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Day 21- Marfa

 I was told there would be tailwinds.

You know that road you see when you go to the optometrist and they give you the glaucoma test? The road with a hot air balloon? I think it’s route 90 in Texas minus the balloon and the puffs of wind are really headwinds. Upwards of 15 mph. For 73 miles to Marfa. I want to talk to a manager.

Actually, except for the winds it wouldn’t have been a bad ride. We started past a small range of hills that looked like earth velvet laid over an undulating base. 


We passed a marker for the Van Horn Wells, a reliable spot for water in arid territory used by Indians, soldiers, wagon trains and the mail line.


 There was also some cool yard art with the best of it being a huge armadillo.



The landscape began to flatten and the mountains receded into the background. We stopped for lunch at the Valentine library, ( population 217 according to the city limit sign but I’m skeptical it’s that big.) After lunch is always harder and we had sore butts and 35 miles to go.

Luckily Texas threw in some amusement. Huge grasshoppers everywhere. A fake Prada shop on the side of the road. It’s an art installation with no real door.


 A love  locks fence. 

An RV park I’m glad this group missed staying at! 


A TARS tethered aerostat radar system blimp, used for surveillance for drug intervention between Mexico and the US. 

And murals  from the 1956 movie Giants.



Things I learned today:

  • Five 7 mile rides is easier than one 35 mile ride.

Comments

  1. AnonymousOctober 16, 2022 at 10:45 AM

    Wow, so many interesting things to see out in the middle of nowhere! Fascinating. Debbie

    ReplyDelete

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