Tuesday morning frost on the trike- yes it was cold

PantherTracks Cafe in Animas - just a coke no plugins in the dining room. Nice High school and grain silos, started hearing and seeing the sandhill cranes flying above

Nice big school buildings, High school and Elementary, the houses must be all out in the country side.

This is why Hwy 80 and now Hwy 9 are so good. I have been seeing the old rail road bed since Douglas. Keeps the grades nice.

and that’s why the old smelting plant is in El Paso right on the border where the rail line goes today.

then again its just lots of road.

Reminds me of duck hunting with my son, John - we would look for anywhere ducks would hit the water and there are some way out there. That could be Star waiting for us to hit one

There are some Pin Tail ducks out there – Charlie and I watched John wake up from napping in the blind and knock down a duck(with a 20ga) that Charlie and I had already unloaded both our 12 ga. shotguns at a missed. John has it mounted in his house last time I was there.

Big tree near the old windmill well

Like I said lots of time to think, remember and anything that breaks the samo is note worthy.

Monday Morning Yep good place. Officer Rodriguez had this 5 mile section of road so I could sleep safe. a little cold last night.

These Horses picked up and raced me to the end of their pasture -- they won

It is pretty sparse population out here and then again it is not empty.

What is pulling persons into a 10 day walk through this with freezing temps at night The Good and the Bad people.

all the shrubs has mesquite thorns, then there is cactus and your traveling at night with no lights. My perspective is changing by actually being here, sleeping here and speaking with folks who live and work here. Something to be expected when most of time we get the sound bite from some reporter who drives around in his 4 wheel vehicle or rides along with the border patrol.

Geronimo surrendered here. Spoke wth a Border agent who came down from Boston, Ma. What a difference, He bought a house in Wilcox

Again my thoughts are spurred. Once read about Al Siliber (sic) civilian chief of Indian Scouts for the Army for 22 years during that period and was at the surrender. The Indian war with the Apache lasted 30 years and the US did not have a decisive win. Was able to hike up to Turrent peak North of Phoenix, an Apache hiding area for 25years before it was found. Even visited Al’s grave in Globe, AZ where his head stone pays tribute to his Chief of Indian Scout career.

Just as interesting was a conversation with the agent on watch. Asked him what would make him try to cross this area to get into the US. He said he could not come up with an answer to that. He did say the most of the people coming are hauling drugs and the Money Americans pay them is what brings them.  The other coming for family and work are brought out by the coyote recruiters in Mexico who are selling guide service for the 1 day walk to America to be with family and/or find good jobs to support their folks at home. They get a gallon of water bottle and are pointed North. It’s at least a 10 day trip on foot.

I am beginning to think the border immigration issue is the symptom of the problem not the problem.

Who knew - Hwy 80 through Rodeo, NM was the main route from El Paso to Phoenix way back when. Great Cinnamon Roll and coffee

and tomorrow we find out why this road is so good to ride a bicycle or Trike on.

Yea the First state crossing - plan in a few months to cross again to see John and Shay and the Grandchildred

Good place to stop 32 miles and not completly done in catching up on my picture titlesGood place to stop 32 miles and not completly done in catching up on my picture titles

Another good day of riding friendly folks and courteous drivers.

SundayMorning Mass in Douglas Father Gilbert is 17 years from Congo, Africa. He made coffee for me after mass.

Thank you Father Gilbert. He has been the priest here for 10yrs, and knew Fr. Marcos from St. Andrews before he was ordained.

On the way out of Douglas feeling prettyj good. end up with a 25 mile day

weather moving in still kept a little over shoulder breeze to help on the up hills.

Some of these pictures are a little blurry – probable because that’s what I am seeing with out my glasses on.

There were some ups and down - this fellow likes his solitude

Figured out the Border patrol drags these along the fence line to smooth out the tracks

I have been seeing these chained together tires with a hook on them. I wonder if the government is using already damaged tires or bought new ones for this.  They are the same ones you see on their patrol pickups.

The border Patrol drive very slowly along the dirt road looking for tracks of people crossing the road.

Looks like a good place to camp - besides I can not go another mile

Officer Rodriguez stopped to check on me. He will be patrolling this 5 mile section of road for the night and will keep an eye on me. He has lots of others out in the fields with spotting technology as well as drones flying over head.

I ponder what drives individuals to come over this way it is very very difficult.

A couple of workers rebuilding the chapel at the shrine came by about 7am and woke me up. Slept really soundly until then.

On the road to Douglas Bob and Bill came this way in one of the stories remember Michael and Anthony and Raven

The day started out cool and fast going down to the San Pedro River. Of course it was then up, and with a tail wind.

Saturday Morning bike rides out of Sierra Vista they are on the return leg

This section of Hwy 90 is great for bike riding, wide smooth shoulders and low traffic.

down hill and tail wind into Douglas 45 mile day

Came in Douglas just at dusk. I found St. Luke’s church and called the Father Gilbert, he gave permission to camp out on the front sidewalk.

End of great long day. Really a difference after how beat up I felt the day before. The Healing Mass got the process going.

Morning Mass in a beautiful new church, followed by a healing service - I am sure I needed it.

I guess the healing service started the process.

