Back to the Future

Pictured somewhere along the Military Ridge Trail near Barneveld, Wisconsin after beginning the journey from Madison last fall.

ROSWELL, NEW MEXICO — This 2nd Leg from San Antonio, Texas “To Roswell & Beyond!” is basically complete. Altogether, so far with this leg plus the journey partway down the Mississippi valley area last fall, I’ve logged 1,000 miles walking — that’s right around 1,924,000 footsteps! — pulling the “friggin’” wagon.  

For now I will be returning to Sanderson, Texas by hitching it, so to arrive in time for next weekends the Big Bend Open Road Race. (There’s just something truly unique — and still exudes that Old West spirit — in which amateurs are invited to pretty much  floor their gas pedals for 64 miles on Highway 285 between Sanderson and Ft. Stockton.)  

Somewhere North of Sanderson, Texas, I took a breath to take in the breathtaking experience of Western Texas.

Sanderson as well is where I plan to call home, regroup, save up some funds for a new camera and such, then listen for the next wagoneers’ calling: Where no wagon has gone before.   

I met wonderful people back in Sanderson, as I’ve met most everywhere along the LRWT journey, and there’salso good opportunities for work (Sanderson has not yet fully recovered from the flood of ’64 and the R&R depot closing of ’94; and has in the meantime retained a vintage charm). Sanderson simply has that Western Texas appeal of large skies and vast horizons, while nestled nicely in the convergence of two valleys, and is perfect for the solace required in which to focus on writing and photography.  

There are many of you have given support in so many ways, Thank you all! and I’ll certainly keep you posted for the next adventure, journey, performance art, whatever one may like to call it!  

Note: It’s strange! I feel more fears now thinking ahead to settling down some than the fears so many warned me about on attempting such a project. Has this been a growing, eye-opening experience? Absolutely. For myself and others I’ve met along the way…  

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