Sunday Oct 31, 2010
Last evening was really warm, and the place I picked to camp turned out to be a good one. Around 5am or so, I had a visit from a coyote……just one I think. Once again there was a fence between us, but he was within 20-30 feet of me. Yelped a few times, and then let out that long yell they do, and then moved on. My coyote stick happened to be outside the tent, but I retrieved it in case he returned. But other than that, a good night. It was light around 745, and I headed out.
I walked about 3 hours and came to a small town named Gail. Larger then Key, but still not too big. Had a store, which of course is closed on Sunday. I saw a guy putting gas in a can nearby, and walked over and introduced myself. His name is Ross Sharpe, a local for most of his life. He told me a lot about the area, said there were wind farms scattered about, some farming, and some ranching. Said their biggest issue was water…..they currently pipe it 17 miles from two wells. Ross was very proud of their high school, Borden County, and their football team, the Coyotes. They have approval to build a new school, and have already built the new football field (artificial turf!). Gail sits in a very attractive setting.
Ross was filling his gas cans from a large tank. I asked about that and he told me because there is not a gas station within 30 miles, a gas company put 2 tanks in Gail, and give the residents a key to use them (after a credit check.) When someone wants gas they insert their key, it starts their meter, and they get what they want. Company sends them a bill at the end of the month……pretty good system. On the 2 tanks there were 300 key slots.
After resting a while, I headed out. Received a call from Mike Jones, from Buckeye, AZ. He has called me before. Said we met in Buckeye, I helped him out with some money, and now he wants to send me $20 if I’ll tell him where to send it. Seems I’m moving too quickly. Said he will call me back later and we’ll get it worked out.
I saw an antelope this afternoon……just one standing in a plowed field. Wasn’t sure at first what it was, but finally figured it out. Also, just when I thought the farming was behind me, saw a huge expanse of something white in front of me…….more cotton. It lasted a couple of miles, and then back to the scrubby land. Around 530 I settled on a place to camp…..not the best, but a place. Figure I am about 14 miles from Snyder, and there can get something to eat and supplies.
Not sure how many miles I did today, but it’s been a good one. Very warm with a little wind behind me. Hope it will stay warm tonight. Tomorrow on to Snyder, and from there head out toward Anson……about 3 days walk. Last day of October, and most of November will be spent in Texas. Let’s hope for a warm one.
Happy Halloween!
Last evening was really warm, and the place I picked to camp turned out to be a good one. Around 5am or so, I had a visit from a coyote……just one I think. Once again there was a fence between us, but he was within 20-30 feet of me. Yelped a few times, and then let out that long yell they do, and then moved on. My coyote stick happened to be outside the tent, but I retrieved it in case he returned. But other than that, a good night. It was light around 745, and I headed out.
I walked about 3 hours and came to a small town named Gail. Larger then Key, but still not too big. Had a store, which of course is closed on Sunday. I saw a guy putting gas in a can nearby, and walked over and introduced myself. His name is Ross Sharpe, a local for most of his life. He told me a lot about the area, said there were wind farms scattered about, some farming, and some ranching. Said their biggest issue was water…..they currently pipe it 17 miles from two wells. Ross was very proud of their high school, Borden County, and their football team, the Coyotes. They have approval to build a new school, and have already built the new football field (artificial turf!). Gail sits in a very attractive setting.
Ross was filling his gas cans from a large tank. I asked about that and he told me because there is not a gas station within 30 miles, a gas company put 2 tanks in Gail, and give the residents a key to use them (after a credit check.) When someone wants gas they insert their key, it starts their meter, and they get what they want. Company sends them a bill at the end of the month……pretty good system. On the 2 tanks there were 300 key slots.
After resting a while, I headed out. Received a call from Mike Jones, from Buckeye, AZ. He has called me before. Said we met in Buckeye, I helped him out with some money, and now he wants to send me $20 if I’ll tell him where to send it. Seems I’m moving too quickly. Said he will call me back later and we’ll get it worked out.
I saw an antelope this afternoon……just one standing in a plowed field. Wasn’t sure at first what it was, but finally figured it out. Also, just when I thought the farming was behind me, saw a huge expanse of something white in front of me…….more cotton. It lasted a couple of miles, and then back to the scrubby land. Around 530 I settled on a place to camp…..not the best, but a place. Figure I am about 14 miles from Snyder, and there can get something to eat and supplies.
Not sure how many miles I did today, but it’s been a good one. Very warm with a little wind behind me. Hope it will stay warm tonight. Tomorrow on to Snyder, and from there head out toward Anson……about 3 days walk. Last day of October, and most of November will be spent in Texas. Let’s hope for a warm one.
Happy Halloween!
Mr. Rudisill,
ReplyDeleteHere is a scarey Halloween treat for you. I am teaching my son Sam to drive! He didn't wait until he was 18 like I did. Never thought I would have the skills to teach anyone to drive, did you? We practice on the Blue Ridge Parkway, but I warn him constantly about bikers and "Walkingmen". Still following your trip. Glad to know you are safe and enveloped in the kindnesses of so many good people along your journey. Mary Sink St.John
Mary, maybe it's best I'm out here for now! Good luck with the lessons. keep following the blog, I need your support.
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