Alien Coffee- Somewhere in New Mexico

After some much needed Texan BBQ, I was on my way to the next park with about one hour to go. When I passed this place I literally did a u-turn to check it out. I could use a cup of coffee.

I snapped this photo before walking in. As I opened the door I was surprised to find myself inside of a biker bar. I wasn’t sure if I should just turn right back around? But my pride got the best of me, so I made my way up to the bar where the bartender was already with a cool bottle of beer in hand.

Nobody cracked any sort of friendly look my way but I was kindly greeted by two dogs and I was thankful for their distraction.

I asked if they had any coffee by chance. ( yes I’m the fool that thought this was a coffee shop because it said alien coffee and cold drinks). The bartender literally would not speak to me and she looked over at the old man at the end of the bar. I assumed he was in charge and would determine if I was going to live or die at this point 🤣

He pointed to a Kerig in the corner and mumbled something about not having cream. I told him I would drink it black. He then got up and went to a kitchen behind the bar. I had no idea why.

He came back out with a mug and put it under the drip, pressed the button then went back to his beer. I asked him how much? He obviously made up a number and said 2 bucks.

I grabbed the mug, a little sad it wasn’t a to go cup. I thanked him and asked if I could drink it out front on the porch. He probably was fearful of people seeing me at his place so he said I could drink it on the back patio. I kindly asked where that was, it wasn’t obvious. He annoyingly got up again and started walking. There was a gun laid out on one of the tables we walked past. Small handheld.

I followed him not knowing where he was truly taking me. He stopped and kicked a small pink ball that was on the floor then turned around. I asked him if he was looking for the dog and he said no, “I was seeing if you were following me”.

He popped open the umbrellas while mumbling. I thanked him again. Then I noticed my coffee mug was from a prison facility. I can’t make this shit up.

Snapped a quick photo of the mug but didn’t dare to take photos afterwards.

As I was sipping my decent black two buck biker coffee, I started planning my escape. I tried to see if I could exit through this courtyard I now found myself in,but the gates were locked. Unfortunately I was going to have to make my way back through the bar.

And then, 10 more Harleys pulled into the parking lot. There I was in my Florida plates minivan, wearing my Tevas and leggings. This was going to get interesting. I heard a bottle crash and everyone cheered inside. I thought no way could they be getting rowdy yet, it’s only 1 pm.

Well I braved my way back through making sure not to make any eye contact. I set my empty mug on the bar next to the old man and said thanks again and drove outta there. What an experience!! Welcome to New Mexico.

After about 10 minutes back on the road the highway was coned off and they filtered everyone through a border patrol check point. I thought this was odd since it wasn’t at any border. I’d crossed into New Mexico from Texas miles ago.

I later encountered another one of these on a different highway. Guess I’m just not used to being so close to the border.

White Sands National Park- New Mexico

I made it to the White Sands National Park. The ranger at the visitors center warned everyone that a storm was headed our way and that lightning can be a hazard, very concerning in the desert. If we heard thunder or saw lightning we were to head back to our vehicles.

Did you all know that there is a place inside the US passports issued especially for national parks stamps? The gal in front of me got one.

The one trail I wanted to hike was this one. It’s only one mile so I thought I could squeeze it in before the rain.

Literally the clouds were like a shelf above our heads. This was the start of the trail.

Once you got to the interior it was covered in beautiful soft white sand with scattered shrubbery.

Gorgeous with the storm rolling in adding that mysterious darker blue.

Then if you turned the opposite way it was as if it was the perfect blue sky day.

Look at those colors! And again with the natural landscape. It’s endless-Her imagination.

Took this photo so you could get a perspective of the vastness of the dunes. Can you see that cute couple on the hill?

What an exceptional flower choice for this venue.

These trees look as if they were purposefully planted.

I loved the perfectly captured ripples in the sand and the cute grasses still barely surviving, slowly getting covered.

The dark clouds started moving over so I hustled my way around the dunes.

Wanted to capture myself in this amazing environment. Holding onto my hat as the wind started picking up.

