Sanderson, TX and wind and rain

Hi everyone

We were not able to get the motorhome looked at this AM in Alpine so we started out in the rain. Didn't get very far (actually on the outskirts of Alpine) and Mike had flat #14. In the meantime I returned the rented car and stopped at the auto repair place to get some names of places here in Sanderson that might look at the RV. Got a look at a REAL cowboy, hat, spurs, bowlegs and all. He was an older guy but as authentic as could be.

Got on the road around 9:50. At one of our stops this afternoon Paula and I were waiting on the side of the road when two bikers approached headed in the opposite direction. they stopped and introduced themselves, Luanne and Carl from Minneapolis traveling from San Antonio to El Paso. They have biked across the northern U.S. and portions of this route. (not all at once, but over a span of years) They were in dire need of a tire so I opened up the trailer and he found one that would work and paid us for it before cycling off. It turns out Luanne is originally from Minburn, IA, about 10 miles from where Mike and Paula live. They met up with Dave and Mike down the road and Carl said that they would make a donation to Pedal4Peace and took one of the business cards.

At a later stop just past Marathon, TX, the guys told us that the sheriff stopped them in Marathon, asked Miked for his ID, which is in the RV and warned them both that they could be arrested for riding over the solid, white line on the highway. He had passed them on the road and honked at them. We were glad to get out of that county!

The entire day has been difficult for the guys. The wind has been very strong and mostly across and head-on. Driving the RV has been hard as well. There were no wind advisories as we had in NM but it was treacherous at times. Mike said that he felt close to being blown over. The last few miles into Sanderson were downhill and it felt good to get into the campsite and off the road.

The scenery is beautiful with mountains on either side, some tall and rocky, others flat (mesa) and grass/bush covered. there are very few evidences of people, just a ranch here and there and a cell tower or two. Not much traffic on the road either direction and not near as many RV's as we are used to seeing.

Just after the guys arrived at the campsite a local newsperson arrived to take a picture of them and their bikes. She had been talking to Katy and had most of the info for an article. Katy has been contacting people along our route and this is the first time anyone has carried through.

Popcorn and cocoa and then bed! A very long day tomorrow to Del Rio--over 100 miles!

Blessings,

Lana