border. I parked approximately 300 yards from the border crossing and Karma and I began strolling along the border crossing road and I met Juanita who was walking to Mexico. Needless to say, she adored my fuzzy partner.

She and I walked approximately a quarter mile across the bridge leading to Ciudad Acuna. Along the way she told me a bit about herself. She was originally from Austin, TX, met her now husband who was deported back to Mexico and she followed him to Mexico to live.

As we approached the turnstile (toll) to exit the U.S., I stopped with Juanita and Karma for a quick photograph. The pedestrian toll is 75 cents heading south.

As we crossed the long bridge, Juanita and I spoke about a number of topics from wildlife, culture, immigration laws, and environmental pollution. As we walked and conversed, I noticed a large number of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in plastic bags, water bottles and orange peels strewn on the bridge. I stated that I found it odd that there were so many sandwiches. She advised that they were sandwiches from deportees, sent back to Mexico from the U.S. and they are sent back with food and water, because the border patrol is never certain when the deportees had their last meal or when their next meal will be. Juanita hinted that Ciudad Acuna is a bit of an unforgiving town and expressed a positive vibe about the U.S. Border Patrol.

As we passed the above checkpoint, I was very excited to get my passport stamped. We walked through and had a greeting much like a Wal-Mart greeter and not even so much as a mark on my hand like I've paid a cover charge at bar on a Friday night.

Very cool statue.

Immediately after this photo was taken, we were told by the Mexican border guard that we were not permitted to take any photos here. I assumed that the guard was coming to check the vaccination records for Karma. She didn't care that Karma existed. It now make me wonder if I'm current on my rabies vaccination!

Juanita and I strolled down the Main Street into Acuna in search of a nice bar that served tequila. I figured, when in Rome... We walked just a few blocks looking for a bar. Juanita asked a man who was walking on the far side of the street where to go for tequila. He pointed us several blocks away. We continued walking straight and a gentleman poked his head out of what appeared to be a bar, and encouraged us inside. Juanita looked inside and insisted we not go into that place. It was a barbershop. The barber must have thought I looked like I needed to get cleaned up.

Just half a block away, the proprietor of a corner bar, The Corona Club, invited us inside. Juanita made sure that he had tequila before we entered. In both English and Spanish he assured us he did! Inside we found that there were at least 5 different brands of tequila. I offered to buy Juanita a drink and she gratefully accepted. Together, we shared time on our respective shots of Hornitos tequila. Now I must admit, I don't generally like tequila (but like I said, when in Rome...), but that was very easy going tequila - some really good stuff! The proprietor captured the American posse in the photo below and told us that the bar was used as a set for some movies...but I can't remember the name! Oy.

View down the Main Street.

Juanita and Karma outside the Corona Club

View back to the border

Trinkety junk for sale immediately before the border

It was right here where Karma and I said goodbye to Juanita. I gave Juanita a big hug and thanked her for her hospitality and for being our Acuna tour guide. The return cost to get through the turnstile was 25 cents.

On our way back to the U.S., Karma and I stopped for a few photos. Because she is so well trained, I don't need to have her on a leash, but as we neared the checkpoint, a guard yelled out to me from the toll booth style checkpoint, "PUT THAT DOG ON A LEASH!" I understood and called back, "OK," and reached into my pocket for the leash. Once again within approximately 10 seconds as I was still digging the leash out that was jammed in my pocket, the same guard yelled, "I SAID, PUT THAT DOG ON A LEASH!" to which I responded, "AND I SAID,'OK'!" as I began clipping the leash to Karma's collar. The only thing I could figure was that this woman was still very upset she did not get that full scholarship to the Division I college field hockey program upon which she had her sights set.

We wandered back to our car, well after 2:30. I was now responsible for another day of car rental fees. But it was worth the expense. I met a new friend and a pleasant experience ensued, except for the cranky U.S. Border Patrol meanie.

To everyone, I miss you and love you. To my children, I will forever love you.

A National Park Trip

2011-01-19T10:13:00.000-08:00

Fun Section
Yesterday, I rented a car and drove back from whence I came to see the Amistad National Recreation Area and found some amazing views, 75 degree temperatures and blue skies. It was nice getting out of town for a bit. Not a whole lot happened. Karma tried to drink the reservoir and played a bit in the water. I skipped rocks.

Team photo of Karma & my shadow

Karma & the moon

It was right at sunset that Karma and I met CJ, an Air Force man. He was there to take photographs of the sunset as it set across the confluence of the Pecos and Rio Grand Rivers and the cliffs mentioned in the sign above. His goal after completing his military service is to become a professional photographer. From what I saw, as a "professional amateur" photographer (I actually tried at one point to be a photographer as a profession), he was using the right equipment, lenses, filters and settings.

After speaking with CJ for a while, I found out that he was from Frederick, Maryland. Of course we spoke about Baltimore and Maryland and our lives there. He was a very ambitious young man and seemed to really have a kind heart.

As the sun was setting, the moon was rising. Karma and I asked for CJs assistance getting our partner photo. He gladly did. The result was the following...I'm really happy with this one!

We headed to our temporary homestead, had some veggie lasagna and made snoozy.

Changes in my journey are coming. I'm not sure exactly what they will be. My journey is a plastic, fluid, and malleable. I have some interesting ideas, but I won't spoil the fun by telling you now. New people will likely flow into my life creating new adventures, excitement and hence interesting journal entries.

To all of you, I wish you well. To my children, I miss you, love you, and forever will.

Pain and Kind Words

2011-01-16T13:49:00.000-08:00

The Official Pain Section

On February 4, 1977 in the late afternoon on THE hill called Championship Hill, I was sledding with a friend. "Last run," we decided - planning to finish the day with the "greatest run ever." Tromping beside the sledding trail on the crunchy packed ice, we wound our way to the top of the hill in the woods. When we were at the trail's pinnacle, we scurried down the hill with our George Bailey-eque sleds. We dove upon the sleds while we were scurrying to get the fastest run possible. The runners that had been waxed were practically hovering across the sheer glaze at maximum speed. Tommy Seachrist was just ahead of me. The trail split left to go over a multitude of bumps or the to right which was a relatively calm trail that led about a quarter-mile down the hill to the school.

Our intent was to go right. Tommy made the turn easily. I however, wobbled a bit and couldn't get the steering to agree with my directional intent. A tree and I met in a most unfortunate way for me. The tree sustained some chipped bark. About 5 years later, I checked on the tree and it was fine but there was an evident scar. At the five year mark, I too was fine for the most part as well.

Regrettably, immediately after striking the tree, I knew something was drastically wrong. I had incredible difficulty breathing and could barely stand up. Tommy turned his head to see if I was going to overtake him, but he saw me staggering to stand. He dragged his feet into the crusty snow and carried his sled back up the hill to find out the cause of the delay. Gasping for air, I told Tommy I was really hurt. At first he didn't believe me. For some reason, he later did. I can only suppose it was the alabaster color I became.

Not knowing exactly what to do, I told Tommy I needed help getting to nearest house. Tommy helped to tend to his wounded comrade with great care. I held onto his shoulders as he walked, my weary legs trying to keep up with his stride. We approached the house and fortunately, the professional office in the home was open - a veterinary office. A quick diagnosis and a phone call to my mother, led me to the hospital for evaluation.

10 days later after emergency surgery to remove a lacerated lobe from my liver, I was sent home as a Valentine's Day present to all my family and friends. It was a tough 8 weeks, not being permitted to do any physical activity, per my surgeon's orders. (Please don't tell my mother, but I did sit and ride on a skateboard down Dan West's neighbor's driveway about 6 weeks after surgery.)

The ordeal was traumatic. For about 7 or 8 years, I've come to realize, I had a type of PTSD related to the accident. I would relive the accident in daydreams and nightmares. In these episodes, my peripheral vision would become shallow and everything sounded as if I were in a tunnel. I specifically remember in 9th grade biology class with Miss Wheeler, sitting next to Ana Ramos, and I had an episode. It was the first episode I had in public and I knew it was happening but couldn't stop it. It lasted for less than a minute and for just a moment, it felt as if the world now knew of my episodes. I looked around the room and realized no one knew this happened. It was my own experience and no one else's experience. I have never written nor do I believe I ever told anyone about my episodes before seeing them now before me.

The internal scar tissue would continue to nag me for approximately 18 years. I recall being surprised in my late twenties when the scar tissue got caught on my lowest fixed rib. It was a bit startling because the last "hooking" hadn't occurred for approximately two years. Since then, the only issue I have with my liver is when I get MRIs or X-rays and need to explain the staples on the images to technicians and doctors.

In 1978, I wore a back brace for months and was called Frankenstein. Even as a kid, I was always had back pain. My mother for a while thought I was mimicking my father's pain, but mine was lumbar and his was always a thoracic issue. After the months of bracing, the orthopedic doctors determined that I was born with a vertebrae out of place, thus shifting my hips backwards and my stomach forward. I say that as a result I have a Jennifer Lopez butt and a Kevin James gut. I have the best of the best related to the Hollywood types. Unfortunately, this malformation causes persistent nagging and sometimes excruciating pain. It also likely was the impetus for other injuries that I have sustained including 5 knee surgeries due to the maligned hips.

