Tomorrow I'll head east out of Hobbs, and by lunchtime will be in Texas. Although I've enjoyed each state, New Mexico has made a special impression. It fits who I am like a pair of well worn cowboy boots, or a sweat stained cowboy hat.
From the first mile, when several tarantulas came out to welcome me to the Land of Enchantment, to my windblown entry into Hobbs (mile 1029 of the walk), I have enjoyed the land, the people, and the mixed cultures of Native American, Mexican, and others. The landscape stretches out forever, with mountains popping up here and there to interrupt the flatness.
I've been to White Sands and saw a missle test, to Organ and ate dinner in the same building where Billy The Kid hung out, crossed the Rio Grande, and reached the highest altitude of my walk at Cloudcroft. I've been to Mescalero where horses run free on the reservation, and eaten in so many small cafes where I felt out of place because I wasn't wearing a cowboy hat, wranglers, and boots.
From the first mile, when several tarantulas came out to welcome me to the Land of Enchantment, to my windblown entry into Hobbs (mile 1029 of the walk), I have enjoyed the land, the people, and the mixed cultures of Native American, Mexican, and others. The landscape stretches out forever, with mountains popping up here and there to interrupt the flatness.
I've been to White Sands and saw a missle test, to Organ and ate dinner in the same building where Billy The Kid hung out, crossed the Rio Grande, and reached the highest altitude of my walk at Cloudcroft. I've been to Mescalero where horses run free on the reservation, and eaten in so many small cafes where I felt out of place because I wasn't wearing a cowboy hat, wranglers, and boots.
I've met people like Tom Runyan who sells some great cherry cider, and Faye Baker who makes great tacos. And Faye's husband Ralph, the state trooper, who kept track of me as I walked Hwy 82. And the Kie family.....Robert, Diana, Rob Jr., and Catherine, a native American family who shared their home with me, and introduced me to many of the cultures of Native Americans. And I'm leaving out many more. But one thing they have in common, other than the generosity and kindness they showed me, is......they each have a store about Pat Garrett and Billy The Kid.
As I was leaving Kelly's Cafe in Loco Hills, Jodie Carlile invited me to come back. "I have some good horses, we'll go riding and I'll show you some of the ranch." That might be all it takes to get me back out here some day soon......to go riding on the ranch, going no place in particular. At this point of my life I seem to enjoy going no where in particular, especially if the pace is slow. This time I'll bring my Wranglers, boots, and cowboy hat.
But, states end, and new ones begin. The next challenge is Texas, a 500+ mile walk that will consume most of November. And the whole time, I'm sure I'll be listening to those proud Texas talk about their great bar-b-que, big horned cattle, pretty girls, high school football, and great steaks. But I'll endure, and sure will enjoy it like the other prior states. See you next in the Lone Star state.
As I was leaving Kelly's Cafe in Loco Hills, Jodie Carlile invited me to come back. "I have some good horses, we'll go riding and I'll show you some of the ranch." That might be all it takes to get me back out here some day soon......to go riding on the ranch, going no place in particular. At this point of my life I seem to enjoy going no where in particular, especially if the pace is slow. This time I'll bring my Wranglers, boots, and cowboy hat.
But, states end, and new ones begin. The next challenge is Texas, a 500+ mile walk that will consume most of November. And the whole time, I'm sure I'll be listening to those proud Texas talk about their great bar-b-que, big horned cattle, pretty girls, high school football, and great steaks. But I'll endure, and sure will enjoy it like the other prior states. See you next in the Lone Star state.
Wow! Another great post. Your adventures are rewarding, I am sure! Thanks again for sharing your adventure via your daily posts. I will be among the first to buy your book telling of your amazing walk across America. I have read two of Peter Jenkins' books but yours will have to top both of those since your walk is taking so much less time. Rarely do I miss a day reading your log. Until the next time....thanks for such great stories. Jon Childs, Gastonia, NC
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know we're still following along and enjoying each update. Take care!!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome job Papaw for crossing the 1000 mile mark! Enjoy some of that BBQ for me that I can't seem to get over here in London!
ReplyDeleteKevin