43 Almost Persuaded

    I think Ruthie went into parenting mode when she met Ashley thinking of our daughters, what if they were out on the road like this?
     She (Ashley not Ruthie) once took a year long survival course in Wisconsin.  Or maybe just being in Wisconsin for a year is survival training enough.  Sorry couldn't pass that up. With no prior long distance riding she purchased a bicycle and started out on a cross country trip.  California to Florida, she had already had many challenges including the every present Texas thorns puncturing her tires.   Learning that she was planning on riding into the park to see hot springs and knowing the difficult terrain Ruthie offered to take her on the trike.      

Trikes don't lean, must be the road?

    They spent the day exporing  Big Bend and a dip in the hot springs there.  I spent the day exploring the RV park, meeting new people, trying not to be a nuisance and checking on the ladies progress with the spot tracker.  It gave me some comfort knowing where they were.  I thought at one point they were on the way home and then the computer told me they were headed for the basin.  It looks like Ruthie is determined to show her the works.  I believe the next subject is considered heresay so I don't think it is admissible in court.   I heard that Ashley had seen all the pretty rocks and wondered if she could have one?  Oh sure some one said,  they have so many!  Our RV neighbors are now referring to it as the illegal rock collection.  One of them said he thought their were micro gps’s chips in them similar to our spot tracker, do we dare go thru border checks?  Last word we heard Ashley was spending some time in Austin TX.  She hoped to find a part time job for a few weeks before continuing on to Florida.  Her mother was planning on meeting her in the Florida panhandle and riding the last 500 miles home with her.   Ashley had suggested she start riding to prepare for the ride.     .
  If you would like to read Ashley's journey.  Here is her blog address.  http://thejourneytotheeast.tumblr.com/  Ashley we are glad we got to meet you.  Safe travels!

Ruthie enjoying the Hot Springs

      The next morning it was my turn.   Ruthie had said I would be impressed with the roads she had been on.  Especially since she was dealing with some discomfort with her clutch hand stemming from her dancing injury.  First on her list was the Hot springs, we had been warned by John and Karen that the road trail to the spring was pretty rough, rough indeed.  A rocky path off the main road, then it split into a one way circle drive almost a mile long.  Looking thru the windshield of the last picture you can see a ridge going completely across the picture.  That is the road coming back out, really a ledge similar to the one we are taking in.  Sheer drop off, that's why the warning for no trailers,campers or vehicles with dual wheels. 
     On the path to the hot springs their was a warning against possessing or purchasing items from Mexican Nationals.  The rock walls we walked beside looked like they had been stacked there and could fall at any time.

     When we arrived at the springs it was filled, over 30 youngsters with their chaperones were canoeing the river and had stopped for a break.  Fortunately they left within moments and we had the hot springs to our selves.  The water coming out is 104 degrees and was once the site of a two story bath house.  Developed in 1909 by a malaria victim who had supposedly been returned to health by the springs.  Then abandoned in 1912 when it was made unsafe by Mexican bandits ( Poncho Villa?).   They returned in 1927 for more development.

We will return on the opposite wall!

Jesus

Boquillas canyon

    When we left the hot springs we drove to the Boquillas canyon parking lot. This turned out to be quite a walk for Ruthie, her knee seemed to be doing well.  We had been told to look for the singing Mexican.  It was a steep climb from the parking lot to the ridge of the canyon.  We seen horse prints on the path and found out later that the Mexcans across the river used the horse's to dash across the river to collect their money from their collection points or replenish the supply of trinkets or the every famous decorated walking sticks.   Today the singing Mexican was Jesus,  he has been doing it for nine years.  We asked if he wasn't worried about the border patrol.  He showed us some binoculars he keeps and eye on the trail with and said they normally only come as far as the parking lot.  I understand them not wanting to do the trek up the canyon to check on one musical visitor. 
   On the way home we swung by the ranger station to touch bases with home.   An added treat at the ranger station.  A young man rode in on a motorcycle with his dog balancing on the back.  He then waited patiently for his master to return.  The young fellow said he had rode all the way to Oklahoma with the dog perched on the rear.  He said he has only fallen off once, thinks he fell asleep. 

     We spent a little to long on the phone and got to enjoy a desert sunset as we rode home.   It also gave us some time to reflect on the last few days.  The RV park was starting to grow on us and there was a dance on Saturday.  I had also heard some one talking about a major trail ride event.
    So, if our meds have arrived, do we leave?.