Journey Day 491 | CDT Day 154

Wintery snow and freezing temperatures complicated my final push to the Mexican border.

11/15/87

Tent cloaked in an inch of snow, ice from weather that by the looks of the skies will be around for awhile. But I pass on cooking breakfast. Gorp and go, once I get my tent to fit into the sack and poles to melt free.

Road walking, gloomy, gray skies, snows on and off, unable to find a clue to San Mateo Springs, frozen end of hose unavailable. So hike on, pondering hitch from the pavement. When family that passed earlier does again going my way, I go for it. Few cars to choose from. Ride with them, a young girl and younger siblings. Pass weird camp left by hunters: blonde wigs on stump, high heeled shoes in the y of a tree. We stopped to put out a fire left burning. Also carnage in several spots, blood frozen from butchering. We drive on, stop to tell ranger. Stop at closed campground, then into town, stop at second cheapest hotel in town. Cheapest too nasty.

Take room, shower. Order a pizza after watching football. Eat two larges for $13.95. Watch tube, football, venture out for wine coolers, settle for cans of pop. Bars look risky. Spend rest of night watching tube, writing letters, munching pizza. Call Mom. Robin Williams live, then to bed, Route 66 on one side, railroad on the other.