Bumping along Texas, Del Rio to Bracketville and then to Camp Wood

43 miles, 677' of elevation and 77 degrees to Bracketville
49 miles, 1300' of elevation and 77 degrees to Camp Wood
   We are still in Texas basically in the middle of nowhere. This means that we either have cell coverage (rare) or wifi but hardly ever both. Yesterday, we had cell and no wifi so no blog and today we have the reverse with the added bonus of a laundry facility. You'll never understand how important this all is until you do the Southern Tier ride.
  Of major note, both today and yesterday we started our ride in mist and heavy cloud cover which allowed many of us to recover from the incessant heat we have had the last two plus weeks. The two rides were similar in landscape and topography with a slight transition from deserts to now getting trees. This gives us some opportunities for shade while riding.
  Last night we stayed on an old Army post, Fort Clark Springs that was closed after World War II and became a state park. They converted the barracks into a hotel and the parade grounds is an 18 hole golf course. Because there is more rain and humidity, their is a considerable amount of vegetation as compared to the desert areas of California, Arizona and West Texas.
  During yesterday and today's rides, we did pass some dead wild boars lying along the road probably hit by vehicles as well as some armadillos. Vultures are common place along the fences and delight in the road kills. There are also deer and wild turkeys to be seen.
  I stopped to talk to one of the Border Patrol officers just for some insight on what they do and their strategies. We have seen hundreds since starting our ride as we have ridden along the fence separating our country from Mexico and even today we were within 20 miles. Will probably see less of them as we head into the heart of Texas Hill Country but they are a definite presence along our route for the last three weeks.
  If you desire the opportunity to ride on chip seal then Texas is the state for you. Yesterday's road was a lot more bumpy than today's. The more truck traffic a road gets, the smoother the road but then you have the traffic. We ride slower and don't inflate the tires as much and that helps a bit.