In 1991 while body surfing in a rip tide in Ocean City, Maryland, I was hurled into a little ball and landed on my head, garnering a concussion and a sore neck. That sore neck turned out to be a bit more than a strain. An MRI showed a hook-like chunk of disc cartilage compressed against my spinal cord. Like my back, ever since then I have had persistent and sometimes excruciating pain, that will cause tears to roll down my cheeks.

When I decided to set off for my cross country bike journey, I hoped with all my heart and soul as I left Dog Beach in San Diego, that I would be able to complete the journey with ease. As time went on, the massages, chiropractic visits weren't able to alleviate or repair the constant strains on my knees, neck, back and a new pain in my right hip. Also, the numb left leg and left arm got old along with the raw nose from blowing snot rockets in the cold got to be too much.

Although the camping portion of my cycling journey is complete, there are more blogs and journeys to come. Different modes of transportation will be used and my blog, I don't believe will be any less interesting. Well, I'll certainly do my best for you my dear reader.

The Official Kind Word Section

There are times in our lives when certain things said to us stick in our minds. Unfortunately, some are negative, but sometimes, the kindest words are said that make us feel amazing. Along my journey, I have received especially kind words of support for my journey and support for me as a person. Some of these words I'll share with you. One person's words I believe I should share with you again. It made me feel amazing and made me cry because the words moved me so much. Yes, I cry for joy, pain and sorrow. I am unashamed of this fact. If you think differently that's your cross to bear.

I'm glad to help you adventurous types – you know how to live. And then I read your blog about the guy who died living. Incredible! Why don't I remember you like this at all? You're like a gift that was put in a closet because it's valuable but not immediately necessary. Then I find it, and it's amazing and worth the revealed. Please be safe. But I know you will do this well - KV

Although I don't know you well, I am in awe of this amazing opportunity you have taken. I have been following your blog and love the awesome photo's and stories. It is very cool since these are places I will probably never see, and am so intrigued as to what other parts of the country/world look like and how people live there. You are a great writer and I glad you have found company to travel with you. Karma is a beautiful dog and I am sure a loving companion. - TK

You are the sweetest Tim! You & your kind should daily remind me that it's always more important to give than receive. - JC

It was delightful sharing Christmas dinner with you. You have challenged my thoughts and am re-evaluating some priorities.

I am glad our paths crossed. One thing that captured my core thoughts about meeting you, involved the first few minutes of our conversation. You were completely open, unguarded in meeting a new person. You were not closed off or pushy about your mission, but rather engaging (which my guess is your personality in general). You were open to the opportunity that was in the moment, meeting someone new without any expectations or strings. Just being friendly, but seemingly genuinely interested. While I tend to be a really friendly person, it stops at my agenda in that I am only open to what fits into my plans, not what I may get to experience in chatting with the other person. Even when you met Granny, and Nikki, you had an ease and openness that communicated interest. That has stuck with me. - AS

You are far deeper than you let on, Sir Tim. I really admire and respect that. - JK

You are the greatest. You seriously are one hell of a nice guy. - DRZ

Good Luck and keep in touch. There are very few people from my end of the business I enjoy spending time with, and you fall into the small group. - SC

Regarding Karma - email sent to me by Special K's former owner Nick

The day I had to call Sally to help me find a solution for Karma (as you know she could not be alone at all) was one of the darkest days of my life. I am so happy her journey allows her to touch as many people and other animals as possible.

Thank you for your kindness towards both of my girls (Sally and Karma), I look forward to meeting you when you come over to the east coast. - NG

Thoughts

No doubt staying focused on the positive is critical. If you ever hear me complaining about my existence, please point me back to the messages. We all need to keep that in mind and eliminate the other superficial negative nonsense that tries to crowd into our heads. It is superfluous noise merely meant as a distraction.

Photographs

Unfortunately, there is nothing I have really found that is special to photograph in this town. The closest thing I could find was an extremely small wild flower in the courtyard of the hotel that unfortunately was so small it was impossible to capture it well with my small camera. This was one of only a few times I wish I had my SLR camera on the trip...I decided to post the photo anyway to give this posting some color.

Until next time...to all of you, I wish you well and miss you. To my children, I love you, always have, and always will.

The Thank You Posting

2011-01-14T09:07:00.000-08:00

A few friends and family reminded me of something incredibly important. My blog is about a journey and I don't need to have a tête à tête of buffoonery with a simpleton. My blog is about a journey and fundraising for torture victims. The journey will continue, albeit in a different manner. I cannot wait for what comes next!

I assure you, the adventures will be amazing!

Thanks for the reminder my dear friends and family.

If you have comments that you would to make regarding my posts, feel free to join the followers of this group.

Del Rio Ain't So Bad if You Don't Go Outside

2011-01-12T20:48:00.000-08:00

The other day in my blog, I forgot to mention an important element of my conversation I had with the gentleman with whom I was riding as I approached Del Rio. He lived just outside of the city and worked in the city, so obviously, he had to be familiar with the community. I told him I intended to remain in town for a couple of days and would like his recommendation on sites I must see in the town. Without hesitation, he flatly said, "There is nothing to see in this place." I expected a smirk from him, but no smirk was emitted from the corners of his mouth.

Yesterday, I went to a local bike shop to get some repairs made to my bike in anticipation of riding to San Antonio. After about an hour in the shop speaking to the manager, who was also repairing my bike, I asked him the same question about Del Rio as I did my fellow cyclist. Tim, the manager said, "There is NOTHING to see or do in the place. It is a bunch of hicks!"

So much for this being a great town in which to settle.

Karma and I went back to our hotel and sought out a massage for me. We found a spa just a few blocks from the hotel. We got to the spa, checked in, and met the therapist. After a brief discussion, she left the massage room. I turned to take off my clothing, hang them on hooks when I heard Karma's collar tags jingle. Spinning around, I saw Karma standing atop the massage table and I burst into a cackle, lifted her off the table and proceeded to get my massage.

On my ride back to the hotel, I made a decision that will change my plan to ride another 200 miles to get to Comfort. Instead, I'll be hanging in Del Rio to spend time writing about my life's journey over the past 2 years that have dramatically shaped my life. I hope that it will be cathartic, and yes, profitable. Dozens of people are convinced my story has the makings of a book, movie script or at least a dark comedy.

Today, I just simply relaxed and was pensive about my future - I really mean took a long nap. I enjoyed it much.

To my friends, I miss you and to my children, I miss you and love you and forever shall.

Boring Ride Until I Met Daniel

2011-01-11T02:42:00.000-08:00

After a night's stay just shy of Comstock, Karma and I woke up, had breakfast and promptly went back to sleep. (As Mel Brooks said in History of the World Part I, "It's good to be the king.") When we awoke later, I met a gentleman in the cabin next to us and his friend. We chatted about our respective journeys. The one man had been on the road with his wife on their Harley Davidson's since July 2009 and were spending the winter in Comstock. (Not a place I'd personally consider staying a winter, but they made a tidy little home in their octagonal cabin.) The other gentleman was retired and just roaming the country. He asked about my journey and asked, "So, you on any schedule or time table?" I told him definitely not to which he replied, "Ain't no reason to wake up early then, now is there? Just take your time and enjoy your trip."

Karma and I rolled out of town around 12:00. I felt a lot of body fatigue as I rolled out of town. But made the trip to Del Rio successfully - but slowed by 3 definitively broken rear spokes.

There is absolutely nothing spectacular about the signs or the roads. Honestly! The amazing part of the photograph below is that it is the first traffic signal I saw in 175 miles! Last one, Alpine, TX.

Riding on Rt. 90 toward Del Rio, I saw a car parked on the opposite side of the road well off the shoulder and into the grass beside an exposed rock embankment. I saw a man beyond the vehicle and pulled across the two lane road to assure he was fine. We said our hellos and I noted he had a small notebook and a small rock hammer. I asked if he was a paleontologist because of his steel tool. In fact, Daniel, an Italian raised in Spain, was a sedimentologist studying the various layers of rock formations on the embankment. Karma hopped out of the trailer and moved into the tall grass to be cozy in the warm sun.

Daniel and I chatted for about 10 minutes about his studies, and I am very happy to report that I actually remembered a number of geologic terms from over 20 years ago while in college. I showed him the spoils of my rock digging from the other day and from New Mexico. I learned that the "crystals" I found were in fact gypsum - still very cool in my mind - and were the result of a chemical reaction from the layers of rock that were below the ocean floor millions of years ago. Additionally, I showed Daniel what I believed were mollusks I found in New Mexico. He confirmed that they were in fact from a significantly earlier epoch than the gypsum I found. Again, a very cool discovery - well, for me at least.

