We started early today to try and get ahead of the wind. It is important to note that although wind was forecast at higher than desired levels, the forecast/actual wind was significantly lower than yesterday. It was a beautiful sunny day and we set off right from our motel. The first 4 miles were basically downhill and between that and the view, Katye and I were happy. The next 20 miles were not as fun. We came upon some very long (2-3miles) gradual hills both up and down and the wind started to blow. I think wind is just a part of spring in the southwest. After our last long gradual climb, the entire rest of the ride today (15 plus miles) was basically a long gradual downhill. How fun - even with the wind and that even started to wane. We easily finished about 41 miles and called it a day since I had a call at 1pm. I put San Antonio as our stopping point but we are still about 20 miles East but it is the closest town to our stopping point. We plan to bike there and past it tomorrow.

We ate lunch out of the truck on the side of the road, we packed up and headed to Socorro to a delightful B&B. Judy, our host, walked us through her garden to our rooms in an Adobe style home behind her home. We met her friend Phil who was planting a cherry blossom tree for her. I mention Phil because after I showered I came out to our patio to find Marie moving dirt and sweeping. She and Judy spoke before Judy left to pick her dog up from the groomer and Marie offered to clean up the area around the new tree for Judy. Judy is a little older than us and does not get around so easily so Marie decided to lighten her load. I truly believe that was Marie’s primary motivation but I also think she is missing her yard work 😊. Judy also showed us a great horned owl nest in a tree outside her yard. With binoculars we were able to see a baby. Very fun.

We went to a local Mexican restaurant highly recommended by Judy and walking distance from the B&B. We were greeted there by a nice young man and he also served us. We ordered and enjoyed our dinners. Although, he gave Marie a hard time as he said his restaurant was the best Mexican restaurant in the state and Marie just ordered a bean burrito. That gave us a laugh. He also comped us free dessert, fried Mexican sophilias with honey which we all really enjoyed.

fingers crossed for a low wind day for Katye’s last ride. I will miss her positive upbeat attitude.