It’s been eight days since I left Fredericksburg, a duration longer than I had initially planned. However, it turned out to be a much-needed rest, allowing me to replenish some essential travel resources.
Originally, I intended to ride straight to El Paso just north of the I-10, but after several recommendations to see Big Bend National Park, I changed course and headed south towards Del Rio.
The initial leg of the journey, heading towards Kerrville, proved to be challenging. Three weeks of inactivity left my muscles lethargic, unaccustomed to the rigors of the road after the relaxed pace of life on the vineyard.
Despite the initial hardship, by the second day, I managed to push through the lethargy and regain my stride, feeling rejuvenated.
The stretch from Kerrville to Rocksprings was desolate, with only the occasional passing car and nothing in between but vast expanses of open road.At one point, someone even called the police to check on me. At 7:30 am, a sheriff arrived, surprising me as I lay sleeping on the roadside. Thankfully, it was just a concern for my well-being, not trouble.
Running out of water and feeling dehydrated, the sheriff couldn’t offer much help, but he did provide a bag of MREs. Grateful, Mikoto and I continued on to town, eager to replenish our supplies.
Beyond Rocksprings, the landscape grew even more remote, the road stretching out like an infinite ribbon under the blazing sun. As we ascended bluffs beside the road, we found a picturesque camping spot overlooking the valley, treated to a breathtaking sunset.
The scorching heat, reaching 38°C, proved unbearable for my Canadian blood, forcing Mikoto and me to seek shelter in the shade.It was during this oppressive heat that disaster struck – the trailer hitch snapped, leaving me unable to carry Mikoto. With temperatures hovering around 35°C in the following days, I knew Mikoto would have to run the last 80 km.
Taking refuge under some bushes until the temperatures cooled, we pressed on riding throughout the night, determined to reach Del Rio despite the challenges.
Now, here I am, stealth camping in the park, eagerly awaiting the arrival of a new part graciously funded by Gilbert, a kind stranger I met in Fredericksburg. With one-day air shipping, the part should be arriving later today, allowing us to resume our journey
by Particular-pie3