Update Eden TX to Roswell New Mexico

A bit of time since the last post, due to a combination of lack of wi-fi (camping) and sloth.

  Back on the road, 100 miles west of Austin.

Centre of Texas and, by chance, round about my half way point, at 1350 miles

Nodding donkey in cotton field (not due to be planted until end May)

 Cotton Gin, west Texas

Nodding donkey, this time augmenting wheat

Camping, this time at free municipal site in far west Texas. Pretty good, including loos but no showers.

Trouble on the way - this is just inside New Mexico, and it struck about 20 minutes later in a deluge. "We need the rain", but timing is everything.  I was going to camp again, but motel owner insisted I have the spare room at no charge.  Typically decent.

This was the beginning of today's (Easter Day)75 mile run with nothing in-between, including water.  Camelbak filled for first time, giving me 8 pints in total, and I ran in with 2 remaining.

Mid-way to Roswell - the strong headwind dropped a little as I passed this watershed in the valley floor.  But this felt like the type of America I had come to visit, and it was a good day.

 

Now with 1699 miles done, and with around 900 to do.  Big route decision tomorrow, to go northwest via Grand Canyon (nice route, weather could be iffy at 8000 feet, slightly longer), or southwest to Phoenix (less nice route, better weather, shorter).  Hmmm. And exactly two weeks to go to make LA on time.  Bike holding up well, although may need to replace chain. As for me, bruised bum which makes things just that bit more difficult; beginning to tire of beans, rice, salad and (occasionally) pizza, and eking out Yorkshire Tea with daily ration (keep away, evil Lipton).