Oh those lazy hazy daze of Ft. Davis

If anyone told me I'd fall in love again, I'd say they were nuts. I think I may have fallen in love with another town - Ft. Davis, TX. I'm on day four here.

While in town, I wandered a bit, found a museum, but it was closed on Sundays and Mondays. Sure, I'm still here, but I'm just not in the museum mood.

If you look carefully, you can see Karma's butt and tail.

Original door glass of the Stone Village Market

When I first arrived in Ft. Davis a few days ago, I met Kelsey at a nice little grocery store. She advised me that further in town there is a gourmet market. I effectively thought she was a bit of a lunatic for saying such a thing, considering where I was in Texas. However, she was right! I actually found tofu in Texas. It was quite the treat. The market adjoined the property of the Stone Village Tourist Camp (a great motel) where I stayed. Clean place, great host - Randall, and very accommodating. Danetta who worked at the market was an absolute delight too. She told me a bit about her life and her education. I truly think more people should quit high school and get a GED instead.

On my second day in town, I wandered around looking for supplies for Karma and me, I strode into the exhibition below, but with no cash on hand, my girl and I couldn't gain admission.

We wandered to the market where we met Kelsey on a prior visit. While there, I met two women who were simply delightful. We chatted outside of the market for a while with Karma as our liaison of sorts. One of the women, Rani asked if Karma was well mannered around other dogs. I assured her that Karma was a blessing around other dogs. Rani excused herself and walked away as I spoke to Amy. 

Rani returned and invited me to their family's belated Christmas dinner that was at her mother's home and would include Marley (named after Bob Marley), a little dog. After just a few moments of stammering excitement, I gratefully accepted the invitation. With the logistics figured out, I was tickled to know I would be picked up and dropped off at my temporary residence that evening!

Fortunate is not a strong enough word to describe how I felt to be part of the family's dinner. Quite an interesting bunch of world travelers and well rounded folks they were. Jan, mother of Rani, lived in Kathmandu, Rani lived in Turkey, Rani's daughter (oh, I feel terrible I can't remember her name) spent a semester in Argentina. Jim, Jan's husband was a guitarist and played with Randall, the manager of my temporary residence.

I loved the banter that occurred and must say I was most impressed with Scott and Amy's son, Mason. He was one of the most polite young men I've encountered in years. He and Scott were playing video games together. When told to turn off the game because it was time for dinner, Mason didn't hesitate and was immediate in his motion to curtail the playing! No fight, no problem - simply remarkably respectful. 

We spent hours just talking and enjoying time together. I felt like a family member. The only problem is I forgot to take any family pictures. However, Rani brought an amazing pie, cranberry and cherry, that was delectable and beautiful (she was rather modest about the presentation of the pie, but I assured her it was wonderful). I photographed it before a scabbard could touch it.

At the end of the evening, with a taste of South African organic wine lingering in my senses, I was taken home, gave hugs to Rani and Amy, and Karma and I found our bed quite comfortable and satisfying.

The following morning, I took my time getting ready to leave town. I was a sluggish wheelman I must say. After a stop to the post office, I made my way back the hotel, said my goodbyes to Randall and Danetta and began pedaling out of town.

As I climbed the hill out of town, I made the mistake of looking back. I wished I didn't have to leave. As I crested the hill, I saw what appeared to be cabins and a large communal building. I rode my bicycle with Karma jogging beside me to the entrance of the communal building and asked if there were any cabins available to rent. I was assured that indeed there were. Guess what happened next. I stayed two days. The views are tremendous and I felt a sense of relaxation I hadn't felt since Mule Creek, NM.

View from my cabin porch

Ditto

The cabins

View to the village of Ft. Davis and the Sunrise Mountain behind it.

On the second day, I took a walk with Karma up a county road across the street that then circled up a large hill. From above, an orchard (the dark brown sections) can be seen.

Row of cabins can be seen (green roofed buildings)

Unusual cloud formation

  

 On the way down the hill, Karma was in a very bouncy, playful mood and had happy feet. That can be seen in the following short video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4swqGq9iF4

Finally, I must impart to you this simple wisdom. Do not go into brush in Texas with shorts on your person.

Reason that cowboys wear leather chaps. Every bit of vegetation wants a part of legs.

Tomorrow for certain, I'll head to Alpine. Then Marathon on New Year's Eve. I'm looking forward to continuing.

To everyone, thank you. To my children, I love you and forever will.