The posted 80 mph is a necessity if you ever want to get anywhere in Texas. So we joined in on the speed fest.
Flying along route 10, we banked the Rio Grande. So different to be north of the border, we soared through desert paradise as Mexico haunched on the other side, a still life of jumbled houses and abandoned cars.
Miles evaporated. Breathless in this desolate landscape we evolved. Riding through terrain that was flat and elevated at the same time, we looked for mountains that gave rise to our discomfort, but there were none. We were in the high desert. The same geological anomaly that gave rise to the Copper Canyon, our host a few weeks before, entrapped us again. And so, altitude in a desert was our lesson for the day.
At lunch we looked out for rattlers.
From 10 we took flight at Davis up route 118. Texas drew us further in with a new show. Flat sage covered desert gave way to mountainous roads, luring us upward. A ride made for us, there were straight shots at 80 mph that chillingly morphed into climbing curves and descents. The temperature mooded constantly and we sweated in our leather, knowing that the next descent would knife the temperature in half! From 75 to 45, we rode a meterologist's roller coaster - and it was fun!
We had a destination - it is necessary in Texas. The Rio River Road and then Big Bend, so far from everything, drew us into Alpine, TX. Nestled in the middle of nowhere, this charming town is an oasis leading to one of the most magnificent National Parks we have ever seen. Lucky to get a room ( the Cowboy Poetry Festival [????] had just taken place there that weekend) we graciously took our boots off in the historic Holland Hotel.
I am a bad trip planner. I start with an open mind and wherever we land is home. Jules maps and figures. I record the aftermath. Every day on the road is a surprise to me. Every day on the road is a gift from Jules. I am one lucky bitch!
No comments:
Post a Comment