I wonder if it’s this cool to be in Saudi Arabia’s deserts? I know they have camps and vacations out in them.

I drove to another section that had a boardwalk but honestly none of the views were as beautiful as the dune trails

Snapped this shot of a couple sledding down the dunes.

I didn’t know where honestly I was headed next. I pulled over and found the Rio Grande. I googled my way to the Elephant Butte State Park having no idea what to expect. It was another hour and 1/2 away but heading up toward Sante Fe which is on my to do.

I scored (yet again) and found this amazing site to park for the night for only 10$.

God is definitely looking out for me! I couldn’t have planned it better.

Looking through my shelter area where I could grill out. If I had food 🙄

Guadalupe Mountains- Springs Trail

After completing the Devil’s Path, it was about 5 pm. I still had time to do another short trail before calling it a night.

I found an orange cone and dragged it to where my van was parked. After all, I didn’t want to have to deal with someone thinking it was open and I didn’t have any lawn chairs to put out like the others I’d seen leave.

I headed just a short distance up the road. It was about this time I realized my dinner tonight was trail mix. It was an hour and 1/2 drive to any restaurant and I wasn’t about to spend that much more time driving.

The Spring Trail is also a historic landmark housing the oldest standing property for this region built in the 1900s.

Entry to the trail was right beside the house.

This tepee mountain was standing solo and was quite unique.

In the middle of the desert trail was this amazing spring! How the settlers found this, God only knows. But makes sense now why they settled here.

I watched two small birds chase each other in flight around this spring. The lead bird would dip into the water and then back up and circle around again. The second bird would completely mimic him. I watched them do this for at least 5 times before I moved on.

Enjoying my Mountain views! Cheeks are getting rosey from the sun. I think my sunscreen expired.

I sat on a bench on the walk back and sketched this view in attempts to completely be present. It was an interesting experiment for me.

These cute plants cracked me up. Reminded me of Dr. Seuss.

And these too! Have such character. Like he is raising all his hands up to be called on.

This is my view where I camped for the night.

I sat at the picnic table, journaled and edited my photos enjoying the beautiful nights’ breeze.

A man in the car parked next to me was wanting someone to chat with. I felt his eyes wondering if I was friendly. My introverted self wanted to pass off negative vibes but he of course broke through my ice and told me all about his story.

His name was Steve. He was divorced after 27 years. His ex wife is still single. He traded his beloved Camery in for a CX-5 which he loves and sleeps in the back of. He is 76 years old and has $5100 hearing aids that are Bluetooth able. His Medicaid Humana health insurance refunded him 3700$ of it in 3 different check increments. He is debt free. He wears his white long sleeve work shirts to protect himself from the sun. He has been to 40 out of the 62 national parks. He’s from Greenville, Indiana. Shall I go on?!

He was adorable, but very self centered in conversations but admirably damn adventurous! We both concluded we could die tomorrow and be happy and that the vast emptiness of the roads gives us a sense of irreplaceable freedom.

Road to VanHorn, Texas

I decided to Road trip my way to the Guadalupe Mountains. I saw a pamphlet while staying at the Airbnb and decided to change my route accordingly. So glad I did.

The two lane highway was soon surrounded by mountains and I kept breathing them in. The morning view was spectacular.

I was surprised by the amount of Border Patrol I witnessed. The officers were sometimes out of their vehicles looking with binoculars into the vast desert. Other times I saw them going into an abandoned house in the small towns I passed through. I’ve never witnessed this type of patrol before but it’s obviously very common along this area in Texas.

I was also noticing how ranch overhead signs appeared over dirt roadways that looked like they led to nowhere. The extreme desolate space out here is eye opening. I am sure survival out here is a completely different lifestyle as well.

I pulled over when I saw this billboard cut out. I mean who wouldn’t?! So cool right?

As I got closer I could hear country music playing on speakers which looked like rocks. I believe they filmed an old western here with the young Elizabeth Taylor. This was a tribute.

