Del Rio Was Grand(e)

ahhhhh....

As desolate as Del Rio was, we managed to have a pretty interesting day. Air Force Adam had to go fly a plane or something completely normal like that, so Pete and I were left to our own devices for the day. We went back to that gorgeous lake, nicknamed Lake Nowhere, with the intention of renting kayaks. Unfortunately, we were informed at the marina that they weren’t currently renting anything because the lake levels were too low. In fact, they were so low, that the marina had been forced to redesign their docks to accommodate the shrinking body of water. The gentleman working behind the desk at the marina seemed truly sorry that his only visitors in probably a year could not get what they had come for, so he showed us out back and pointed out how low the lake really was. He wasn’t kidding, the water was considerably lower than it used to be. All up and down the banks, we could see lines on the rocks of where the water used to rise. We were disappointed, but then our marina man began to talk. His name was Jimmy and we learned an awful lot about him during the next hour or so. The three of us stood out behind the marina and admired the view of the lake while we discussed Texas, the Air Force, politics, the economy, taxes, cars, and much more. We learned that he is the proud father of several children, one of whom is a 21-year old military son in the middle of a Afghanistan tour. Jimmy is due back there in the fall. We learned about the places that Jimmy has lived, where is wife works, about his travels, his opinions, his hopes and dreams. The poor guy clearly did not get many visitors at his post and just wanted to talk, perhaps before he began conversing with himself- if he hasn’t already.  We talked too, explaining our trip and as much as we could share about Rhode Island. He found it all very strange, especially the parts about the cost of living, the political corruption, and the fact that you could bike across it in one day.  Jimmy himself was an interesting fellow, and very forthcoming with his political and social perspectives. He was very reassuring that we need not fear the Mexican border. Jimmy believes that if you go over there with the right attitude, you’ll be left alone. While we appreciate his confidence, Pete and I still feel it is absolutely necessary that we not stray into Mexico. We prefer our organs safe and sound in our bodies, thank you very much. Overall, we enjoyed our hour with Jimmy. It was refreshing and amusing and nearly made up for not being able to kayak.

When Adam returned from the skies, he took us on a little tour of one of the planes he is trained to fly.  The plane was only built to hold a few and provided a whole new definition to “close quarters.” But, we were fascinated. Adam knew the purpose and function for every control, button, and switch.  He told us a few stories and exciting moments he’d had in his training and how he’d learned about the aircraft. Everything was very official and we felt a little bit like we were getting a sneak peek at something top secret. It being a military plane and all, I couldn’t take any pictures. I can say though that I was horrified by the bathroom area. A tiny toilet was separated from the passenger area by only a flimsy sliding panel. I suppose that’s one way to build squad unity…

After the tour, Adam invited us to witness something called “Drop Night.” He explained with excitement that this event signified the night when graduating Air Force classes would receive their permanent assignments for the next few years. Adam told us that he too would be enduring this nerve-wracking honor at the beginning of next month. Pilots eagerly await these nights when they’ll find out their assignments, having already put in requests for certain locations and specific aircrafts. The better you do on your class, the more likely it is that you will be stationed at a location of your choosing. I guess it’s similar to high school seniors being accepted into college, except these Air Force graduates were old enough to assemble and get hammered in anticipation of the announcements. The ceremony was done in a function hall on the Laughlin Air Force Base, filled with pilots and their anxious families. By families, I mean their young wives and many squirming babies.  There was a little introduction about each pilot during which a comrade would mercilessly tease him and point out his more embarrassing signature qualities. After they made sure the pilot was a rosy shade of humiliation, they would reveal his new post with fanfare and rowdy cheering.  Some posts were better than others and it was obvious by the pilot’s reaction whether or not he had received what he’d wanted. Though, it was a little difficult to tell for sure as each of these guys was more than a few beers deep. In general, the reactions were happy. One, however, was simply heartbreaking. A pilot received the news that for the next ten years, he would be stationed at a post that was on the opposite side of the country from his wife. Another pilot for the Air Force, his wife had already been stationed elsewhere and both of them had agreed to at least a ten year commitment. When Adam explained all this to us, it really pulled at our heartstrings. Nothing says graduation gift like obligatory separation from your spouse! Ouch… We hope they figure things out :(

