December 11, 2004; Willis, Texas

While I was updating the site this morning at the hostel a traveler turned me on to a path that he enjoyed along the gulf heading East. Since nobody had given me a route to Big Bend I decided to take his advice.

After polishing off the last of my fajitas for brunch, I headed to the ferry for a ride across Galveston Bay. While on board I spotted a couple of motorcyclists. Jeff and Gevevieve are a couple from Houston; out on a ride down to the intercoastal Highway along the gulf and then up through Sour Lake and the proclaimed "only good riding around Houston." They invited me to tag along, and my plans from 30 minutes earlier were tossed aside.

The bridge over the intercoastal Waterway was a trip. Coming up on it, it looked as though there was an eight story high buckle in the road. No suspension or support that I could see, just a gorgeous organic curve. The view from the top was incredible. Unfolding horizon below, and a pristine sky above; baby blue touching the vast fields, building to a deep sapphire sky straight overhead.

All the houses on the intercoastal Waterway were on story-high stilts. I couldn't see how they could support the houses when the might of the Gulf was unleashed upon them, but hey, what do I know?

As promised Jeff and Geneviere took me through the only good riding in the Houston area. The ride was captivating. Tall slender pines closely flanked a road that seemed to be modeled after a long loose curl of golden blonde hair. Shadows from the needles played on the pavement in a kaleidoscope of light and dark. It ended all too soon. At the end I clicked a quick picture and followed them back towards Houston before veering North.

I look forward to coming back to Texas in January, Jeff and Gen have invited me to ride with their group; a charismatic *ahmem* bunch I am told.

I booked a campsite for the night for $25.00. $25.00! I could have a roof and tv for $5.00 more. Oh well. I then proceeded to take up residency for the next four and a half hours at a buffet... I was writing too. Sue was my server and when she would come by we would get to talking. She is one of those people who's eyes always seem to be smiling. About three hours into the meal she took pity on me and invited me to spend the night at her place instead of outside. For the second time that day I tagged along with a stranger.