Next along the route further up the highway was a pop -up Prada shop in the middle of the desert.

You can’t make this shit up, it’s so random. Apparently it’s purpose is as a modern art display put up in 2005.

At the back of Prada people were hanging love locks to make a statement that they were there.

The plant life was new which I was enjoying. I wanted a change of scenery and I definitely got that! This looks like a desert palm tree to me.

I was loving the mountains. I was talking to Zoe on the phone while driving and I kept saying how I was frustrated that I couldn’t capture their unique colorations and magnitude. She wisely replied that they are meant to be witnessed and appreciated, not photographed. I believe that’s true of a lot of nature.

Always driving and trying to capture my view so I won’t forget.

Always love how a bridge frames the future. Symbolic.

I arrived at VanHorn starving, so I googled the best places to eat.

I ended up at this local restaurant called mom’s kitchen. There were 6 cars parked out front at 11:30 and by the time I left at noon the joint was packed.

As I kept driving toward the Guadalupe Mountains I did a u-turn to get a closer look at this great scrap metal art.

Someone was very clever. I find it interesting here in the west how you are just driving along a deserted road and then something like this catches your eye.

All this art was outside an appointment only upholstery store. Nothing to do with metal.

This type of cactus I hadn’t seen before. I also thought the alter was an interesting choice of structure added to the driveways art collection.

I had one more hour to go and started seeing new mountains pop up around me.

I have not travelled out west much, except Vegas on business and Arizona many moons ago. I am just having a complete blast everyday witnessing new sites and terrain. I feel again in awe with the absolute wonder of nature and at peace with the world I’d tuned out in the meantime.

Sunset in the Desert- Ranch Road 2810, west Texas

The Airbnb I am staying at left instructions to a deserted road that is known as a great local location to watch the sunset. This was the only thing on my to do today. I set out to seek the desert and capture the sun before it left for the other side of the world.

As I was driving I concluded that I really could be a sun worshipper. I love the heat, the color, the joy of it peaking through clouds, the consistency of its daily appearance, its nutrients. It means life to me whereas water means lessons.

After a 1/2 an hour of paved road, this route becomes a gravel pit road meant for only those with 4 wheel drive, a spare tire and a death wish.

As I was driving I pulled over several times to take some photos. It was as vast as you can imagine. Nothing as far as you could see. Desert.

It started out flat with the sun capturing all the shadows from the small hills.

I drove until the end, where I found these cowboy boots hanging out on the posts.

“Just outside the charming west Texan town, Marfa, the Aufdengarten family has run the Fletcher Ranch for many, many years. It’s been supported for generations by this tight-knit crew.” I googled the ranch and there are several articles about how they settled there in the 1800s when this was still part of Mexico.

The clouds on the opposite side of the road were a beautiful reflection of pink.

And just like that it was gone. I am still learning how quickly the temps out here change. Without the sun the chill in the air is quick to bite.

I took the opportunity to capture this deserted road and the sunset left behind. Selfie moment. Hitting the road tomorrow. Happy Trails.

130 Amazing Sunset Quotes That Prove How Beautiful The World Is - Inspirationfeed

El Cosmico -Marfa, Texas

Today was my “do nothing” day. I did pretty well with that in the morning, but by afternoon I was itching to see something new. It’s addicting, feeding your eyes and soul with intriguing new sites.

I visited the Marfa store which was open today and bought a bracelet and tee. I need to avoid stores 🙂

I decided to go check out the El Cosmico campgrounds. It’s right outside of the downtown area, so not too far of a drive. I purchased a mineral water at their check-in store and then sat in their outdoor patio area to journal a bit and observe.

I realized I was a bit apprehensive about walking around without having a reservation. As if I were trespassing. I was wondering where that fear comes from? I mean what’s the worst that can happen? They ask me to leave? Where does this need to conform and comply come from? Years of being told as children what is right and wrong?

We live in a beautiful country -world that we belong to. Are naturally part of. Why as humans are we so preoccupied by owning/having territory to call ours/demand rights to things/ to have ownership and control. Consumerism. I digress.

