Heceventure

During the last week I've been investigating Austin and it's surroundings. I've seen Cirque de Soleil ice show, visited "Movie house and eatery" and many other really American places like pizzeria which at the same time was a game hall. So American! On Sunday I sat on my bike again for a long time and rode to San Antonio. Natural Bridge Caverns, Alamo, River walk, ship cruise and San Antonio Zoo. There was plenty to see in San Antonio. Weather was terrible for riding on Sunday morning but it got a lot better in the afternoon. Monday riding weather was nearly perfect as I rode back to Austin. Tuesday was the last day with the family. The folks headed to the airport and I started to make new plans. The weather is getting cold again around Austin and even colder in Dallas.

Waking up at Terlingua Ghost Town was quite warm. Sunrise was pretty. After packing my gear I headed to Big Bend National park next to the Mexican border. One of the most beautiful national parks I've seen. I left from Big Bend in the afternoon as I wanted to get to a decent distance of Austin during the day. I booked a room in Sonora and took Interstate 10 to get there. At some point the weather changed dramatically. Fog, water, wind and terrible coldness. By the time I got to Sonora I was freezing. I got to my room, changed clothes and walked to nearby restaurant to eat. After a hot shower I was ready to bed. In the morning I had about 200 miles to Austin. And the weather was freezing again. I stopped every 15-20 miles just to warm up. In the afternoon I got to my brother's place where I shall stay for the next two weeks. I'll get going again in February 21st. I also got part of my family here so this is kind of a holiday from holiday...

I had planned to leave Flagstaff early in the morning. I woke up at around 6:30 and looked out of the window. No chance for early take off. It was dark and according to my phone way too cold. Around -4°C. So I ate my breakfast (couple of slices of pizza leftovers from previous evening) and packed my gear without any rush. So at around 8 it was light and only -2°C. After a while I was riding in the middle of snow. That reminded me of Finnish summer. The road through state park was lovely. Beautiful sceneries, pine trees, sunshine and snow. Fortunately not on the road. That would have been a bit too difficult for me. I managed to stay off the highways almost all the way to Tucson where I had a tent space place settled. Actually I was staying in Raven's home but she was somewhere working. Her friend, another traveler, Carmel was there to take care of Harry the Gingercat - absolutely adorable kitten who even has his own Facebook-page. Carmel gav...