Day 7 - To Mexico and Back.....2 times

 

 

December 13, 2012

I didn't have much planned for today, just to get into and out of Juarez safely, and then head west to somewhere. Up, had breakfast, packed the car, and went to the front desk to ask directions. The young woman assured me I did not want to go into Mexico, and another guy overheard the conversation and agreed. I thanked them for the advice, got the directions, and headed out. I found Santa Fe street, turned south, and found a parking place close enough to walk into Juarez. No identification is required going in, but a passport is required coming out. A short walk over the bridge and I was in Juarez.

 

Most stores were not yet open, so I just walked around looking at things and watching the people. Several approached, offering everything from a cab ride, to dental services, to more "adult" things. I declined all offers with a smile and "gracias" in my best southern. I never felt threatened, but it's an eye opening experience seeing police standing around with automatic weapons. A different world from Daleville, VA. After several hours of sightseeing, walked back to the bridge, stood in line until I could pass back into El Paso. Nothing I saw would cause me to want to go back, but I didn't look far.

 

Before long I was back on I-10 heading west toward Demming, NM. A guy I met on the walk, Bill Novacek lives in Demming and we have communicated since the walk. We arranged to meet when I came through the area, so that was the next stop. While driving through Las Cruces, I saw the exit (132) where I spent 1 night (day 44) so decided to stop for gas and take a few pictures. Everything looks different in daylight.....the block wall that I thought was a small building is just a block wall. It was a nice, but noisy, spot.....I'd use it again.

 

Finally arrived in Demming and met Bill at the Holiday Inn. We chatted a while and he suggested we have lunch, in Mexico of all places. Palomas, Mexico is just about 30 minutes south of Demming, so after dropping my car at his house, we headed there for lunch. Parked on the US side of the border and walked across. It seems to be a great small town, and much nicer than Juarez. Plus, it was nice being with someone familiar with the area. We looked around, and walked to the "Pink Store" for lunch.

 

The food and service were great. Once again I made the mistake of trying the chips and salsa, which Bill said was mild. After 2 diet cokes my mouth was cooling down. We ate, talked, took pictures and generally had a great time. Bill knows the owner/manager Ivon (sp?), so we talked to her a while as we were leaving. Ivon was getting some negative vibes at the time (hopefully not from us), and was burning some type of stick and waving the smoke over her head. Not sure if it was working, but guess it's worth a try.

 

On the drive back to Demming we passed through the small community of Columbus, NM. Lots of history there, and Pancho Villa's downfall started with his raid on the village. When we arrived back at Bill's house, his wife Linda was home and we sat around and talked for a while. Bill has worked in over 30 countries, and lived in 12. They're refurbishing an RV, and planning to head out soon to Mexico for sightseeing. It was a nice visit and a good way to spend a day.

 

Bill and Linda invited me to stay the night, but I wanted to drive a little farther before stopping. I left them with walkingman t-shirts and a jar of Ann's Apple Butter. I ended the day in a Best Western in Lordsburg, in fact the same one I stayed on the walk. And also where I met Randolf Scott on his motorcycle trip across the country. Randolf lives in KY, and we talk occasionally.Tomorrow, I'll head into Arizona, and maybe try to get to Tombstone and who knows where else. Then into CA, hopefully getting to Twentynine Palms on Saturday or Sunday. From there will start driving the route I walked.

 

Pictures:

Street in Juarez before stores opened;

Store in Juarez;

Camp site at exit 132, Las Cruces, day 44 of the walk. That's the truckstop in the background;

Bill and his 1980 Vespa scooter, 3000 miles;

The Pink Store (left) and other colorful buildings in Palomas;

Inside the Pink Store;

Bill and Linda Novacek, official "walkingman" supporters.