Day 3: MondayWe woke up early this morning to the sound of Jerry using some appliance that sounded like a "Dentist drill"!
We packed up, and headed down the street to a great greasey spoon resturant. It's 1 notch below a Denny's, and 1 above a Waffle House. This is where we began our "customary, 2/2/2 breakfasts. 2 eggs, 2 meat, 2 toast. Jerry likes patties, no links, just paddies.
Wayne and I, gave Jerry some "good natured ribbing" about assorted things during the trip. He's a good sport. You may read some comments through the chapter's, but, I'll give credit, where credit is due. If you have any...any questions about riding gear, you need to get in touch with him. I think he's checked out almost every product know to man. And the one's he uses....work!
We gassed up and check the air in Jerry's tire. All was well, and headed off down Hwy90 to the Pecos River bridge. After visiting the bridge, we rode to Langtry. The old gas station on 90 at Langtry was closed, and we really needed to top off our tanks. (Me) We took of to Sanderson, knowing we were going to push the limit on gas. A new store popped up in Dryden, since I was passed ther last year, so it warranted a peek. No gas, but a project Model A rolling chassis sitting in front of the store. We spent some time talking to the owner about her store, and the possibility of getting gas there in the future. She said that they were working on it, but didn't know when. She was really nice, and I hope they can make a go of it, out in the middle of nowhere. If you ever get by there, stop in for a soda water or a snack.
Well...still no gas, so we continued to Sanderson. We made it, and I had some to spare. I think I put in around 3.7 gals. Whew! That's pushing it for me.
Tip: If you come into Sanderson from the east, believe me, you'll want to stop at the 1st place you see. Don't! It's a Shamrock station...not Diamond Shamrock(Valero). If you continue on through town, maybe a mile, you'll come to a real nice 6-8 pump Convenient store with hot food, and 10x's better selection of wares. Worth the extra mile.
Back on the road to Marathon, and the Gage Hotel. I was looking forward to a sandwich from a little shop close to the hotel. NOT! They weren't open. Marathon is a strange town...they're trying to become a tourist stop/destination, but, they don't keep thing open during the week. The only saving grace we had, was a small grocery store a block north on Hwy90. They had some homemade packaged sandwichs, but, we had to stand to eat them!
After gassing up, we headed south on 385 to Big Bend. We drove straight through the park, as we'd all been there before, (no bluebonnets
) then stopped for gas and refreshments in Study Butte. We did run into some road resurfacing in Lajitas, but, only a short distance, maybe 4-5 miles. They had started last year, and are almot completly done on the River Road stretch. A couple of intering points for people that know that area. The Overlook point where one ca view the Rio Grande, has been redone, and just before that, they've put in a picnic area with the new "Teepee" style covers over the table. Very nice stop. The curves, and low water crossings close to Presidio have been smoothed out, and widdened, making for a nice ride.
After a stop in Presido for gas, we headed up Hwy17 to Marfa. If you ever go this way, be sure to look for Lincoln's profile. The little peaks of the mountains, make true representation of Lincoln's facial profile lying down on the back of his head. Also, 17 is a FANTASTIC hwy to ride 65-75mph on. Great topography, sweeping curves, enough to keep you entertained fot the 70 or so miles it takes to get to Marfa.
We arrived in Marfa, located a nice motel on the eastside outskirts of the city, unpacked, and headed for supper. We stopped in Marfa's historic Hotel Paisano. http://www.hotelpaisano.com/ It's a little pricey, but, a nice stop for a good meal and atmosphere. After dinner, we drove east on 90 for about 10 miles to a viewing area for the famous Marfa Lights.
http://www.marfacc.com/marfa_lights1.htm All day we'd been teasing Jerry, that if the Aliens came down, we were going to give him to them. When we arrived at the site, I went to the viewing area right away. Jerry came up a few minutes later, and I had to laugh out loud. Remember, this is a viewing area. It's pitch black dark so you can see the lights, but they have red lights lights the floor, and steps. I look over and see Jerry standing there with his jacket and helmet on. After teasing him all day, about the Aliens, he looked like a little kid dressed up as a "spaceman" ready to go.
After a cold ride (temp dropped 30*-no jacket) back to the motel, we readied ourselves for tomorrow.
