169: Just remember the Red River Valley

Today dawned clear and cold - for a couple of southern Californians! It was below 50 this morning when we started out, and for the first time in many months we opted to wear our leg and arm warmers. There was enough of a north wind to make it pretty chilly, and our route was just about due north all day, so we had a relatively long day in the saddle.

There were wonderful wildflowers all along the Texas side of the river, but not in Oklahoma!

Stands of cactus are so cool

The route profile showed a gradual descent and then a climb. As we rode, Roger made the connection: we were headed down to the river, and after crossing, we'd come back up. And that's about how it went. I think my descent and ascent measures only differed by 11 feet today!

The early sun on the cactus, mesquite trees and golden wildflowers were really pretty. And before too long, we came to the Red River - the border between Texas and Oklahoma. No problem understanding why it's called the RED river!

Red River - border between Texas and Oklahoma

Shortly after crossing the border, we made a stop at the convenience store and chatted for a bit with a nice gentleman. He was interested in our trip, and when we said we were from southern California, said he'd lived there for a time. He asked where? and when we said, "Redlands" he said, "oh, yeah. I know Redlands. I used to drive through on the way to Palm Springs to visit my son and I would always make a stop at the watering hole there." I asked him if he could be talking about Taylor's - yes! That's the one!  He was interested to know that it's still there - and that he would probably still recognize it. He was driving old highway 99, before the interstate was built.  Small world it is. I told Garland about how Taylor's was built just outside the city limits, right after Prohibition was lifted but while Redlands was still "dry."

Garland used to stop in at Taylor's

And that's pretty much all there is to say today. It was perfect riding weather - cool and clear and we had good roads all day. Could have done with less headwind, though I guess we better get used to it. I think the prevailing winds across the Southwest are from the west.

The day's report:  Bowie to Duncan, 70.2 miles/7864 to date

Our route (no turns!)

Oklahoma, O - K!