As the wheels go round, my mind goes on an exploration of it's own! Ventures of the past replay themselves as the scenery brings up different memories. The tar-bubbles making snapping sounds under my tires remind me of hot summers spent roaming the neighborhood streets with Cory, looking for telephone poles to play beneath, sticking our toes and fingers in the tar. Riding in the back of a pick-up truck (on a dirt road, a short distance I assure you) beer in hand, cushion under fanny, hot wind fiercely playing with my hair, I think of my Guatemala backpacking trips and hitch-hiking extravaganzas.
At times it is clear that I am part of the food chain...buzzards literally circled me...probably expecting me to keel over at any moment as I slowly made my way in the blistering heat. My father correctly stated "there's gods' country and then there's hill country"... if ANYONE tries to tell me that Texas is flat, they'll have a battle to fight I assure you! I haven't bothered with deodorant (much to the distress of Lyndsie) while within minutes of riding, my entire body is glistening with sweat. The tan-lines I must say are horrendous. Lynds is a big fan of tan lines...but having a white strip under my chin where my helmet strap lies, a distinct color differentiation between my wrists and hands where my cloves reside, long white thighs and stomach against dark brown knees and arms...and worst, blackened shoulders...that no amount of sunscreen will keep from darkening...in my opinion is not exactly easy on the eyes.
When it comes to food, whether cooked by our hosts, given to us by strangers (which happens) or even in a restaurant, we've been told "you ain't shy!" We're not picky either...much to the disappointment of my father who's joining us for 10 days...he tired of our split-pea soup and dried beans and tortillas early on...so now we make accommodating stops...and frequent the dairy queens along the route...I'm not complaining yet!
I've had some enormous belly laughs at the expense of others...watching Lyndsie try to jam her newly purchased helmet on...wondering why it wasn't fitting...when she had it facing backwards (twice mind you)...and observing my dad adjusting to his "clip-in" biking shoes...first I see the top of his helmet fly to the ground, then the bushes shake and a string of @#!#$@#$ follows.
Strangers continue to become friends...and my preconceived ideas about what I "know" continue to shift. I've come to learn that anyone can peddle, it's the mind that has to stay engaged. 2 more days until New Mexico...hurrah!
Loads of thanks for your thoughts and prayers! Much love!
Bri, you are a wonder!
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