My new Italian friend asked me why I was traveling cross country. I told him the multiple reasons and he gave me some insights about being hosted as a traveler and suggested I read a current translation of Homer's The Oddessy because of its correlation to my journey. He indicated he'd read the book at least seven times (4 more times than I've read my favorite book.) He also told me I must, must, must, go live in Santa Cruz, California because of the constant sharing he experienced while there (not to mention it's a great place to learn to surf). The sharing was not just physical items, but thoughts, ideas, efforts and help. There was a tremendous wisdom in this young man. I will be visiting Santa Cruz! Not sure when, but I'll go. Karma, now a proponent of the trailer, hopped in willingly, and we parted ways with our Boot Country friend.

Nearing Del Rio, I saw a bicyclist headed my direction at quite a fast pace on the opposite side of the 4 lane highway. As soon as traffic cleared, he veered across the 4 lanes, turned around and started riding with me toward Del Rio. This gentleman, I found, rides his bicycle to and from work daily, approximately 10 miles each way. He had two pannier packs on his bicycle and was dressed the part of a real cyclist. My guess is he was approximately 60 years old. He told me that on average, he rides anywhere from 350 to 450 miles per WEEK! In addition, he participated and completed the RAAM - Race Across America an annual endurance race that starts in a city on the west coast and ends in a city on the east coast and has a course changes yearly. It is such a demanding race that a rider is disqualified if they do not finish the race in 12 days - over 3,000 miles! Yeah, I don't think I'll be joining that ride any time soon.

Speaking of not finishing, I have some very disappointing but realistic news. My journey will be ending much sooner than I thought. I'm only going to continue riding for roughly another 200 miles which will bring my total miles to approximately 1,586 - over 1/2 of my intended journey. Last night and today were pivotal and deciding points in my trip. Last night I awoke in the middle of the night because of shooting pains all the way down my arms. I have had almost constant neck and back pain - including difficulty breathing at times (including at this very moment at 4:23 AM), coupled with new knee pains (the knee on which I've already had 4 surgeries started clicking and swelling) that have told me to call it quits.

I cherish the thought of walking on my existing knees for a number of years to come (though my orthopedic surgeon told me last February that I'll almost definitely be having arthritis in my left knee soon). I will continue my journey, but in a different manner and will get to that in another entry after I've ended my trip in Comfort, TX. I have to end my adventure there symbolically, simply because of the name. (Perhaps a mystic or a shaman will be able to fix the missing cartilage in my knee and repair the bulging disc in my neck and degenerated disc in my low back. I can hope can't I?) I also have already purchased a ticket for skydiving and don't want to ruin my knees for that event that will happen later this year.

Finally, I don't think Karma really likes her running shoes all that much either. She says they make her butt look big.

I'll be spending another day in Del Rio, fixing my bicycle and recovering a bit (perhaps finding a massage therapist), and then heading out for a bunch of miles on Wednesday.

Until my next blog, I wish you well, and to my children, I miss you, love you and will forever love you.

And the Winds Reverse Course

2011-01-09T18:41:00.000-08:00

After rains overnight, Karma and I took our time getting ready (drying out our tent covering) and basically organizing for the day. We slowly wandered up the hill to a general/convenience store. Much to my delight, the Baltimore Ravens game was on the satellite TV. I ended up staying through the first half, eating some tortilla chips with hot sauce (no salsa was available at this very basic general store) and chatting with the owners and other patrons.

We took off out of town for the roughly 30 miles to Comstock. Thankfully, the wind was significantly at our backs for the day. Although there was plenty of climbing but the trailer and a vertical position of riding, made for good "sails."

I decided not to bore you my dear reader with mindless photos of boring Texas vistas, because they are completely tiresome. I did however take a few photographs of historical markers and the Pecos River the bridge's shadow. Indeed the river is green! I'm not certain of the elements that make it green, but it was a gorgeous green.

At a rest area on TX Rt. 90 east of Langtry approximately 12 miles.

We pulled into an RV Park and I indicated I didn't want to pitch my tent but rather rent a cabin. They only accepted cash. I was short of the amount necessary. The manager offered to drive me the 2 miles into town to get the additional amount necessary from an ATM in a convenience store. In addition, he offered me leftover spaghetti he and his girlfriend had made for lunch (I gratefully accepted) and a baked potato that I cooked up with some refried beans and a jar of hot sauce I purchased at the convenience store.

Ah, to feel that satiated is lovely. I do believe however, I need to get some more fish into my diet to keep my legs going for the next few hundred miles of my journey. I looked at the elevation map and gasped. There are some significant climbs of 1,000 feet or more in what appear to be extremely short distances after I leave Del Rio. Austin may take a few days to reach! Ugh.

Perhaps tomorrow afternoon I'll get to writing my thank yous to lots of people in this blog. Some treasured correspondences I have received over the past few months have helped to motivate me to push onward in my journey and have made the journey spectacular.

To my friends and family, I miss you and love you. To my children, I love you, have always loved you and will forever love you.

A Whole Lotta Nuthin' but Boring and Bummers

2011-01-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

Not much to report after finally making the 54 miles to Sanderson. Woke up bright and early with plenty of time to ride 60 miles to Langtry, but the bicycle gods refused to allow me to proceed. Three flat tires, three broken spokes and a night alongside TX Rt. 90 ensured after only 37 miles.

Early morning came with the next obvious stop being Langtry. Karma and I knew that 23 miles would be no big deal. However, little did I know we'd face 20-30 mph headwinds the entire ride. At one point I am convinced I hit 45 mph winds. That was right as I rounded a bend and hit a wind tunnel of sorts where a hill was carved down about 40 feet to make for easier road building. I actually was cursing at the wind. I'm not 100 percent certain if that helped or not, but it made me feel better temporarily.

At this peak from approximately 2 miles away, I spotted a white vehicle parked. From what I've come to know, this could only be one of two vehicles - A rancher looking for coyotes or the US Border Patrol. As I approached, I determined it was the border patrol. Karma and I set up the hill from the road and met the officer, a young woman approximately 30 years old. She told me she spotted us in her binoculars way off in the distance and couldn't initially figure out what was behind my bike and then deduced it was a trailer because of my little runner beside me.

I stopped at the area below to do a little fossil hunting (this time to no avail) but did find crystals in the sedimentary rock - very small ones, approximately 3/8" thick. They will go to my daughter and the fossilized mollusks I found in New Mexico will go to my son - just little mementos to let them know I'm constantly thinking of them.

Yeah, I found flowers!

As we rode the final miles into Langtry, the clouds to our northwest became ominous of an impending storm. The winds died down (thanks to Rush Limbaugh ceasing to speak for a few minutes) at this time. We crept into Langtry and set up camp at a small RV park where Karma had a nice play date with an enormous Great Dane. After making pleasantries with the owners, I quickly set up my tent, feeling a few raindrops. We snuggled in the tent and then passed out, even with the buffeting of our tent from the wind and rain.

So with blue skies this morning Karma and I are just relaxing in the warm sunshine, of 58 cozy degrees at this writing. We stepped across the street to photograph the post office and the "justice center" of Judge Roy Bean. With that semi-mandatory stop made, we set off for packing and heading toward Del Rio. 60 miles away.

To my friends and family, I miss you and love you. To my children I love you and forever will.

Last Day in Marathon

2011-01-05T18:42:00.000-08:00

Karma and I went back to bed today after I fed her at 8:00 AM. Who knew 11:00 AM could come so quickly? I had a bowl of of soup, and decided to de-stink (or is that un-stink) my laundry that is on site in one of the buildings on the hostel grounds. I was giddy at the prospect of not stinking like a sewer line worker for the day. Sigh. The washer was broken. Karma and I found our way to the town's only laundromat, seen below. It was quite a sight.

Marathon's only public laundromat - Two washers, two dryers, a folding table on concrete blocks and a broken chair.

After approximately an hour in the salmon-colored laundry shed, we went to Guzzi's Pizza for a late lunch. What a brilliant surprise! Honestly one of the best sandwiches I ever had was from this tiny shop. Michelle, one of the co-owners and I discussed various topics, one of which of course had to be about the lovely Karma of course. While in the shop, I noticed, what must have been, the only UPS truck to deliver in this town stop outside. I hustled out to greet the driver and ask if he had my package for Karma. Indeed he did. What a joy. I returned to the shop and showed Michelle Karma's new shoes. She was smitten with the puppy mittens.

After a few more minutes of chatting with Michelle, I stepped next door to the post office to pick up my double wide sleeping bag for my girlie and me and headed back to the homestead after a quick stop at the little grocery store for some dinner supplies. I had to snap a photo of the sign on the Gage Hotel, a very nice little spot with a friendly cat as a sentry to the entrance of the building.

Well, I would be remiss if I didn't say a special thank you to two people who are incredibly lovely and have been extremely supportive of my ride and donated Karma's trailer to us. Theresa and Dave Stollsteimer are simply a lovely couple from Warminster, PA. I met Theresa on Facebook because, at one time, my user name was Turdy McCrapster and I commented on a mutual friend's posting. Theresa, like a 12 year old boy, found the name as funny as I did. She has been a champion for my ride and my efforts ever since. She's a wonderful person and I got to meet her in person about a month ago and just a few days later, met Dave. I can't thank them enough for their generosity and support. Thank you so much!

