The End of the Earth

Holy cow.  It's been forever since I posted.  My sincerest apologies for that.  I wish I had a good excuse, but it's mostly due to laziness.  I have been busy though, so I'll try to keep this post as 'to the point' as possible.

The last time I wrote was just before I left for Big Bend National Park.  After leaving San Antonio, I made a last minute decision to visit Pat Butterfield in Killeen, TX.  I made the short drive north and spent with night with the family; Pat, Erica and Schuyler.  After a delicious steak dinner, Pat drove me around Fort Hood Army Base where he works.  It was great to spend that time together.  I found out Erica is pregnant and that they're planning a move to Vermont (hopefully this fall). 

The next morning I woke up early and made the long journey to Terlingua, TX, which I now fondly refer to as 'The End of the Earth.'  When I got off I-10 and drove south, I rarely saw other cars and towns were virtually nonexistent.  Terlingua itself, is a very small town located on the Mexican border in the Chihuahuan desert.  It's very difficult to describe this town.

Maria Jenness did a great job at showing me around.  We spent time hiking and walking around the national park.  Interesting fact: Big Bend National Park is the least visited national park.  The hiking was great and the views were absolutely gorgeous.  I have photos, but they're not on my computer.  (Check facebook later).

The people were amazing and one of a kind.  I had the feeling that people moved to Terlingua to escape something, whether it be a person, finances, the government, etc.  You would never pass through this town because it's not on the way to some other place, so the only people there are one's who decide to visit or make it their home. 

After a few days, I hopped in the car and headed north again to New Mexico.  This was the first time I stayed in a hotel.  I stopped for an overnight in Santa Fe.  If I'm being completely honest, I didn't care for Santa Fe very much.  Granted, I was only there overnight, but it still didn't impress me a whole lot.  I didn't find the people to be very friendly and the city itself was pretty boring.  The best part was getting an oil change the next morning where the mechanic gave me a free bottle of water.

Since Thursday of last week, I've been in Fort Collins, CO.  My buddies Sam, Brian and Dexter all live together.  I'm staying with them.  Driving through Colorado Springs was interesting because my father lived there for four years when he was a young adult.  I've been to Denver twice since I've been here.  But I've mostly been hanging out in Fort Collins.  We've had fun going out at night and site seeing during the day.  All the boys work, so I make most of my days.  I've gone all around town, visited some tourist attractions and today I'm going hiking.

I'm not sure when my departure will be from here, but I've made some plans for the middle to end of April with various friends and family.  That gives me about two weeks to explore.  If you have any suggestions, please comment and let me know. 

Sorry again, for taking so long.  I'll be better from now on.  I promise.  I look forward to hearing from you all.  Best.