G.A.S.P.

(Great Adventures to Scenic Places)

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January 11, 2000

I left Van Horn fairly early in the morning (1-11) as I had about 75 miles to go to Marfa, my planned stop for the night. The weather was near ideal for cycling – sunny, warm (about 70) and just a light wind. My route took me in a big arc – first south, then gradually bending to the east. By the time I got to Valentine (about halfway), I was thinking of going an extra 26 miles to Alpine which would save me a whole day on my schedule. Ultimately, I decided not to do it for several reasons. First, it would have made this day a pretty tough one (right at 100 miles). Second, the ride from Alpine to Study Butte (80 miles over some mountains) promises to be difficult and I didn’t want back to back days like that. Third, I wanted to send home another section of the Journal before I got to Big Bend National Park (and I wouldn’t have time to finish it in just one night in Alpine). Last, and most important, I reminded myself that I’m on a journey, not a trip, and I would miss the Fort Davis National Historic Site if I went straight to Alpine.

So I stayed the night in Marfa at a fairly inexpensive motel (the only campground in town wasn’t very nice at all).