Tomorrow I hope to load up my trailer, my dog and my gear (including my double wide sleeping bag where Karma and I will practice sleeping tonight) and ride 52 miles to Sanderson, TX to an RV Park to snooze. Wish us luck and safety. We'll be thinking of new things to say as we see them on our journey.

To all of you, we miss you and for Karma, can't wait to meet you. To my children, I love you, always have, and forever will.

Another day in Marathon

2011-01-04T18:25:00.000-08:00

It was a rather slow morning for me today as I await the arrival of my traveling gear to be delivered to the local post office and to the "compound" where I'm now staying. Karma and I stayed snuggled in our bed until the phone rang when our Renaissance woman friend Chloe (also, I forgot to mention, an accomplished baker) said she was leaving town but was willing to get a team photo with the doggie play date gang.

She arrived and it was a melee of dog frenzy trying to take a photo...but we got it. Astor with her tongue out, Indiana staring off into the distance and Karma licking peanut butter off my pants from the oatmeal I spilled.

Astor, Indiana, Chloe, Karma and Me

Chloe and her gang parted toward Alpine for the day and Karma and I strolled to the library for a relaxing day of high speed internet access, socialization with some local individuals who have gotten to know us and a streaming movie about the Darfur crisis in Sudan. It was terribly disturbing that the world did not listen to advisors, who were specifically sent to monitor a ceasefire, until months after genocide was occurring. On the road, I've become a Netflix documentary junkie.

After several hours at the library, Karma and I strolled back to the hostel. In the "backyard" is this amazing piece of automotive artwork. I had to photograph it.

Sweet Ride

Beyond the sweet ride, is John's trailer. I met John briefly yesterday with Chloe who was helping him put honey into jars for sale. John harvest various types of honey from various hives near the Rio Grande. He advised me he sold his hives to some folks who live near the river but he continues to harvest the honey. John is a wiry man, in his early to mid fifties and wears a blue cowboy hat. He exudes wisdom when speaking to him, not in a pompous way - he's lived and experienced enough to have earned wisdom. Chloe told me yesterday she has the utmost respect for this man as it relates to any issue related to nature.

I had a specific mission in mind. I emptied a plastic peanut butter jar, cleaned it and made my way to buy some local honey from John the Honey Man. I got to his flat bed trailer that sits beside his residential trailer where on the flat bed trailer were two, 55 gallon drums filled with honey. He mentioned that in a normal year, he'll harvest six to eight drums of honey for sale. All I wanted was a single plastic jar, though it would be nice to be Tim the Honey Guy, pedaling across the continent, sharing his sweet apiary delights. John filled my jar with the gooey delight. I asked him how much I owed him. He looked me square in the eye and said, "It's on the house." Karma and I are trying to figure out what we can do for this gentleman who was so kind. It's hard to conceive of a gift for a man like John. I'll have to think about it.

After about 15 minutes of pleasant sharing conversation, I walked back with Karma to our shelter. I made dinner in the outside kitchen and noted an amazing sunset. I tried to take the same areas of the sky in three frames each about a minute apart. I hope you enjoy them. I certainly did!

To all my friends and family I miss you. To my children, I love you, have always loved you and forever will love you.

I'll be here in Marathon if ya need me

2011-01-03T14:45:00.000-08:00

Karma and I took our time we had last night and went to the Famous Burro to watch my hostel-mate, Philip Gibbs play folk music. In addition to being a really cool guy, he's a great musician playing guitar and harmonica accompanying his really nice voice.

I met some local folks and Marathon passers-through and really enjoyed the amazing beer battered mushrooms! Amazing!!! If you make it to the Famous Burro, you need to go there for the atmosphere and entertainment.

My bald yarmulke well displayed as my photo was taken

Taken Monday morning, Phil, Karma and I were outside the hostel by the chiminea, warming our backs before Phil took off to New Mexico to seek his next performance .

It was a slow day, relaxing, doing some chores around the "village" to compensate for my stay. Looking forward to getting back on the road with a double-wide sleeping bag for Karma and me and some backup pairs of shoes for Karma.

I have one more thing I need to do before I get out of town. I need to get a "team photo" with Chloe "The Renaissance Woman" and her dogs with which we had a doggie play date. We said were were going to do that yesterday, but forgot.

A couple of things I forgot to post along the way (I think). Somewhere about 25 miles east of El Paso, I witness a mini-tornado. Nothing to write home about, but still kind of cool. Check out the brief video as the mini-twister dissipates - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNMqXp9yauY

Also, when I was in Ft. Davis, I met a gentleman who canoed and/or bicycled with a friend for 8,000 miles around the central and western US. They had a trailer for their canoe so when they needed to portage, they could use the bicycles that they had in their canoes to tow them around. I saw the book of their journey, but cannot for all of Karma's energy (on a good running day) remember the guys name or the name of his book. I googled the story, some of the information he told me and still came up with nothing. C'est la vie.

Slow blog day! More will certainly happen in the future about which I can blog.

Wish you all well. To my children, I miss you, love you and forever will.

Alpine @ 12 degrees to Marathon at a funky hostel

2011-01-02T18:00:00.000-08:00

On New Year's Day, Karma and I awoke in our tent at the Pecan Grove RV Park after an unconscionably cold night. Weather.com told us that it was going to be a low of 26 degrees F. Chilly certainly, but not awful. However, the actual lows according to Jim and Pat (my park neighbors) was 12 degrees. Once again, my water bottles froze and so did my oranges. Pat arose in the middle of the night to cover the various organic produce they have in pots around their RV - and successfully salvaged their produce. Karma was once again in my sleeping bag because I arose to the vibration of her shivering beside me.

After feeding Karma her breakfast, we took a stroll west on our route to get into some warming sunshine and to get our blood flowing. We strolled along Rt. 90 West for about a mile then headed back East past the RV park and to a nearby gas station and convenience store. Inside the store I grabbed a large coffee to warm my hands and also apropos coffee cake. When paying for my goods, I caught a glimpse of something at the cash register's scrolling digital sign. Normally, this is where you would see an advertisement of a special touting, "All sized fountain sodas, $0.99" or "Budweiser 12 pack cans, $10.95."

Well, I will tell you this my dear reader. I almost passed out with hysterics when I noted the following "goat killer" on the scrolling sign. I couldn't imagine first, that I read it correctly, but second, if it were "goat killer," what else did it say. I questioned the cashier if I read it correctly. She assured me that I did read it correctly. The explanation was as effectively as follows: The owner of the convenience store lent his pygmy goats to a friend who wanted them to chew down his tall grass in his yard. The borrower used the goats for his intended purpose but failed to return the goats when the "mowing" was completed. After several attempts to get his goats returned the owner of the goats finally had an admission that the borrower ATE THE GOATS! Folks, as Curly from the Three Stooges said in court to the judge, "Truth is stranger than fiction, judgey wudgey!"

We came back to the campsite, where many of the water bottles were defrosting in the sun. My tent poles were also defrosting so we could break down our tent. I made breakfast of leftover shrimp (still frozen of course) and oatmeal. I did not combine them just in case you were wondering. Around this time, I was introduced by Jim to a man named Herb who was quite interested in cycling. At 82 years old, he told me, and Jim confirmed that he cannot find folks to ride with him. Herb likes to average 20 mph or more on his bike rides around Alpine. Now for those who don't know cycling well, that's a pretty good clip at which people will travel on a bicycle. Herb, I found out, was a former Olympic cyclist who attended Stanford University, and was just an incredible gentleman. He wished me well and a safe journey as I departed the RV park as did Pat and Jim.

Mural on the way out of town. Very cool! Even has Sul Ross State University banner on it.

A sole tiny bunch of flowers caught my eye along Texas Rt. 90 on my way to Marathon.

Yet another gorgeous sky and amazing piece of geologic history.

I slowly rode out of town on my way toward Marathon. Noting on an elevation map that after approximately 15 miles of climbing and flats, the last 17 miles were primarily downhill, I could take my time and arrive in Marathon before dark. I had emailed ahead, through Couchsurfing.org, to a woman named Chloe in Marathon who called me to tell me she was unable to host me because she was ill, but provided me the name of someone with whom I could stay. The place to stay was at hostel in Marathon. I'd heard about the hostel from my friend Jake, whom I met in Silver City, NM. It was all he said and more!!! (But more about that later.)

On the ride / run (for Karma) she just wasn't into the ride all that much after the first 6 miles. I saw a spot on the road ahead about 1/4 mile where there was an obvious descent where I would put her in the trailer. Just as we crested the upgrade, Karma caught wind of something unusual and darted immediately into the brush after a mule deer! Regardless of my pleas, she continued running, nay, bounding after the deer through the tall grass so she could continue to track the deer visually. I dropped my bike and began bounding as well after the cloven hoofed one and my canine companion. With tail tucked firmly against her rear end, Karma returned to my stern slow and deepest voice. A few stern taps on her the bridge of her nose, I admonished her for dashing off as she did. We pedaled on into Marathon with no other incidents. I also noticed she lost two shoes in the frolic into the thigh-high brush...I put two of the remaining three spare shoes on her barren paws and traded out the one she dragged on the ground while in the trailer. So now there is one spare shoe with a hole in the top. I need to order extra sets for the remainder of the run and keep her out of the bush!