I parked and walked right up to this building just checking it out. Wasn’t even sure if it was open or if I could go inside, but in my Marfa fashion, I just gave the handle a try and ended up in a cute little shop and check in lounge.

I bought a topo chico and sat in the shade for awhile just watching who was going in and out.

When I was at the Marfa store earlier two guys came in as I was checking out. Further up the road, I saw them drive by me when I was taking a photo of a sculpture, so I waved. Then as I was sitting outside here, they drove up and I asked them if they were following me? They were cute, tattooed, and from LA.

I decided to walk around and pretend I belong. There were professional photoshoots going on and I am sure many of their campers are continually featured on Instagram and in ad campaigns. I don’t think anyone working or staying there really cared who was there. The coolness of a community like this, is that they are all there to have fun, enjoy life and experience something new. I need to remember to get out of my head and quiet my monkeybrain.

This was one type of rental tent. It basically just has a bed inside. They have outdoor showers which is pretty cool but I bet a bit challenging in the winter or chilly mornings.

I loved these teepees! I want to be there with a lover one day.

The yurts had really intricately painted doors in various colors. Very cute. When I looked up pricing it was about 95$ a night.

The colors make it so much more interesting that the prefab trailers.

I’m sure it gets a little hot inside during the afternoons but they had tons of shaded outdoor seating areas.

Check out the modern one! Its a work of art among the antiques.

They even had a stage which was a cool thought for summer nights. Also hammocks hanging in many of the trees.

Arial view. Interesting that it also has a Tesla charging station.

100 Best Travel Quotes (with Photos) to Inspire You to Travel

Big Springs Park, West Texas

Making my way west, I planned a stop in Big Springs where there was a Walmart I could park Vanessa at and a state park nearby to hike. Originally I was hoping to camp out inside the park, but after arriving and checking it out, they were very strict about day time hours only and had blocked off what appeared to be past camping areas.

My goal was to make my way west to get to New Mexico by the following day. I find driving to be difficult on my back at times and 3 hours a day is about the max I can do. I may be out here longer than I think. I love West Texas, except for the occasional “Fuck Biden” flags waving which make me question the people I am surrounded by while here visiting.

I sleep well in the back of the van, probably because of all the activity during the day and driving I usually do. My body feels fully recovered from the surgery that I had and I feel better than ever. You know when you are sick for so long, you start to get used to your life/energy just being that way? I feel awakened. It reminds me of when I was in college and suffered from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I remember waking up one day and it was gone. I called my parents to tell them I was finally awake! I still recall that moment of joy.

I think sometimes we suffer so we can appreciate being back to ourselves again. Its a wonderful experience which I realize will soon wear off as all renewals do. But for now, I wanted to note it. It is important that I remember this and how its allowed me to experience so much on this journey across our beautiful country.

This was the hike I was planning in the am.

This cut out metal sign was unique. Difficult to read, but still, different. Notice the water bottle at the base. There literally is a trash can 2 feet away. Why do people do this!? As I was walking the trail I felt such a part of nature, but when a plant snagged me, I apologized for being human. I telepathically told him I realize how much damage we have done.

The first thing I noticed as I entered the trail was how excited I was to experience different terrain. Everything was completely changed from than my other hiking trails. The trees seem to have a prickly, self protection about them which I am sure help them to survive the harsh environment.

OMG cactus. I realize for many of you this is not exciting but it was to me! I have never hiked where there was desert plant life. It was energizing to me. And with the mix of sweet lavender flowers.

My trail view was dry and rocky. I often thought about rattlesnakes and what if I got bit out here….what would I do? I kept having fear about being out here alone. To stop that negative thinking, I found a small, white, star shaped cluster of flowers and bent down and cupped them into my hands to embrace their presence. Fear is in our heads. It is not how we are supposed to live life. I needed to remember this and resituate my thinking for the remainder of my hike.

This landscape was beautiful and new to me.

