March 19, 2017.  Brackettville Texas to Camp Wood Texas. 50 miles.  1424 Miles from the Pacific.   I unzip the tent fly and crawled out of camp happy.  It is still dark.  I hazy moon shines overhead.  Mosquitoes come after me for breakfast.  The tent is wet from last nights dew.  I pack up and head into town for breakfast.  Horse and I head up Highway 334 and into the Texas Hill-country.  The chip seal road is very rough and soon my hands turn numb from the constant vibration of this gravel, stone, and tar combination. Horse complains, but I reminded him that at least we don’t have a headwind today.  There is always something to be grateful for.  The local sheriff stops by as I take a break beside the road.  He is very nice and asked if i need anything.   He warns me about the illegal human trafficking in the area and tells me to be aware what’s going on around me.  I ride past a large solar installation producing electricity for part of Southwest Texas.  This is a big ranch country.  It is lush and green and full of cattle.  I start to climb into the hill country and it becomes even more beautiful.  Some cactus flowers are in full bloom and there is a flowery smell in the air.  I know it is not me.  The Early-morning clouds quickly burn off and the intense Texas sun quickly warms to 90 degrees.  Just before town there is a county park next to the Camp Wood River.  It is beautiful.  I get a campsite, empty my pockets and jump into The cool refreshing clear water.  The soothing cold water suddenly makes life all better.  The memories of today’s rough roads and long climbs quickly disappear and once again I am living the dream.  I hope you get a chance to disappear into one of your dreams today too.
Cheers, Freebird