I found my way to the hostel, unheated except for a small space heater. I was shown my bed in a common area, unpacked my sleeping bag and made my temporary home. I received a call from Chloe, apologizing for not being able to take me in the night, but offered to meet me for breakfast in town on Sunday. I gratefully accepted. We met, had breakfast and had a doggie play date with her two dogs at a park called The Post where there was a natural spring, a rarity in this area. At the park, I saw a small dam that had a placard that interested me. The dam was built as part of the Works Progress Administration from 1935 to 1937, during the Great Depression. The dogs chased balls, jumped in the small pond created by the dam and otherwise had a brilliant hour.

Chloe, I learned, is a sort of Renaissance woman. Artist, former business owner (a restaurant in town), bartender, cook, and budding herbalist (no pun intended). We headed back to town where she dropped off Karma and me...and so I wrote...but for your enjoyment, here are some photos of the place where I'm staying.

Bathroom, shower (with no hot water - water heater died), and laundry.

Pseudo sweat lodge perhaps

Never know when you can use parts from a 1970's Mercedes to build something

Piano innards may be helpful at some point.

Art

I have no idea what this is all about.

On the way into town. Entrance to a shed - The Red Chicken Shack

One of the Marathon Volunteer Fire Dept trucks. I don't know if it's fully service ready.

Karma met a goat in town.

Just love the name.

Karma with her doggie play date friends.

After the playdate, I found a woman that lives in the "community" here in the community who is a massage therapist!!! Ahhhhhhhh, I got a massage and for the first time in as long as I can remember, I can now roll my shoulders backwards without pain!!! Yeah, Jodi!

Finally, before I head to dinner to see one of my hostel-mates play guitar at the Famous Burro, I need to order more shoes for my girl and a double wide sleeping bag for the two of us. The will be sent to the post office here, general delivery, and hopefully I'll be back on the road soon. Tomorrow will likely be a reading and library day with high speed internet access!!!!

Until then, all my best.

I miss you all. To my children, I miss you, love you and forever will.

Windy City will be changed from Chicago to Ft. Davis,TX

2010-12-31T20:32:00.000-08:00

I woke up after my fourth night in Ft. Davis and was ready to roll onward to Alpine. I had breakfast with the gang of fellow cabin dwellers, made my way back to my cabin and hear a giant WHOOSH! That sound didn't stop until after 10 PM. When I first heard the WHOOSH, I immediately checked out weather.com to get the scoop. "Wind Advisory - Sustained winds of 35 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph." My cabin got Karma and me for another day. I didn't feel the need to be brave and fight crosswinds and headwinds as I headed to Alpine. I'm not that brave. I was blessed to see the sunrise below.

View from my cabin porch at sunrise, 12/30/2010

I spent most of the day streaming Netflix documentaries.Karma did join me for a walk. I'm officially a documentary junkie. I went to bed quite early but couldn't sleep. I had the weirdest headache I've ever encountered and am convinced it was because the high pressure system, with it's very high winds were driving their way across the desert plains to a very low pressure system. In the AM I was fine.

Finally, on New Year's Eve, I rolled out of Ft. Davis, but not before I received a very nice gift from my hosts. They only charged me for two of the three nights I stayed. I didn't feel right about it, so I told them I would make a donation to ASTT and name the Davis Mountains Education Center as the donor for the amount of the rental for the extra night. Jenny and Scott were delighted with that as was I.

Rolling down Rt. 118, also known as Musquiz Road, I took a few photos of some historical markers and some gorgeous scenery.

Landmark

Directly across street from the landmark

Four Elk. Just Hanging out.

Same sign as above, just a closeup

The great standoff. Karma and the moderately Longhorn

Always liked Punky

Just wondering if they will change the sign soon because of the 2010 census.

Just as I entered town, I met a young man from Kingston, NY who was cycling the same route as I only in reverse. This young man, 18, decided to take the southern tier route alone as well and was really making some good time. He and I exchanged information and suggestions about where to stay, what to see and what towns to avoid.

He obtained a free bicycle, a Raleigh that must have been 20 years old or more. But, that bike had hauled him approximately 1,900 miles already in 4 weeks. I had a lot of respect for Aaron who had the fortitude to make the journey alone at 18. I don't know that I would have done that if I was really into bicycling at the time..

Hanging with my undead dog In Alpine outside a grocery store.

After a chat with a man and a woman outside the store, I made my way to the Pecan Grove RV Park, set up my tent and got Karma fed and settled. After that, I made my gourmet dinner of spinach salad, blue cheese dressing and shrimp. So I climbed into the tent and shared some of my dinner with the furry one, even though she was kind of a lazy runner today - it is a holiday!

To my friends I miss you all! To my children, I love you and forever will.

Oh those lazy hazy daze of Ft. Davis

2010-12-29T16:42:00.000-08:00

If anyone told me I'd fall in love again, I'd say they were nuts. I think I may have fallen in love with another town - Ft. Davis, TX. I'm on day four here.

While in town, I wandered a bit, found a museum, but it was closed on Sundays and Mondays. Sure, I'm still here, but I'm just not in the museum mood.

If you look carefully, you can see Karma's butt and tail.

Original door glass of the Stone Village Market

When I first arrived in Ft. Davis a few days ago, I met Kelsey at a nice little grocery store. She advised me that further in town there is a gourmet market. I effectively thought she was a bit of a lunatic for saying such a thing, considering where I was in Texas. However, she was right! I actually found tofu in Texas. It was quite the treat. The market adjoined the property of the Stone Village Tourist Camp (a great motel) where I stayed. Clean place, great host - Randall, and very accommodating. Danetta who worked at the market was an absolute delight too. She told me a bit about her life and her education. I truly think more people should quit high school and get a GED instead.

On my second day in town, I wandered around looking for supplies for Karma and me, I strode into the exhibition below, but with no cash on hand, my girl and I couldn't gain admission.

We wandered to the market where we met Kelsey on a prior visit. While there, I met two women who were simply delightful. We chatted outside of the market for a while with Karma as our liaison of sorts. One of the women, Rani asked if Karma was well mannered around other dogs. I assured her that Karma was a blessing around other dogs. Rani excused herself and walked away as I spoke to Amy.

Rani returned and invited me to their family's belated Christmas dinner that was at her mother's home and would include Marley (named after Bob Marley), a little dog. After just a few moments of stammering excitement, I gratefully accepted the invitation. With the logistics figured out, I was tickled to know I would be picked up and dropped off at my temporary residence that evening!

Fortunate is not a strong enough word to describe how I felt to be part of the family's dinner. Quite an interesting bunch of world travelers and well rounded folks they were. Jan, mother of Rani, lived in Kathmandu, Rani lived in Turkey, Rani's daughter (oh, I feel terrible I can't remember her name) spent a semester in Argentina. Jim, Jan's husband was a guitarist and played with Randall, the manager of my temporary residence.

I loved the banter that occurred and must say I was most impressed with Scott and Amy's son, Mason. He was one of the most polite young men I've encountered in years. He and Scott were playing video games together. When told to turn off the game because it was time for dinner, Mason didn't hesitate and was immediate in his motion to curtail the playing! No fight, no problem - simply remarkably respectful.

We spent hours just talking and enjoying time together. I felt like a family member. The only problem is I forgot to take any family pictures. However, Rani brought an amazing pie, cranberry and cherry, that was delectable and beautiful (she was rather modest about the presentation of the pie, but I assured her it was wonderful). I photographed it before a scabbard could touch it.

At the end of the evening, with a taste of South African organic wine lingering in my senses, I was taken home, gave hugs to Rani and Amy, and Karma and I found our bed quite comfortable and satisfying.

The following morning, I took my time getting ready to leave town. I was a sluggish wheelman I must say. After a stop to the post office, I made my way back the hotel, said my goodbyes to Randall and Danetta and began pedaling out of town.

As I climbed the hill out of town, I made the mistake of looking back. I wished I didn't have to leave. As I crested the hill, I saw what appeared to be cabins and a large communal building. I rode my bicycle with Karma jogging beside me to the entrance of the communal building and asked if there were any cabins available to rent. I was assured that indeed there were. Guess what happened next. I stayed two days. The views are tremendous and I felt a sense of relaxation I hadn't felt since Mule Creek, NM.

View from my cabin porch

Ditto

The cabins

View to the village of Ft. Davis and the Sunrise Mountain behind it.

On the second day, I took a walk with Karma up a county road across the street that then circled up a large hill. From above, an orchard (the dark brown sections) can be seen.

Row of cabins can be seen (green roofed buildings)

Unusual cloud formation

On the way down the hill, Karma was in a very bouncy, playful mood and had happy feet. That can be seen in the following short video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4swqGq9iF4

Finally, I must impart to you this simple wisdom. Do not go into brush in Texas with shorts on your person.

