Day 12 Ft. Hancock, Texas SammyRides

Up early to pack the van and get ready to set off to Ft. Hancock, Texas.  We began the ride from El Paso and along the way, stopped in the following small towns; Socorro, Clint, Fabens, and ultimately we arrived in Ft. Hancock, where we will spend the night in the Ft. Hancock Motel.  Along Route 20 which extended from El Paso to Fabens, a distance of some 30 miles, was a high metal fence which separated the US from Mexico.  Border Patrol officers in marked cars were everywhere.  One had the feeling of being in a prison yard as we drove and rode through the area.  Along most of the route, there were no homes, just dust fields and mountains in the distance.  Michael was almost devoured by an ambitious, large, black dog!  The owner's screams of..."No, Roscoe, No!!" did absolutely no good.  Michael said he could practically see the dog's nostrils flaring just as he was about to remove Michael's right leg!  Here, a miracle occurred as Michael's bicycle shot forward at a speed never preciously encountered. Roscoe was last seen, panting in the road. 
At long last, as we approached Ft. Hancock, Adolf got a flat tire, so it was decided that the last 4 or five miles, the riders would load up their bikes and head off to the motel in the van.  Once at the motel, the bikes and luggage were put in the rooms and off we went to lunch.  There appeared to be only one restaurant in this very small town so picking and choosing a place to eat was not an option.  We were amazed at how terrific the food was and will head over there again for supper. 
 As is usually the case, after a long bike ride, a well deserved nap after lunch and phone calls to family, most often takes place.
Probably the hardest thing for us each day is loading and unloading the van.  Fortunately, Adolf is well organized with these types of tasks, so each piece of luggage, supplies, medical equipment, bags of shirts, etc., all have a specific place in the van.  
This coming Tuesday, it will be two weeks since beginning the ride.....we feel it's been at least a month!!!!!  But, at night, during dinner, we get to relax and get ready to prepare for the next day,  always smiling and laughing at the various antics and experiences we've shared throughout each day.  It most definitely gives the riders and myself the motivation and determination to prepare and look forward to the next day ahead. 
Tomorrow, onto Sierra Blanca, Texas.
From Michael, Adolf, Mike Brown and myself, we send our love and best wishes to you all!  Lois