Today's ride took me from Del Reo south on 277 to Eagle Pass where I thought I might stay last night if I made it but luck held and I over-nighted in Del Reo instead. Big difference between those two towns and luck was on my side, Eagle Pass is a rough looking place.
From Eagle Pass I ran south to Laredo, then northeast up 59 to Freer where I stopped for lunch (Gatorade & Snickers). I'd noticed the sky had sort of a murky brown cast to it, about as far as you could see, kind of like pollution. There was also a fairly strong petroleum smell that was enhanced by the hot temps and I finally realized I was in oil well country. Stinky but livable if you can get used to it. After riding fairly fast for a long, long time I escaped from that environment but I won't forget it and I don't envy the men who work in the oil fields.
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| Looking ahead out of Laredo a few miles |
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| Same place looking back. The heat was intense. |
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| This is what all the fuss is about - Oil is king in this part of Texas |
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| You have to admit it's kinda cool. If only it were open |
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| A long porch like this just begs for folks to sit on |
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| It even has its own windmill water pump |
Eventually I made enough correct turns so that I arrived in Corpus Christi late afternoon. I checked into the first place I came to that looked decent, another Super 8 motel. The price I was quoted was thirty bucks higher than normal "Because eet eez a weekend and our rates go up during that time." "Phoee to you guys" I said, "I'll take the room for your normal rate or I'm outta here." This was the first time I dickered over room rates but it ticked me off and I said so. Motel 6 isn't that bad and they're always available if you can get there before 5:30 pm or so. The clerk caved in and I took the room, still expensive for what it is but I'd ridden 320 miles today and that was enough
After I finished haggling over the room rates and got checked in I decided it was time for more laundry work. I'd been wearing the same pair of jeans for a solid week now so into the tub they went for a good scrubbing. Jeans aren't going to dry overnight in an air-conditioned room so I cabled and locked them to the Bonnie. While I was at it I gave my socks and unmentionables another wash too so tomorrow I'll be fresh as a daisy. I wish there was some way to clean the jacket liner but I guess it will take a dry cleaner to figure that one out when I get home. Phew....
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| My socks look like ears on the Bonnie |
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| Bikes make great places to hang laundry out to dry on. |
With all the domestic chores finished I scurried over to the nearby WhatABurger joint and ordered their full meal deal which came in a sack about the size of a human head. It also included a "medium size" drink that looked like a quart to me. I had them add fried onions and chili peppers for an extra fifty cents. Sometimes I'm totally fearless.
Back in my room, ready to scarf down the meal and multi-task writing the blog I soon discovered the lack of WIFI signal. "Of course we have a good strong seegnal, the best I am sure." Some things just can't be lied away nor can they be fixed so I moved my project up to the dining room where the seegnal really ees very good.
See ya tamale`
LL
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I really like the looks of the Long Branch Saloon Dance Hall! I can almost see Kitty inside, hanging out with Sheriff Matt Dillon. And that has got to be the most hilarious way I've ever seen anyone dry their jeans! Ride Safe! xox
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