Reason that cowboys wear leather chaps. Every bit of vegetation wants a part of legs.

Tomorrow for certain, I'll head to Alpine. Then Marathon on New Year's Eve. I'm looking forward to continuing.

To everyone, thank you. To my children, I love you and forever will.

Frozen creek to Fort Davis

2010-12-26T20:21:00.000-08:00

Overnight, it was quite a bit uncomfortable where Karma, covered in her coat and a coat of mine kept nudging me, stating she was cold. She ultimately ended up in my sleeping bag with me, though it was not comfortable, it was warm.

In the morning, the frozen condensation of our exhalations crusted the ceiling of the tent began to melt and drip on us in the warmth of the sun hit the tent. I crawled out of the tent to leave Karma snuggled in the sleeping bag. Within just a few minutes outside, my fingers were numb and in pain. I fired up my pot to make oatmeal. I looked around to see a nice bit of sun in the treetops above a ridge and photographed and gawked at the morning beauty.

I wandered down to the frozen creek and saw a buck. For some unknown reason, this buck allowed me to walk back to F.G. Superman and grab my camera and photograph him.

View from our campsite

We took off after warming up a bit and having breakfast and wound our way up and down several switchbacks. Karma and I now have a system - I ride the downhills with Karma in the trailer and she runs the uphills - oh, and I ride the flats. It's just faster that way.

McDonald Observatory from afar

At a break I dried my clothing on rocks. If you look carefully, you can see a clandestine dog.

Closeup of clandestine dog.

Sitting dog

Laying dog

McDonald Observatory from the south side

Entrance to Prude Ranch

When I pulled into Fort Davis, I stopped by a grocery store, Porter's. I wandered through picking up some groceries and dog food. I crossed paths with a woman named Kelsey Bates in the aisles multiple times. After the third meeting we chatted briefly and determined we both knew someone in common in Baltimore. We went outside to get a "team" photo to send to our friend Amy. (Boy was that a shocker to Amy!)

Karma and I then made our way down the road to a hotel - the nicest one on my journey. Karma claimed her bed immediately and fell asleep. She is a great sleeper. And soon enough so will I be.

To everyone that has provided me support and love along the journey, thank you. You are wonderful. To my children, I love you and forever will.

From a ditch, to Kent, to a frozen creek

2010-12-26T18:17:00.000-08:00

A rather boring ride ensued from my departure from yet another drainage ditch under Interstate 10 to the next “layover” which was at Kent . The ride was challenging because of with some significant back pain that made it difficult to take full breaths – those are often helpful just in case you were wondering.

Sunset the evening of the ditch

Home the night before - just under Interstate 10 - East of Van Horn

One of the few nice views on the way to Kent.

Karma being stealthy

Along the route to Kent, I stopped to look at the many layers of sedimentary rock that were on the roadside, wondering if I could find fossils. Indeed I did at an elevation of approximately 4,000 feet. But to think that Texas was at one time in prehistoric eras, a seabed that hosted mollusks that I found. Not too fancy, but very discernible.

A vista west on I-10 - off the left were sedimentary rocks that produced four fossilized shells.

The ruins of the Kent Public School

Karma was a real trooper on the trip. She ran next to me for approximately 8 miles. It makes for a slow journey, assuring she doesn't get too tired, but it is really nice having her with me. We went into the Kent Mercantile to take a break and rest for the night. I ambled in the store with my adorable sidekick, Karma which melted the heart of the woman working there. I asked about camping for the night and she assured me it was very acceptable to camp behind the store. However, after scouting out the surroundings, I chose to camp behind the above ground gas and diesel tanks further behind the store and next to the storage building.

I asked if there was a place where I could charge my cell phone and computer. The woman allowed me to unplug a minute Christmas tree, the only decoration in the store, to charge my electronics. Karma kept warm by the space heater on the floor – effectively taking over the store as the “mascot” nodding at patrons of this shop in the middle of nowhere. With two bean and cheese burritos lovingly heated in the microwave, I began to eat, charge my gear and chat with the woman.

These conversations are really why I love my journey. We are worlds apart politically and geographically, but we certainly got along famously. (In fact, the following morning as I was packing up to leave, she showed up at the store with her sister-in-law to get some supplies for their morning breakfast. She made a point of telling me that she really enjoyed speaking with me because I made her afternoon go by just that much quicker.) We talked about our children, our experiences and what things are important. She spoke with supreme pride when she stated that she and her husband have no debt. Oh, how I was envious of her.

I told her what I pay monthly in after tax alimony and child support payments. She nearly had a stroke. She said, “That is more than my husband and I make per month combined. And we are happy.” I assured her that my wife had advised my children that the amount given was insufficient. She asked how they would know. With a smirk, a knowing glance and a hand gesture indicating an opening and closing mouth, she suddenly stopped her questioning. She was appalled that children would know such details of a divorce. So am I, frankly. Such is my existence.

After some lengthy discussions, she needed to close the store, and I needed to get my tent set up for my canine companion. With a bit of a cell phone signal, and Internet access, I chatted with friends, told family and friend I loved them. And cried myself to sleep, thinking of my children after texting them. However, as fate would have it, the store and gas tanks were no more than 75 feet from a well traversed railroad track. With diesel engines running through the night, Karma and I were arisen by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (one of Buffett's many investments) trains. By the 4^th time, Karma was accustomed to the whistle, the rumble, and the roar of the pushing engine, final car.

We arose on Christmas morning and took our time getting ready. And just at the moment I was ready to roll, I realized I had a flat tire, again. Sigh. Fortunately, this didn't take very long. I'm beginning to be like an Indy pit crew when it comes to changing tires.

We headed out with a goal of 52 miles for the day. A seemingly easy distance considering the time we left and the time of sunset. But alas, as John Lennon said in one of my favorite song, Beautiful Boy, “Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.” Karma could not be convinced to ride in the trailer on this ridiculously untraveled farm road. In 28 miles, we were passed by 6 cars. So for the most part, with the exception of a few long descents, Karma kept the pace. We didn't make 52 miles, but we did have fun.

Moon setting in the western Texas sky.

A ranch entrance with wreaths

Karma resting

Karma providing love

Relaxing

Along the way, I heard a rustling in some brush to our right. I stopped and Karma and I noted 8 peccaries scampering up a steep embankment like mountain goats might. There was a very young peccary in the herd, and for an instant, I thought of the movie Babe and expected the piglet to shout, “La, la, la, LAAAAAA!” So much for fantasies.

Like Where's Waldo - this and the following picture it's Where's the Peccary

A hawk later teased Karma. I'm convinced the hawk knew what it was doing. The hawk, of which type I am completely unaware, took off from a fence post in front of us. Karma began a pursuit as quickly as she could. The hawk took its time to take off, and gain altitude. It knew it was in a superior position and had played this game previously. It flew just above the shoulder of the road for a few hundred yards with Karma in hot pursuit. Then when the hawk tired of the charade, it ascended into the skies. Karma stopped. She turned and looked at me as I continued pedaling toward her. She stared at me as my bicycle approached her as if to say, “How did I not catch that bird?”

Beside the road, unbeknownst to me, there was a carcass that I passed. Karma didn't miss it. After a few moments of subdued then silenced jingling from her collar tags, I stopped, knowing Karma had stopped behind me. I looked back and saw her sniffing something on the ground. I called her to come but she wouldn't. I became a bit concerned about what she might be doing when I saw her rolling in something. I pedaled back to where she was. She was rolling in the skeleton of what must have been a deer. Sigh. This is what dogs do I suppose.

A bit later, I saw a carcass of a deer that was much more recently killed on the roadside. I forced Karma to the other side of the road, but her olfactory nerves were attuned to the delightful smell. We had an argument about the carcass. Fortunately, I won, but only after some literal dancing that occurred with both of us trying to get what we wanted.

Further down the road, I heard a consistent flapping sound that I could not immediately identify. It was unfortunately another flat, but this time on the trailer. A few minutes elapsed and we were on our way again, but not before taking a few photos of the surroundings.

We were climbing a rather long hill when I stopped to take a breather. Just at this time, a pickup truck was coming the opposite direction and stopped to ask if everything was OK with us. I assured them we were fine, and just taking a break. They offered me some cold water and I stated, “I've learned to never say no to water.” They asked about our journey and wished us well and a happy holiday. I found that part a bit unusual for a pickup driving Texan.

At one point on one of the climbs, both Karma and I hear some sort of a howl. We weren't certain what it was (Much later in the evening, we heard a similar but louder howl and was definitively closer. My best guess is that it was a small pack of wolves.).

We stopped abruptly on the road as Karma was running because a cattle grate was present. The grate was too much for Karma to leap or consider leaping. I am not training her to leap just to get through Texas. That's all there is to it. I picked her up and carried her across the grate to the other side. She wagged her tail in thanks. We proceeded on to a picnic area along the route and made it our home for the evening.

