The Pitstop

We eased out of the DFW metroplex early enough to miss the rush hour
traffic, on Wednesday morning.. hmmmm.. did I really say that ? Southbound
I-35 is a perpetual rush hour, regardless of what time anyone jumps in
there.. Waco is a mess and getting through is always like threading the
needle without bifocals.. lol.. Austin and San Antonio is not better,
either.. The perpetual highway construction ensures that traffic accidents
will inevitably cause delays and tie ups.. Otherwise the trip to the border
city at Laredo was routine.. Cotulla is a busy little town that is not much
more than a crossroads stop for fuel and a quick snack .. The Diamond
Shamrock station in Cotulla seems to be the most popular place to take a
little break from the monotonous and boring ride..

Packed motorcycles seem to attract a lot of attention by the other motorists
who are travelling .. Wonder why that is ? After the usual questions of
"where ya'll goin", etc. some of those folks asked to take pictures of the
bikes and riders.. Learning of our destination, deep into Mexico, the
curiosity about us, increased .. especially amongst the mexican motorists
who were on their way to visit relatives living in distant cities of the
U.S. Although motorcycling enthusiasts in Mexico are a growing phenom, it
is apparent that we're all considered a rarity to the majority of travellers
from that country.. There is a lot of interest in the equipment we wear and
the machines that we ride.. And, that is on the north side of the
international border.. After taking the break, we were refreshed and ready
to continue our long trek to Guadalajara..

The stops for Immigration and Customs, in Nuevo Laredo was nothing more than
routine.

Arrival in Guadalajara found us in the middle of frantic,last minute
preparations for the wedding that was planned.. The bride.. my lovely neice
(in case anyone missed it) was glowing and radiant, as she anticipated the
event she was anticipating.. The happy couple were married in one of the
smaller, but more elaborate churches in the city.. whew.. Those ceremonies
seem to go on forever.. very impressive.. Afterwards, it is party time and
the large crowd of people were transported to the "casino" where the food,
music and refreshment is generously consumed.. While the proud parents of
the glowing bride and groom, judiciously displayed their pride in the newly
married son and daughter, everyone present, relayed congratulations and
salutations of good wishes for them.. In other words.. that was one helluva
party..

hmmm.. A sidenote to the brothers from Texas, who relegated the
responsibility of delivering our own salutations to the couple.. While I
hand delivered a very beautiful greeting card.. along with the messages of
good wishes.. the lovely bride received our gifts with dignity and solemn
sincerity.. A very graceful lady, indeed..

Following the festivities of the reception party, the radiant couple were
off to commence the traditional honeymoon, while many of the partiers simply
changed locations to continue festivities and many simply retired in
exhaustion..

No one could have asked for more perfect weather.. The average temperature
was in the 80's .. The nightly rains kept the days cool and refreshing,
after the Texas heat that we'd endured during the trip down there.. After a
couple of days, enjoying the hospitality and general sightseeing, the trip
back was routine and uneventful.. Again.. those mountains are simply
gorgeous ..

Now it is time to recover and commence to prepare the Green Vulcan for the
next ride and adventure.. See you, then.. Regards

Bill Walker
Irving

 

Glad you made it back, Bill. Wish I could have gone.
And congratulations to your family. I wish the new bride and groom a long
life of happiness.

 

Thanks Wakko.. The "big guy" and his lady were well remembered by the family
and friends.. When the tequila hit the table, there were numerous comments
of admiration about your capacity to make a full bottle disappear .. lol..

Regards and concern for a rapid recovery to you.. Everyone was sad to hear
about that incident which caused you to be injured.. Get well quick..
Regards

Bill Walker
Irving

 

It may be necessary for me to go out to Casa Grande, Arizona .. I am waiting
to hear from Buddy, now.. He is in the VA Hospital in Tucson .. They
operated on him a few days ago and I'm not sure of how his recovery is
coming along, since I haven't been able to reach him.. Stay close to home
and I'll keep you posted on how he is coming along..

BTW.. The trip Brian is referring to is to visit Edwin, another of
Corinna's fine sons.. He lives in Matamoros .. Corinna is trying to make
arrangements to be there and would love to see Mouse, again.. She talked
about the Mouse all the time while we were in Guadalajara..

If I'm not mistaken.. Matamoros is almost a day run from where you live..
With all consideration and due respect to the missus and her condition, see
what you might be able to work out..

On another note, I might be able to arrange to meet you in Marshall to
finish your upcoming ride to Mena, Ar.. next month.. Let me know what your
itinerary looks like as the time gets a little closer.. See you, then..

Your Friend in Irving
Bill Walker