I sent this picture to my friend Ann Newton who taught me that love exists everywhere and reveals itself throughout with its heart shapes in nature.
Do you see it?

This spider like weed with its tiny purple blooms springing up from the rocky terrain gave me hope.

I walked off the trail a bit to get this shot. I was admiring the yellow wildflowers in contrast with the cactus. I feel it represents human nature. All the variety of personalities living and surviving together.

In the midst of it all, an artistic Texan flag showing up at a nearby house.

The pink buds were so special. Mother Nature is a genius.

I had to capture this yellow bud coming up from the dry rocky surface. All the lessons of endurance, life and death are found in nature.

A little further along these aqua colored plants starting to make an appearance enhancing the palette.

In this hike, even though I was climbing upward, I did not feel it. It was never difficult nor did I find myself stopping to take a break. It was such a gradual climb I was shocked that I was already at the top of the mountain.

Can you see how tiny the cars are on the highway. I felt like I was on top of the world.

Selfie moment. It was 90 degrees the day before and now it was a chilly 55. My older sister, Trisha, was just in New Mexico on vacation with her family and warned me about the extreme temperatures. I am so glad I packed layers and a winter hat.

They had a small airport here with a memorial of some sort.

Being at the top of a mountain, you are never lost.

Walking back down I took one more shot of a cactus begging for my attention.

140 Mountain Quotes [to ignite your next adventure] — Walk My World

Fort Worth Urban Water Gardens- Texas

After a couple hours at the Art Museum, I decided to head downtown to check out the Water Gardens. Parking in cities is always problematic and tough on the budget. I found a lot right by the park, but they were charging 11$ for the day and I knew I was only going to spend a couple hours max walking around. So my cheap ass drove out of that lot and found a street spot by a parking meter, only to find I had to download the app.

I have nothing but time, so I downloaded the Fort Worth parking app and registered my zone only to find out it was free!! Bonus. Love when my instincts are right on. I felt like I was back on my game and ready to explore a bit.

This entrance was of course found as I was leaving the water gardens. I find it interesting that I always seem to start backwards in places. Not that I’m complaining, it works for me. Just noticing the reoccurrence.

I walked in through a maze of concrete steps.

First site was a calm water pool. Not sure if in non-Covid times people are allowed to swim or wade but there was a sign stating no swimming allowed.

This was the main attraction. And how fun right? Water pouring down all the various ledges. Creating such a fun sound and effect.

You could walk down into the center using the non water steps. I did not partake. Instead I planted myself in the shade on a ledge and watched others enjoying the moment.

My pigtails are in and headband on. My new unglamorous, don’t give a shit, look.

This was called the mountain. As you can see many kids made the climb to the top while the more intelligent elders watched.

They also had a spray pool which was refreshing, like running through a water sprinkler. All the ledges around were great seating areas but it was a 90 degree day and most people were planted in the shade.

I decided to walk further into the city center.

There was a cute brick walkway area called Sundance Square where the roads were closed off and people could just walk and hang out.

Great mural of steer which symbolizes Texas.

A cute vintage looking sign hanging off the building. Texas loves their flag! It hangs proudly next to every American flag waving.

The main street was a combination of old brick buildings with contemporary high rises in the background. A classic combination of many cities these days.

My map so I could remember where I’d been and how far I’ve walked. I get a lot of walking in every day and its taking a toll on my feet. I have a cut on my toe from my sandals that is struggling to heal. But darn it, I’m just going to change shoe choices and keep on stepping!

As I was leaving the city I saw this JFK Memorial. I appreciate that Texas tributes honor to him.

24+ Inspirational Quotes Jfk - Brian Quote — I remember when I was living in NYC in my 20s, I met a young man who owned his own business and was very successful. I was curious how he achieved that. He explained about the other three businesses he opened that failed. It was eye opening to me. And a great lesson in life.

Oh My God I love this Town❤️- Marfa, Texas

My sister Tiffani, who I originally planned this trip with, was not going to be able to make it out to join me. This was a disappointment as you can imagine. I was looking forward to sharing these adventures and some driving with someone. But the cards were against it. I was on my own for the remainder of my trip.