There was a hushed quiet to the air. With just a “caw” from crows hundred of feet in the air. Karma and I looked skyward, two crows went south and the other went north. The solo crows wings could be heard flapping against the air, even from a few hundred feet. It was a quiet spiritual moment.

I strolled to a nearby creek right behind the campsite. There was some water in it, however, it was frozen. Not a good sign for the night.

52 miles were the goal for the day. 28 happened. They were great all around. My knee hurts. My back hurts, but Karma. She ran for nearly 20 miles, though many times I stopped and offered her a break in the trailer and other times I insisted she go in the trailer. Love that girl.

So in our tent we cuddle, hearing howls of animals and a soft zephyr to put us to sleep. Oh, wait, the runner is already asleep, warming my hip as I write. I think I'll join her.

Much love to you all. I miss you.

Ouchie day

2010-12-22T11:24:00.000-08:00

So here I sit, cuddling Karma at the Econolodge in Van Horn, TX. I'm having trouble breathing because of back spasms. I have a call in to a local spa (the only one in Van Horn) to see if I can get a back massage to help me get back on my way tomorrow. Like many things in a small town, limited hours are par for the course. The spa is only open from 1:00 PM until 6:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

I did make it to the local grocery store where I found a veritable bonanza of fruit. A 5lb bag of oranges for $0.99 and bananas! It was like a Festivus miracle.

In the same grocery store, I found an important bit of Americana you can't find just anywhere. Blue flavored MD 20/20.

Argh! Just got in touch with the spa. No massages available, but I swear they offered me a pedicure as an alternative! Well, I suppose it's on to a healing meditation podcast, a bath and then some more Karma cuddles.

Hopefully the blog will be more eventful tomorrow.

Peace from Karma and me.

Trekking to the Central Time Zone

2010-12-21T14:41:00.000-08:00

I noted in my camera some videos that I could not upload to Youtube.com due to a lack of charge on my cell phone and laptop (plus with the tethering to my laptop would have taken over an hour. So anyway, below are two links of Karma running beside me on remote farm roads in rural Texas.

Running in my shadow - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DURZTlurLP8

Running with music - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgJD17tvelU

I also forgot to upload this photo of my favorite sun worshiper from a prior day. Can't remember exactly which one.

Sun Worship

So Monday AM, Karma and I arose from our tent, but not before I had the opportunity to photograph the sleepy girl as she rested upon me.

Good morning Monday!! A little cuddle time with the girl.

As promised in my last posting, the large snake skin. Here it is.

Closeup of the snake skin. I estimated that it was approximately 5 1/2 feet long and it was well fed!

View down mountain on Frontage Road of I-10 that Karma climbed, thankfully. It was about 2 miles.

View down Frontage Road again.

While riding on a long, straight and monotonous road, I saw something I truly wish I could have photographed. It was a Hudspeth County Sheriff's bus and made me immediately think of the movie Cool Hand Luke. The bus was in excellent condition, but was rather old. I wondered about the various criminals who had the opportunity to swelter in that bus over the years.

Sierra Blanca. One crummy town (I sound like Holden Caufield). Almost every building was in shambles, those that weren't were near shambles. Additionally, I went into a restaurant that refused to permit me to eat there because of Karma's presence. I explained her role as a therapy dog. They refused. Because I didn't know of another restaurant in town, and didn't want to search for that matter, I ordered food and ate outside.

I met a lovely gentleman who was turning into the restaurant parking lot. Karma was off-leash for a moment when he saw her. I told her to sit. She did, and then laid down in the parking lot in front of the truck. He got out and wanted to pet her. She was very receptive to being petted. She rolled over on her back waited for a belly rub. The gentleman and I exchanged information and he said he'd catch up with me through my blog (he already has!).

Karma and I headed out of town with every intention of hitting Van Horn by sundown. But, with a few mechanical issues (with my back and my bike), we didn't make it but rather, slept directly under I-10. Surprisingly, it was much quieter than sleeping beside I-10 the night before. I suppose having 3 feet of concrete, tons of stone and asphalt does tend to limit sound penetration. When getting ready for sleep, I took some photographs of the clouds at sunset (ala Jenny Campbell - my Cloud Queen friend)

Karma and I awoke in the AM and I'm always the first out of the tent. She likes to stay snuggled up in the sleeping bag while I get everything packed. I snapped a few photos of the moon setting in the western sky.

And clouds seeming to arise from the ground.

Because it had been a while since I took a panoramic view, I decided I should do so by photographing the Carrizo Mountains, first without feet,

then with feet as I lay across a cattle guard crossing grate.

Karma climbed the last bit of the frontage road before we got onto I-10 once again for the final ascent of the mountain and then the descent into Van Horn.

It was strange, but my clock on my cell phone changed to Central time zone before I hit Culberson County - about 12 miles west. Please call Mr. Verizon and have this issue fixed!

We limped (or actually, I limped) into Van Horn, visited McDonald's for some wi-fi, some battery recharging and some relaxation, I made a reservation for a hotel (woo hoo, I had enough points so Karma could sleep under the covers tonight, indoors - on a queen sized bed, and didn't cost me anything for this stay!)

We made it to the hotel, were able to check in early, and plopped onto our beds and Karma slept, I wrote and rested my back, and continued to hope my back would be fine in the AM so I could ride for many miles with my friend.

Karma, Karma, Karma - What am I going to do with you.

2010-12-19T19:27:00.000-08:00

An early morning breakfast with ol' sleepy head Karma at Angie's Restaurant was very uneventful. Eggs, pancakes toast, coffee, big water. Ugh. Loaded like a stuffed pig. We headed out of town Ft. Hancock, but first stopped at a small grocery store and picked out a banana, and some clementine oranges. $0.92. I told the guy he was crazy for only charging me that amount. I gave him a dollar and left. Awesome oranges by the way.

Karma and I started out on the road with her initially in the trailer. After a bit of whining (she was letting me know she wanted to run), I undid the two leashes that restrain her from exiting the trailer. She gleefully hopped out of the trailer. Within 100 yards I heard a hissssssssss. Flat. I was warned about the thorny things nicknamed goat heads and there was one sticking out of my tire (the puncture resistant one, I might add - but I was told NO TIRE is goat head resistant). Karma took a nap while I changed the flat, made a permanent fix to my odometer and tightened my brakes.

Soaking up the sun while Tim does some repairs!

Not a whole lot to see along the way. Some very boring geology and vistas. But along the way, we stopped and took some photos anyway.

This may be our engagement photo.

Overlooking irrigation reservoir with lots of water birds teasing her.

Moon in background over Karma's left ear.

View up I-10 at Quitman mountain with moon.

We proceeded up the long climb and determined it was in our best interest to stop for the night. We hopped behind a guardrail and headed down a hill. As we made a required small leap to the ground below I nearly jumped out of my skin. I thought I was about to land on a snake...it was merely a snake skin - a very long one. In the AM, I'll take a photo of the skin when there is better light!

Karma is sound asleep after our day. She is a trooper and a great companion for this trip. I can't thank my friend Sally enough for providing me with this amazing opportunity to tour with Karma. I'm kind of now a Karma groupie. More people like her than me on the blog! :)

Peace.

First real day riding with Karma - Who needs to nap? Didn't we sleep all night?

2010-12-18T19:31:00.000-08:00

Waking up in our tent that was positioned behind a church at approximately 7:00 AM, Karma emerged slowly but surely from our humble nylon home. A few times during the night, I heard her rustle in the far side of the tent. I think she was bummed that she was at my feet rather than cuddled next to me as she normally is. I decided that the next tent event will have her next to me to put her at a bit more ease. It's hard for her to share the covers with a mummy style sleeping bag.

As we were getting ready to ride, Karma basked in some early morning sunshine in between intermittent visits to my side. On one of her visits to my hip, a car pulled around the back side of the church. The driver looked confused and startled at the scene of the homesteaders in the parking lot. I discussed that I received permission to be there. He expressed concern that the normally locked gate was not locked. The pastor's wife and others I met last night must have not locked it so I could exit at any time I wanted to leave. He wished me well and went on his way.

When nearly completed the preparation for the ride, another gentleman approached us on foot. I walked to meet him. I explained the permission arrangement for my tent. He advised me he didn't speak English. With a bit of humanistic sign language and the word OK, we came to an understanding that it was cool! He returned to the church. A few minutes later, the same man returned and said, "Cold? Coffee?" I told him I was OK, but he proceeded to walk closer to me and extended his hand to shake mine. I extended my hand to shake his. Upon my hand meeting his, I felt something between our palms that he pushed into my hand as our hands parted. I looked at the $5 bill in my hand and fervently said, "No!" but he insisted I take the money. One thing I have learned from my experience with the Hispanic population I have contacted over the past few years is that if offered something from them, TAKE IT. It is insulting to not accept a gift of any sort, a drink or a meal. (My friend suggested that the gentleman may have thought I was a homeless tramp.)

I loaded Karma in the trailer and we set off after we both had our respective breakfasts.