That night at dinner, Adam explained to us the difference between table waiting in Rhode Island and in Texas. A native Rhode Islander and Pete’s childhood friend, Adam knows enough about what is familiar to us to know how strange we would find the table service out here. He was right; it made my skin crawl. As a waitress, I could not believe the amount of time it took us to even see a server after we got seated. It probably took about twenty minutes before there was a drink in front of me, (and by then, I really needed it) and it seemed as though they never wanted us to leave. In Rhode Island, waiters practically shove you out the door with a “Here’s your check, what’s your hurry?” But, in Texas, we received a leisurely encouragement to eat…drink…stay…siesta.  Our server was wonderful, don’t get me wrong, but he was in absolutely no hurry to get us out of there. I was baffled and, of course, impatient in New Englander style, but I suppose there is something to be said for making your customers feel welcome to stay…forever.

We went to bed that night with no intention of getting up early, but Mother Texas Nature had other plans. We were woken rather abruptly at 4 a.m. by the most incredible thunderstorm I have ever witnessed. Huge cracks of thunder seemed to be right overhead and the lightning flashed every few seconds. We ran out in our pajamas to catch the storm, only to find turrets of rain pelting down on the parched earth. Adam told us that this happens every few weeks, but I couldn’t wrap my mind around that. It was so intense! The lightning may not have been threateningly close, but there were no trees or buildings to obstruct the flash, so each bolt lit up the land for miles in all directions. There might as well have been fireworks erupting in the parking lot, the storm seemed THAT close. It passed quickly, but we were able to watch the thick of it before drifting back to sleep. The next morning was dreary and damp, but the neighboring plants looked happy.

The video really doesn't do it justice, but you can kind of get a sense of how close the storm felt. The rain was LOUD and it was so windy. It's nothing like we've ever seen in Rhode Island! Too cool. 

Pete and his best buddy :)

Before hitting the road, we picked up some fruit at the base commissary. Let me tell you, military discount is an amazing thing. We were all stocked up for the drive ahead for only a few bucks. Saying goodbye to Air Force Adam was a downer though, we really wish we saw more of him on a regular basis. Pete especially was pretending that it wasn’t a real bummer to leave his best buddy behind, but we had a canyon to see.  With a few hugs and advice to cruise right on through Las Cruzas, we found ourselves back on the highway for a 12-hour drive. We decided to break up our 19 hour trek to the Grand Canyon. 12 today, 7 tomorrow. And here it goes...

This has been our most beautiful drive so far. We loved the lush greens of Alabama, but these deserts are breathtaking.  We have been surrounded on all sides by mountains and valleys so vast that we cannot see their conclusion. Roads stretch on forever, much like the trains we see in the distance.  We were, once again, concerned by our proximity to Mexico, but it certainly made for interesting radio. The 5 o’clock “Bambucha” particularly held our interest and we listened as all the stations slowly changed to Spanish. The stores on the side of the road were interesting, advertising leather goods, guns, and “authentic Native American souvenirs.” If we were driving back, Pete would have stopped and purchased a wagon’s worth of fireworks. Unfortunately, we doubt Jet Blue would appreciate this cargo so we can’t buy any. ..

It’s VERY hot, maybe 95 degrees and SUNNY. We are trying our best to be careful, but it’s tough.  It’s also draining and we’re making sure to drink water in between gaping at the vast mountains and wide open desert.

I would type more, but we just finished a 12 hours drive of which I accidentally drove 8 hours. We drove 800 miles in the unforgiving heat and Carla was an absolute trooper. She needs rest and so do we. I really feel like I am cheating on my journalistic duties by not writing more, but we are stealing WiFi from a Lowe's and we can't sleep here, so we need relocate and set up for bedtime. Sorry, I desperately need sleep or else I will be as useless as Pete after a Monster energy drink. Those things just do absolutely nothing for him, it's so weird. 

Next post will include details of our drive through New Mexico and Arizona, as well as our adventures at the Grand Canyon. For tonight, it’s lights out at the Wal Mart in Tucson.  If we close our eyes and ignore the palm trees and cacti, this place could almost be Lil Rhody…

Cheers, all!

~Liz, Pete, and a very tired Carla.