Tom's Excellent Adventure

Day 22 – Making changes

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tomdlouhy

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Completed miles: 80.0

Cumulative miles: 1172.6

Miles to St Augustine: 1877

Today’s ride was scheduled to be 95 miles from Van Horn through Marfa and then to Fort Davis. However, we changed the route as we rode. More to come on that later. Since we had a long ride scheduled, we started riding just a little before sunrise.

The first 35 miles was through some “lonely” areas of Texas. We were on Highway 90 towards Marfa, which was about 65 miles from Van Horn, but first we would reach Valentine, TX about 35 miles from Van Horn. We planned a water break in Valentine (population 73) and the only thing open was the public library. Why is there a library in a town of 73 people? Who knows. But I stopped there and they welcomed me to fill my water and showed me the library. Their small boy, Matejo, was there watching me while I signed the guest book and I showed him my water back pack. When I was leaving, Matejo wished me safe travels and no car crashes. His mom helped interpret for me.

Around this time, I was receiving messages from our tour leader on WhatsApp. We communicate on WhatsApp because regular text messages weren’t working with Felix’s Scotland phone number. The messages said we could take a shortcut to Fort Davis and save about 16 miles. Everyone took the shortcut except Dana who missed the messages. The only concern about taking the shortcut was that I would miss Marfa. However, tomorrow is an off day and we’re hoping to visit Marfa by van at that time. I’ll hopefully report back tomorrow about Marfa.

So about 8 miles past Valentine, I took the shortcut and it went through some amazing rolling hills. It was a great choice.

I should also mention that the winds were mostly favorable at our back today.

Since we left before Sunrise, I tried to capture the morning sunrise over the mountains. It looked better in person.
This was looking west during the early sunrise.
Margaret, someday our Yucca plant in our backyard will look like this. Haha.
Along the route to Valentine, I ran across this dilapidated building with a message for travelers like me.
Here’s a random picture of a lonely place with no neighbors.
Marfa is an eclectic artsy town, so there are art installations all around the area. Here is a “Prada store” in the middle of nowhere, with shoes and handbags on display. If you look closely, you will see a fence around the outside with love locks. I met a couple here traveling from Montreal to Mesa, AZ (she took the picture). They found their love lock they put on the fence 7 years ago.
I made it to Valentine, TX. Population 73!
This is the Valentine public library where I got a water refill.
My new friend, Matejo, didn’t want his picture taken, but I snuck one when I walked around the corner.
In Texas, some of the roads seem to go on forever
I took this picture of the rolling hills because this one was covered in yellow flowers.
A pretty stop along the way to eat my peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
The first thing I saw in Fort Davis!
Our cabin motel rooms in Fort Davis with a massive rock wall behind.
The room Felix and I will share the next two nights. Note there is only a screen door and screen wall in front!

Comments

5 responses to “Day 22 – Making changes”

  1. AZNancy Avatar
    AZNancy

    An interesting day . . Beautiful sunrise and love your new little friend. Enjoy Marfa tomorrow.

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  2. newberlinsue Avatar
    newberlinsue

    I love reading about the different people you meet along the way. It’s cool that you are always greeted with kindness and generosity.

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  3. Ndlouhy Avatar
    Ndlouhy

    Love the ‘Photo Worthy’ pictures!!! 👍 Also love the PRADA road side attraction… it’s so fun to see things like that along the way! Never a dull moment on your rides … 😎…. Matejo , what a fun new friend to meet along the way, and gracious hospitality. You are truly experiencing an excellent adventure! Watch out for critters along the way and stay safe. Have a restful and fun layover!

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  4. MDlouhy25 Avatar
    MDlouhy25

    Glad you will get to explore on your day off. Great pictures but the Yucca is crooked mine better be a little straighter!

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  5. SDeGrendele28 Avatar
    SDeGrendele28

    Tell Felix we are wishing him well and hopes he gets through this well and soon. Sounds like each place is so quaint. Love it.

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