Day 6

We departed Alamogordo at 6 a.m. - the temperature was already over 70 degrees. We road to Artesia over the mountain via Cloudcroft. The temperature dropped to 52 degrees and didn't get above 70 until we arrived in Artesia.

Highway 82 is a nice mountain ride - the speed limit is 55 for most of the distance. This morning's ride was one of those perfect days that reminds us of WHY we ride motorcycles.

We stopped at the El Rodeo Restaurant in Pecos, Texas - the mention of this place is not a recommendation! There isn't much on the road we were on, so we opted to take the first available eatery. We ordered the taco plate - the daily special. It took quite a while to get the food and then the waitress proceeded to dump Larry's toward his lap. I tipped it back so only one item landed on the table. She apologized and said she'd get him another taco. We NEVER got it while we were in the facility. When we left she came out the car with 3 tacos. Fortunately we found the whole event amusing.

I think we'll wait to get back to Lakeport to have Mexican food.

We rode Hwy 285 to Del Rio, Texas. This is a very nice 2-lane highway with a speed limit of 75 mph. The maximum temperature was 95 with some high clouds. There was very little traffic. We got to experience some "Yee-Ha" curves....that is what we call an unmarked curve that takes you gently to the left with little sight distance and then drops down into a canyon.

The Pecos River bridge crossing was an awesome sight. Made us want to stick around and check it our some more.

Imagine - we rode 5 miles an hour faster than ANY interstate in California on 2-lane roads...in far better condition!

Lots of Border Patrol....and we found 2 that not only smiled, but waved. I'm thinking that the farther south one gets the nicer the border guards are.

By the way, at the checkpoints we are asked the question, "Are you a citizen?" Of course we simply answer, "Yes." Larry & I were talking last evening and we had both had the same thought, "Isn't EVERYONE a citizen of somewhere?" I know, I know, don't over think it!

For what it is worth we are staying at the America's Best Value and it REALLY is a value. Larry gets waffles for breakfast and I got the swimming pool AND all the other stuff I NEED to have!