East of the Pecos

Near Comstock, Texas: DT had a very exciting jog this morning. While running four miles on a dirt road behind the campground, he came across a cougar. Luckily, with all the heavy plodding/breathing he (My Driver, not the cougar) made, the cat turned and fled quickly up a wash.

We packed it up, hitched-up the Honda and headed east, following the Texas-Mexico border. Our route actually went through Big Bend National Park this morning, to Marathon, Texas (which is pronounced Marathun around these parts... but the race is still pronounced marathon. Whatever. The guy who 'splained this to me said he was from Missourah. So, who knows?)

Marathon, once a cattle and mining shipment center, is now a teeny little town of less than 500. Marathon serves tourists going in and out of Big Bend National Park and the local ranching community. The Gage Hotel, built in the 1920's, is the showpiece of the town and has been restored. The Gage Hotel has 19 rooms and a renown restaurant.

The Gage Hotel in Marathon, Texas


The Gage Hotel in Marathon, Texas


The lobby of the Gage Hotel


Stuffed in the lobby (hey, didn't I see you this morning?)


Rock your troubles away on the front porch of the Gage Hotel


Courtyard outside the hotel

Marathon also has an interesting market - The French Company Grocer. The owner carries groceries, fresh produce, imported foods, beef from local ranches and a vast supply of vegetarian "meats" to appease any appetite. She makes sandwiches for picnickers and bakes fresh cookies daily. We saw cases of imported Italian beer next to Chef Boyardee Ravioli. I have been in countless markets since we left home and today I finally found my Bob's Red Mill Organic oats (heaven in a cellophane bag)! Who knew?

No escargot, but we did notice a bottle of Clicquot for $65


In Marathon, sandwiches don't come with a pickle... they come with a fresh jalapeno

And for my dear friend, Shirley, in England...

Shirley's Burnt Biscuit Bakery in Marathon, Texas

After exploring the town (okay, it doesn't take very long and most of the shops were closed), we went to lunch at the only restaurant open - Johnny B's. We had heard good things about Johnnie B's from fellow travelers - so we went inside. They serve burgers and have an old-fashioned soda fountain. Shakes are made to-order.

Johnny B's in Marathon, Texas


I'm trying to be a little more creative with my photography.


Chocolate shake


Johnnie B's Super Burger. Huge burger with local beef - loaded with chunks of fresh jalapeno


And the other famous burger at Johnnie B's: the Mexican Burger. Surprisingly, this burger has no jalapenos - it is a burger, stuffed inside a tortilla.


Lift up the tortilla to see what is inside - a burger!

And so, stuffed like a taco, we headed east on Highway 90, doing our best to avoid javelinas randomly hanging out on the pavement. The Creator gave the javelina neither beauty or brains. (Was I a javelina in a past life? Snort. Grunt.)

We stopped in Sanderson for fuel ($242). It takes a long time to fill our 150 gallon tank, so we had time to watch the steady parade of Border Patrol vehicles stopping for gas. (Obviously this truck stop has the government fuel contract.) We have seen a strong presence of Border Patrol for weeks now, and went through another check-point this morning. The officers want to know our nationality, but DT cannot say (through the driver-side window) we are both American. Border Patrol wants to hear each of us state our nationality. Today, the officer asked about our visit to Big Bend National Park and if we had hiked, and then... how much water was in the creek during our Windows hike yesterday.

Trudging on, we made a stop to a site we had visited once before. Langtry, Texas was the home of Judge Roy Bean. Roy Bean was obsessed with English Actress Lily Langtry - so much that he claimed to name a town after her! Bean was a crazy character - "The Law West of the Pecos" and now his legend is larger than life.

The Jersey "Lilly" - bar, pool hall, courtroom, jail, etc...


Jersey Lily interior

Langtry also has the best Texas Visitor Center's we have ever visited. The ladies here are so helpful, friendly and willing to hand-out brochures, maps, flyers, Texas travel guides, litter bags and the coveted "Don't Mess with Texas" stickers. We love Texas.

So, now we are East of the Pecos... crossing the Pecos River on a narrow one-lane bridge due to bridge construction - and are camped for the night at Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site. We grabbed the last remaining campsite and barely fit on the little space. We have 30-amp electricity and water for only $17 per night. The wind is blowing so hard, I am afraid we will blow into the Pecos River!

Our situation this evening


Our view!


Just a great photo of our bus.
(GO DUCKS, by the way... could you win a basketball game... please???)


The sunset tonight

Shabbat Shalom from our motorhome, y'all.

Until my next update, I remain, your "East of the Pecos" correspondent.

RV Park: Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site - we had site 20, a back-in, but there are several easier-to-maneuver pull-through sites. 30 amp electric and water. No sewer. Dump station. We paid $17 to camp, plus $3 each park entrance fee.