DAY 15 FT. DAVIS

Today was a long day of riding!  We left Van Horn early this morning, tired and anxious about an 89 mile ride which would take us to Ft. Davis, Texas.  Now, we have arrived and are no longer tired....instead, we are exhausted!!!  However, the day was highlighted by the most glorious mountain views along the curvy, very steep back roads in the great state of Texas.  Every turn was filled with the most wonderful scenery of huge hills and rock formations and at times, even got to see a Long Horn or two grazing in the wide open spaces.  We also got to see a few other bike riders (younger of course!!) taking on the challenge of these magnificent mountains.

One rider, celebrating his oncoming 60th birthday, decided to take 6 months off to ride his bike to Alaska.  Other riders, who appeared to be at a professional level of biking, seemed to get up those difficult hills with little difficulty.  The road we traveled today had very little traffic on it...my kind of highway, but for our riders, it was generally a rougher ride than on I 10. Still, we could never have seen such beautiful scenery had we gone on the interstate, so it was well worth the difficult ordeal of steep hills and ongoing curves.
Coming into Ft. Davis was in many ways, similar to driving into small towns in New England.  Quaint shops along the main street, tourists here on spring break, and a sense of going back in time.
We got to rest for a few hours and at 6:00, headed to the Presbyterian Church for a supper being held for us.  We want to thank, in particular, Linda Allen, for hosting us.

 We met wonderful people, got to relax, and enjoyed an absolutely delicious supper.  When they say Texans are warm, friendly, and gracious, they're not kidding!!  It was just a delightful eve. We left well fed and stuffed, but more importantly, meeting these lovely people truly made the eve even more special.  We also received some lovely get well cards many of the children made for patients we'll be visiting and thank them as well for taking the time to make such beautiful cards.
Tomorrow is another very long biking day!  51 miles to Marathon, Texas.  Temperature tomorrow is expected to be over 90!!!
So, from our terrific visit here in Ft. Davis, Michael, Adolf, Mike Brown and myself, send our love and best wishes to you all.