I was heading west via El Paso because I thought I needed to eventually get near an airport where she would be flying into in a few days. But now, everything changed. What did I want to do.

I had to regroup, rethink, and go with my gut. My new friend from Louisville, George, mentioned that he had heard Marfa was a cool artsy community in Texas. So I thought, fuck it, I’m changing directions and am going to drive south instead. After my hike, I started up Vanessa and directed us to Marfa, where I planned to pit stop for a few days to regroup. I booked an Airbnb for three days. To relax. To slow down. To enjoy this small town. To soak in the last ten days and journal.

As I was driving I was in complete awe of the landscape. Realizing that in nothingness is also beauty. As far as I could see was nothing. How can nothing hold such wonder?

My artsy selfie shot as I was driving down these desolate roads.

As I approached a town called Alpine, mountain ranges started to make an appearance and again gave me something to ponder. How they just appear. Out of nowhere, in the middle of nothing.

I could not possibly capture them from my car window as I was driving 79 miles per hour, but I tried!

The temperature went from a windy 55 to again 95. Seriously 40 degrees, same day, not that far of a distance. Odd to experience such extremes. Welcome to the desert.

Vanessa is so happy to be parked for a bit and not have me living out of her. She is chilling in front of the Airbnb which is called Castle Top. I adore my stay here.

I sipped some tequila my first night while reading through some pamphlets on excursions outside of Marfa. But tomorrow I was planning an easy day just to experience the town.

Decided to do some much needed laundry. Bathtub is a bonus. Felt so good my first night.

Marfa is completely walkable. Only 2 miles by 1 mile in size. Experiencing a town on foot is so much better than by car. You stumble down alleyways you shouldn’t and discover things ordinarily not on your to do. I prepared by applying sunscreen to my face, but my arms and neck got the best of the desert sun which I barely felt because the breeze was so pleasant. I miss the heat and although it bit me, it feels great.

My first stop in the am was an art gallery right around the corner from where I was staying.

An article was published in their local newspaper about the gallery owner and how her most current exhibition is showing her father’s work for the first time.

The gallery said it was open so I walked into an unlit room and shouted hello. I was greeted by an educated gentleman and also later met Emily, the gallery owner who was absolutely charming. I admired her father’s work, but was in no place to support it. I told them I would blog about it to my dozen readers 🙂

As I kept walking, I noticed the simplicity of all the structures. Very plain stucco with type font on the buildings spelling out the business’ name. Nothing fancy. All minimalistic.

The Frida mural outside the auto parts business says a lot about the community. Art and auto supplies? Never have I seen those two put together before.

I am not sure what this means, but I saw these posters throughout the town.

I found one cafe that was open and was hoping to get some breakfast. I hadn’t eaten any dinner the night before, just sipped tequila and had a few pretzels. They unfortunately didn’t have any food except a few homemade scones, and I’m not a fan. A lot of places are not open in this town until Wednesday or Thursday. I knew this coming in, and that is why I wanted to stay for a bit.

Inside the cafe was a shop that had beautiful hand crafted artisan products. A small vase was 75$. A coffee mug 50$.

I wished I was a millionaire again. Hate when I get that feeling. I want everything! Mostly because I appreciate the art and want to support the artists.

So classy. In a small town in the middle of the desert. High class goods and merchandising.

I ended up ordering a Mexican bottled coke and an iced latte. I rounded the corner to find this equally well designed seating area where many tourists were camped out utilizing the spotty wifi.

The doors were open to the outside, but I sat indoors looking out. Trying to avoid the sun exposure.

Heading further down the road, I walked by this church. Love the skinny trees.

I visited Saint George hotel which is always being talked about. Hoping their restaurant was open. It was not.

But their gift shop was. They were selling sunglasses at a starting price of 425$ A little out of my league. I ended up buying three bars of soap made in Marfa to support the local industry.

I started walking toward the city municipal building and found a lot of cool architecture and shops along the way.

