Gila Bend to Maricopa County, AZ
Wow! What a good night's rest. I definately needed it. The day turned into a bit of a bummer. Climbing into the wind the entire day. No exits for what felt like 20 miles at a time. Even when there was an exit, it was just some road leading to nowhere. Nothing around, no one around, same scenery. Geesh! I literally talked myself out of the trip 3 times. Why don't I just go on a relaxing vacation? Why not just relax in general? I'm choosing to put myself through this torture and I'm hating it. But I'm continuing. If you think about it, it can only get worse, right? Right.
So I rode on and on and wanted to quit, but I won't let it get the best of me. My stop was supposed to be a rest area with no facilities. When I got there I talked to a homeless looking guy that was collecting cans. He told me about a truckstop just beyond the 'knoll' ahead. Two miles down, there it was. He was a nice guy and as I began to pedal off, he asked me if I could spare some water. I told him I couldn't spare any, which I really couldn't, but then I started to feel bad. I denied another man water. The life giving substance.
Well, I needed the water because at the truck stop he told me to go to there was an RV Park that didn't have any facilities. No running water because they were re-doing the restrooms and such. It was a really run down spot off exit 151 on the 8...that was where I decided to camp.
To me, it really doesn't matter where I camp as long as it is relatively safe and I don't get messed with. This place had the nicest people that didn't give a hoot about their place in the world. One man, Bob with his dog Foxy, said over and over again that he didn't want to be rich just comfortable. Comfortable enough to make other people happy and comfortable. From a man who sells handmade jewelry outside the RV Park and across the street from a barely stopped at truckstop. He had such high hopes about making a buck that day.
Anyway, I made my my stop. Made my calls. Made my camp. Made my zzz's. I did see the guy from the rest area come walking into the RV Park that day. Figures. He would be a resident of that place, I would see him again, he would give me a cold shoulder. Well, only deserved.
Time for bed.
Daily Mileage: 35.9 miles
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Mary Ann here again - as you go thru Texas, you find a Bill Miller's on nearly every corner. They also make good bbq. Kinda of a fast food bbq ribs/ chicken restaurant chain. Worth the stop. Happy trails to youuuuu....
ReplyDeleteI'm extremely impressed that you are continuing forward with your trip (I can't say I'm proud, cause it has nothing to do with me, and I feel like pride requires some sort of ownership or partial responsibility, you know?). I know it's gotta be tough, but that's what makes it worth doing! How many other people can say they're traveling across the earth on bicycle? Not very many that I'll ever come across.
ReplyDeleteKeep it up, it sounds like you're doing fantastic. I can't believe you're already in Texas. Go ' manufacture some premium zzzs' as Alex would say. Bardzo dobrze i powodzenia!
Hey Steven, Mom here...looks like the blog is going to let me post a comment finally. I have to do it as "anonymous" though. Any who, Texas is a HUGE state so hold on, ride hard, and enjoy/experience every bit of it! Love you, Mom.
ReplyDeleteMary Ann here. Long Beach, CA to Ft Stockton, TX = 1,051 miles!! First 1,000 miles! First major milestone! CONGRATULATIONS! I am SO proud of you! Post pictures soon! Be Safe!
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