It is crazy how big Texas actually is - not only is everything bigger in Texas but Texas is bigger than everything!
We spent almost three weeks crossing this state - 17 cycling days I think and over 1,000 miles.
And my thoughts and impressions???
We have seen a different side of Texas almost every day. We passed through desert with cactus and a whole lot of dry sand and dirt. We went through Hill Country - aptly named - that descended into a valley of rivers and trees; camps and resorts and mansions, retirement homes and lovely neighbourhoods. We have seen big cities and small, prosperous towns, but we have also passed through (and stayed in!!) towns that are almost dead - their only reason for existence the proximity to the highways; boarded up businesses and abandoned homes - very sad.
We have seen real cowboys with cowboy boots and hats (like rural Alberta in places) but these ones are no doubt "packing heat" - we have seen plenty of signs and t-shirts advocating the right to bear arms.
We have seen cattle - yep, even the Texas longhorns - and sheep, goats and of course, horses.
We saw plenty of the Mexican influence; restaurants and signs in Spanish and especially - Mexican coca cola!
We have seen prickly pear, live oaks and wildflowers that fill the landscape with an undeniable beauty.
We have just gone through the Sam Houston National Forest - complete with logging trucks??!!
We have experienced chip seal; mist; heat & rain... cool mornings and hot afternoons.
All in all, I have been surprised at the immensity and the diversity here...
and now : Louisiana!! Just in time for crawfish season!!
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