Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Day 5, 9-3-10: Perris to CBJ Dairy



Once again it appeared today was going to be a good walking day.....good roads and weather, but very hot predicted. We headed East to Sanderson Rd, approx 7 miles away (we thought.) After several hours of walking, we stopped at a convenience store to refresh and ask directions, and found out Sanderson was another 7-8 miles. We mis-read our Google directions and thought we were closer than we were. Sat down outside to rest for a while and a guy approached us and introduced himself as Little Feather, a full bloodied Navajo Indian.

We talked a while,took some pictures, and as he was leaving Little Feather handed us a bag containing 2 breakfast burritos. He'd made them for himself and a friend, but wanted us to have them. Very tasty. Set out for Sanderson Rd. After another couple of hours walking, sat down to rest and decided to look around for a place to stay the night. No way we'd make Beaumont today. Came upon the CBJ dairy farm, and there met the owner, Chad Spyksma. Chad's family has been in the business for many generations, and he also owns another farm in Texas. His son John is in college now studying agriculture. He agreed to let up put up the tents at the guest house, and said we could also use the bathroom, showers, washer/dryer, etc. Also would take us to a nearby town if we needed any supplies.

We set up the tents, and went inside to clean up, and there was a group of other dairy people who had gathered for a Friday evening of beverage drinking, pizza eating, and story telling. We were invited to join them, and quickly did so. Alan loved it, said it felt much like a pub in London. A great evening sitting around telling stories and eating pizza with Brent, Tracey, John, Bianica, and Marinas. And soon after that to bed

Some interesting things about the dairy farms out here: lots of Dutch people in the dairy business in this area; they don't graze the cattle like back east, instead have the hay brought in. But like most dairy farming, it's a 24x7 business. And they have the same problems as many cattle farmers, high food cost, low milk prices. Tomorrow, north to Beaumont. (BTW: another day in the 105-110 degree range.)

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