Day 7: Marathon, TX

Armisted Nat Rec Area



Bridge in SW TX



We travelled further West on US 90 today  into the hinterlands of Texas passing an old Railroad Bridge and Rock Quarry.  Then were stopped at the Immigration Check-Point and were asked if we were both US citizens.  Answering "yes" got us through without any further questions or inspection...fo figure - we could have had a load of Mexicans in the back of the RV and they would have never known any difference. George looked left and announced that we could now see Mexico - still kinda creeped me out.  Passed Seminole Canyon State Park, Amisted National Recreation Area on the Pecus River and, interestingly, the Judge Roy Barnes Saloon and Museum.  Didn't stop but pressed forward trough the Oshman Canyon, Lozier Canyon, Palma Canyon and Sanderson Canyon.  And through all of that passed a Fed Ex truck.....they really do go everywhere!

 

Pecos River



SW Texas Terrain

We arrived in Marathon in the late afternoon and, after getting the RV set up, went exploring.  Marathon comprises a total of 5.2 square miles with a population of 430.  There are 4 restaurants in town, 2 are breakfast and lunch only and the other two lunch, dinner and bar menus.  We first drove 30 miles up the road to Alpine, population 5,905 just to check it out.  Back in Marathon, we went to the local saloon and had a few drinks (best Prickly Pear I've had).  Bartender, Chris was very friendly but ready to close up when we walked in.  We heard they had good pizza but the cook was sick so the restaurant was closed.  Then a regular, Steve from Wyoming, showed up and we all talked for a while.  Gage, a high-end motel/restaurant/bar next door was open so George and I went there for dinner outside in the courtyard.  After Chris closed the saloon, he joined us and we had a great evening.  At the end of the day, we felt as if we knew half the town.

George-ism of the day....after having driven over 1,400 miles in the RV, he commented that driving the car felt like driving a tinker toy!

 

TOTAL MILES DRIVEN:  1,469

Karen at The Saloon