El Paso, TX

Just got through spending two days without Verizon Aircard internet access, and decided to leave early and go to El Paso to get the microwave fixed.

Left Alpine early this morning. Hwy 90 west of Alpine, through Marfa and all the way to Van Horn is a nice, smooth ride. There are mountains, tho' not big ones, all the way. Lots of ranching, and I saw a herd of pronghorn antelope off the highway. As I was leaving Marfa, I thought I saw a small plane, flying ahead of me. After about half hour, though, I realized I was catching up with it. Turns out it was a dirigible. I couldn't tell if was anchored or what, but it seemed motionless. There were no buildings or vehicles around to identify it. I thought maybe it was a weather information-gathering thing.

I do see the oddest things from time to time: just outside of a very small spot in the road named Lobo, TX, and before I made the turn at Van Horn, where Hwy 90 turns into Interstate 10, there was a small building, adobe-colored, very neat, very trim, with a solid glass front. In front of the building was a large sign: PRADA. Sure enough, inside the window were three or four expensive-looking handbags. I wish I'd stopped and gotten some information, but there was no one to ask. There was no counter, no clerk, no cash register. This'll remain a mystery, for sure.

I saw a huge pecan grove along that same drive. Had no idea pecans grew in such a desert-y looking place.

Arrived in Anthony, TX, just west of El Paso around 2:30 PM. Made reservations for the staff at Camping World to pick up the microwave Monday and take it to a repair shop. Hope I'm not stuck here too long, because there is absolutely nothing to do in Anthony. I'd love to go to Juarez for the afternoon some day this week, but I can't find my damn passport. I have no idea where I put it. Ack!

Anthony, TX Elev: 3806'