A few miles down the road in Clint, the traffic subsided tremendously. I decided to give Karma a chance to run, using her natural running talents with a lineage of Whippet in her. The new booties that I purchased for her were accepted on her feet reluctantly. Upon wearing them on all feet, she walked like a baby with a poop in her diaper. That quickly subsided when we started running. But the running was abruptly interrupted as Karma ran in front of my bike in a panic. I immediately stopped, F.G. Superman and the trailer. Like most women I know, she had a problem with a shoe and freaked out! Two shoes came off, we left the bike and walked back and put the shoes on more snugly. No more freaking out thankfully.

But just 3 miles down the road, Karma told me she wanted a break. Not just any break - she wanted a full fledged nap! Well, I figured, when in Rome (or in this case, Clint, TX) I might as well make use of my time by napping in the warm sun as well.

The doggie princess pose, right before the nap!

Complete naparama!

As I mentioned, I figured I would take a siesta with Karma. I plunked myself next to Karma at the base of an earthen irrigation canal wall that was elevated above the roadway. While laying there with my bicycle on it's side beside the road, at least a half dozen people stopped to check on us, thinking perhaps that we were injured. We both would sit up and I would explain that we were simply resting. Most people were very happy to see that we were fine. One individual seem perturbed that he checked on us.

Approximately, 20 minutes elapsed (I can only surmise this is the amount to time that transpired) when I was arisen by the sound of tires on the roadside gravel. The car was occupied by an El Paso County Sheriff. He advised several people had dialed 911 concerned that there may be an injured dog on the side of the road, and some guy too. We both had a very good laugh!

After a nap. A bit more perky, but needed to be carried to the trailer!

Outside a store near Clint.

While not a good video, here is video of Karma running by the canal. Crummy quality, but I'm not Martin Scorsese. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AogB89Y_3C4

After a bit of a run, Karma indicated she needed a break. In an effort to get away from the bicycle and its lure to run, Karma walked quickly to the edge of the canal and flopped to the ground. Unfortunately, she flopped on the sloped wall of the canal. Gravity did what gravity does best. Karma ended up in the drink! She too the opportunity afforded her and lapped the water. I was hysterical at her misfortune, laughing aloud and of course I had to snap a photo of her in her irrigation glory. As she tried to ascend the walls of the canal, it was obvious the walls were too sheer for her capacities. I ended up in the canal assisting her out of the moat.

Many times on the day, I stopped when Karma seemed fidgety in the trailer and gave her a chance to run. She is remarkable that when she is tired, she just stops running and plops on the ground. When I stop and get off my bike, she immediately rolls on her back and wants her stomach rubbed! It is one of the most adorable things I have ever seen!

At this point, I must thank Cesar Milan (The Dog Whisperer). From his guidance, every time a dog starts chasing the bicycle, I learned to get my chest up and go directly at the dogs. I thwarted multiple pursuits by all sizes of dogs by stopping and using that technique! Sooooo, cool! I had a man-crush on Cesar before, now perhaps even more so! :-)

With the multiple stops along the way, I decided it was wise to call it a day and find some lodging for the night, to give Karma a break from the tent until I got a blanket for her to be comfortable in the tent. We found our way to the Ft. Hancock Motel just off of I-10.

I anticipated Hotel Smelly, but was pleased there was not a cat stench like a motel in California somewhere. 'Twasn't the Four Seasons but it had a bed with warm blankets for my girl.

Pedaling with a pooch

2010-12-17T18:07:00.000-08:00

I forced my hosts to do a "team" photo this morning before they we all went our separate ways. I truly enjoyed meeting Daniela and Carl. (For any Couchsurfers visiting El Paso, be sure to look them up! They are wonderful people.)

This is a view from in front of Daniela and Carl's home. Shrouded in a blanket of clouds is a mountain on the western side of El Paso.

Karma and Daniela pose in front of the homestead and travel trailer in which I slept, quite comfortably I must add. The trailer was nicer than my own home!

After Daniela and her daughter left for the day, I spent the next hour or so organizing and fixing various things in a gorgeous morning sunshine. Unfortunately, I had broke a valve stem on my tube, then when putting the tire back in place, shifted the brake pad, then snapped a cable. Karma rested in the soothing sunshine and refused to assist, again!

Once we got on the road, I had multiple stops to make including at a bike shop, which is where this photo was taken. Karma looks like I'm about to throttle her. That folks is her look of attentiveness, I swear!

Once we took off through El Paso, I stopped at a chiropractor to give me a bit of an adjustment. Karma insisted on licking me as I was being cranked around by the very good manipulator.

When traveling, it is amazing the number of dog fanatics waving, pointing, and hollering with excitement at the sight of Karma in the trailer. I'm hoping that tomorrow the city traffic will subside enough to allow Karma to run beside me. I can tell she wants nothing more than to run, run, run. She's like a race dog in the starting gate begging to chase the rabbit.

While riding along through El Paso, I could not help but marvel at the miles and miles of used car dealers, auto repair shops, title loan stores, auto insurance agencies and auto accessory stores. I'm convinced I saw 6 each of O'reily's Auto Parts and Auto Zone stores. With the proximity to Mexico, I anticipated jalopies of all sorts everywhere. Surprisingly there seemingly a culture of true caring for the 4 wheeled beasts in this part of Texas.

At a pit stop along our route outside a WalMart, Karma and I were photographed by an employee.

Soon after this photo, Karma and I proceeded out of town and ultimately found ourselves without a place to stay. I found a church with some parishoners entering the church and requested permission to put up my tent for the night. Karma, draped in her fleece and waterproof jacket climbed into my tent and made herself at home on my sleeping bag. We had a discussion about the new arrangements, she was reluctant to acquiesce to my requests. But with a little encouragement, by sliding her along the nylon sleeping bag, she began to understand where her part of the tent is located - on the special mattress pad.

Well, it's time to put my eyes behind their lids and dream of what can be in the future with Karma and me. She's a very inspirational soul.

El Paso, here we come and are!

2010-12-16T20:21:00.000-08:00

While in Maryland, Karma and I took a trip to Washington, DC on Tuesday to visit the new ASTT office. It was a really cool trip (figuratively and literally). It was Karma's first train ride. She did well getting on the train in Baltimore, but had a nightmare experience getting on the train in DC to come home. The 3 to 4 inch gap had between the train and the platform were emotionally and mentally insurmountable. I had to carry her onto the train. It was a pretty funny situation.

So wandering through DC, I wanted to take a few photos with our winter coats on us. However, I only took one photo of us outside the Cato Institute office building. If given a pair of black-framed glasses, Karma would have looked very cool and have fit in nicely as a thinker at Cato. A security guard came outside and questioned our intentions while I was snapping photos. Karma was kind enough to explain to said security guard she was a rabid conservative and was waiting for a liberal to walk by so she could nibble his or her butt!

After an early morning ride to the Baltimore Washington International airport, I took a photo near the gate with Karma who was quite feisty at 6:50 AM.

While on the flight from Baltimore to Denver, Karma sat in a very statuesque manner for a short period.

Once in El Paso, it took some time making bus transfers, but we made it to the house where my bicycle was stored. We took it across the street to Mundy Park, unboxed the trailer we brought and put it together and got everything organized. Well, Karma chose to stop helping and decided it was in her best interest to relax in preparation for her running. She said something about being well rested.

While at the park a gentleman and his son were at the playground area as well. The boy was getting ready for his school's holiday play by using the sliding board. I figured everyone has a routine of some sort to relax, I suppose this was his way. Right before leaving the park, I had the gentleman take a photo of Karma, me, and our rig - and the little actor as well.

After leaving to head to our next couchsurfing home, we got turned around a bit and ended up at a Howard Johnson's hotel, charging my cell phone. I received a call from my host, Carl who ended up picking up F.G. Superman, the trailer, Karma and me and took us all to the temporary homestead. There we met Daniela and their four dogs. Karma was instantly part of the family.

We were shown our temporary housing - a travel trailer that is nicer than my own home! Fabulous! With high speed wi-fi, I did a little chatting, emailing, and general mayhem on Facebook.

In the morning Karma and I went inside and chatted for quite some time with Daniela. She and her lovely children and I chatted and she showed me photos of their world travels...oooh baby they have visited some sweet locales around the world. Tremendous beauty awaits my visits!

Staying one more night, with Carl, Daniela and the rest of their gang, Karma and I bedded down again and eagerly await our future on the road. At this moment, I have an amazing lust for life. Karma and I will enjoy it together, although we will certainly miss our El Paso, Texas hosts!

Tomorrow we set off for a long day's journey to the east of El Paso...won't you join us?

Good Karma

2010-12-12T19:09:00.000-08:00

While she may look possessed, she really isn't. This is Karma. She will be running with me as I ride my bicycle. And just in case you are curious, I bought her running shoes (two sets) and will be pulling a trailer for her for when she gets tired.

She was in a shelter for 9 months and then is being fostered by my new friend Sally while becoming a service dog, and I am helping to train her while taking her from El Paso to Florida. I figured why not! She's part whippet and can run forever.

I'm so very excited.

More to follow as I land in El Paso on Wednesday.

Peace