This was by far my favorite shop. They had a sign saying “no photos” so I respected that. They had art from all sorts of local artists. I ended up buying a few things and talking to the owner extending my compliments to her store. Yep I’m wearing the crazy sneakers Ms. Deb bought me….I said I was changing up my footwear.

A local sign and local bikes. Loved this capture.

It was difficult to tell if the stores were open or not. I literally would just test the door handle to see if it was locked or not.

I saw a few things in this store, but couldn’t justify collecting. I loved the mineral mound. I wanted so badly to purchase a few to bring me the spiritual growth I needed. I was saved by a couple who entered with a puppy which then gave me an escape from my head and I exited with no damage $ done.

Are you getting a feel for the architecture here? So simple yet purposeful. I love the truck outside of this building. Its Texas all the way. On the highway into this city I started counting SUVs and trucks vs cars and it was 6 to one.

Sticker graffiti. My shot should win an award. I love the vertical lines and stucco vs. metal vs. tile.

Admiring shadows. Always. And the nailhead look to the signage.

Another church. Felt almost Mediterranean against the blue sky.

I walked into the Hotel Paissano because it showed a lot of shopping in its windows. It is a historical building. Plenty of shopping which was almost overwhelming after being in the simplistic minimalism stores.

Seems to place you back into a different time period.

Again admiring the simplistic building with the desert landscape. I am sure I am going to love New Mexico!

I swear this looks like a capture from a movie. Unreal with the bike and colors.

I found the soap factory which was not opened to the public. I am glad I made my purchase inside the hotel who also offered it.

There was a sign inside one of the stores that said “we are a small town, with no hospital, please wear your mask”. I thought that was perfectly said and everyone in the town was abiding.

I read about this store online. I think it may be out of my price range, but advertised a lot of clothing I liked so I may (or may not) check it out tomorrow when it opens.

It was approaching 2 pm. I had been walking since 10 am. One of the shop owners along the way mentioned that the Burrito place is now open for food, so I headed out of my way to finally eat. Only to find out it was closed. I was now a little loopy, sunburnt and desperate for food.

I had walked past this deli prior to reaching the burrito joint. I knew it was at least open, so I wandered back this way and WAY over ordered. It’s like going to the grocery hungry. I ordered a margarita pizza, a BLT sandwich, chips and queso, grabbed several beers from their coolers, a recycled cotton to- go bag and a sticker. 80$. Damn that will teach me. But the food and beverages should last a few days.

I sat out in their courtyard and sipped a seltzer and munched on my chips and queso. I lingered in my shady retreat for at least 45 minutes, taking advantage of their cool drinking water and outdoor area. It had cornhole, a pool table, fire pit….I am sure during better days major parties happen here.

On my walk back to the Airbnb I passed this picturesque studio.

Cheers ya’all. Doing my blogs, sharing my journey and keeping my memories alive for my future reading. Its like a visual journal to me. My farmer’s tan is alive and well, but I do love having color on my skin again.

Trying to figure out which way to adventure tomorrow. After speaking with my Michigan posse member, Julie Monnin, I decided I need to stay put and relax. Take advantage of my Airbnb and rest so I am ready to roll toward New Mexico come Thursday. Thank you friend. For following me, but knowing I may need to recoup along the way. You know me well and I always trust your advise.

Modern Museum of Art- Fort Worth, Texas

While in the Dallas area I drove 1/2 hour to see a pop up Frida Kahlo art exhibit, only to search endlessly for what was not there. I even asked a few locals for some help, but nobody had any idea about it. Shows you how the treasure hunt on the internet sometimes can be deceiving.

I started heading west with plans to go through El Paso, Texas into New Mexico. On the way I stopped at Fort Worth. It was a cute little city, much less traffic, and with few people on the streets. It was Sunday, Mother’s Day, so I imagined most families were celebrating at their homes.

I headed to the Contemporary Art Museum and again was thrilled with the architecture as well as the exhibits. It was only $8 to get in and we’ll worth it!