I sat in the Arby’s for hours blogging and charging up.  Late afternoon started out for Our Lady of the Sierra Shrine only 15 miles away.It was up hill and slight head wind. Good highway out, it was after dark before made the turn off for the Shrine and I picked the wrong road. Took the dirt/sand track down the ravine before the pull up the 4 wheel drive section only 2 miles, and it was all I could do. When arrived at the shrine at 7:15pm there was a sign at the gate that said 7:30pm service is moved to somewhere else. Oh Man!! I walked up to the breathtaking cross and statue, particularly at night after a difficult climb, said a prayer. Came down, pitched the tent in the handicap parking and went to sleep.

SunSet out of Serria Vista Still riding into dark

The Shrine of Mary of the Sierrias - Long cold climb, with pull up dirt road - worth it

The neighborhood around the shrine was burnt in the forest fire last summer.

Today began with Vigil Prayers at the Abbey at 3:15AM(not required for guests) and ended after dark at Saint Andrews Apostle Church (just barely)

Morning Vigil - Reading from Isaiah

Who would not feel more at peace here in the presence of these Holy Women

Morning Santa Rita Abbey

After a couple of more hours of sleep, it’s up and to morning prayers and communion service.

Santa Rita Abbey - Scripture readings

Santa Rita Abbey - AM Communion Service - a Beautiful and Holy group of women who are a touch stone for today

Then off on the road by 9:45am – beautiful day and feeling good.

The Border Patrol is on the Job. Helicopter overhead as well and circling Drones at night.

The drivers on on the road were very respectful particularly the big trucks. Not many and those there were pulled wide and a couple even slowed until they could.

The road to Seirra Vista is rolling by faster today - less wind and mild climbs

Seems in the middle of no where and it is, even so when I stopped for a break and lunch, a car stopped to check if I needed anything. I thanked them and off they went – there are more good people out here than not. So if I were doing then news all could focus on is the negative  circling Drone airplanes at night that confuse me when I am looking at the stars, they keep blinking red and green.

Coming into Fort Huachuca I was all in. The ankle keep wanting to lock up and behind the knees stabbed with every stroke. A little rest, Ibprofine and clenched teeth got me to Saint Andrews church.

My grand plan of 50 miles a day average is looking a little grand. This is kinda of like when in school trying raise you grade average, those low test scores a the beginning, made the catch up work much more difficult. Of course I am out of school and I can take it easy on myself, realizing I will own the results, what ever they are.

Made is to St. Andrew the Aposital Church in Sierra Vista. I could have gone another mile more than the 35.6 I did today

The room with a view

After vigil prayers with the Sisters this morning at 3:15am, I felt pretty good. I guess I was just dreaming though, after a nap until 6:45am, must have been beaten by winds and mountains. So I am here for the rest of the day. The Trapestines Sisters here are so cheerful, when ever I see or speak with one. This place is truly blessed. They have lots of room for more sisters or guests. Web site is http://www.SantaRitaAbbey.org.

A visiting Priest at Santa Rita Abbey

Sr. Margarita, Santa Rita Abbey, She came in 92', after 18yrs working as a nun in Bolivia.

Sr. Margarita is the guest relations contact for retreats, visits, she also cleans  the rooms, washes the sheets. Thank you for all you do for Christ in the world today.

looking out from the chapel

Asleep by 7:00pm right after Compline prayers. Feeling better already.

Day 2 Morning View from side of Hwy 83 - 12 miles short with 5 miles of up hill to go.It is still a long way up - the head wind a little less today.

Once again I showed that if you’re tired enough  you can sleep soundly almost anywhere. The one exception was  the coyote about 100Yds away,  on the other side of the highway. He must have  moved on after  I fell back asleep.  The rest of the climbing did entail some pulling the ICE wagon up the steepest parts of the grade.  Then finally the downhill. The turn off to Santa Rita Abbey on Garden  Canyon  was easy to spot a couple of miles past the border patrol check  point.  Since I am heading south I needn’t stop.

It is still a long way up - the head wind a little less today.

I love these signs

Yes the Border Patrol are on duty

Finally made to the Santa Rita Abbey at 1:00 PM

The Garden Canyon is dirt with lots of washboard, slow going. Missed the turn off on Fish camp road  and had to come back after a ½ mile. The last stiff uphill to Abbey at a warm 1:00pm was all I could walk up. Sister Pam was out walking and spoke with me. What a delightful, welcoming person.  The church is beautiful in the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance (Trappistines) The area is south west hills and mountains, brown grass covered this time of year. Rested and was able to attend Vespers and compline Prayers with the sisters and Albert, another guest. The vesper prayers, followed by compline prayers  give one the feel of peace and rest as the sisters chant the psalms in their beautiful voices. I am so tired I may stay an extra day to rest physically and mentally in the presence of this wonderful place.

Santa Rita Chapel

The chapel is adorned in the Cistercians Tradition – simple, peaceful

Santa Rita Abbey Guest House

A beautiful meditation Chapel and small library as well which I was able to use.
This a wonderful place for rest, meditation, and prayer.

Santa Ritas Mountains

A view from the Abbey and less than an hour from Tucson by car or  2 days for fat old guys on bicycles.

Monday 01-02-12 25 miles

The Journey continues – the start of today is a lot more challenging than the

Santa Rita Shrine

first day from Nutrioso in November. The Winds are 25-30mph straight head on.  My first indication this was going be a long day was the 2.5 hours, of hard peddling in low gears against the wind a very slight incline to just make to Church at Santa Rita Shrine in Vail, AZ at 8:00am. What a relief to get out the wind and feel the grace of God for today. This church has a really interesting history as noted on a newspaper article framed in the back of church. It was built for the Mexican population in the Vale, AZ area to attend catholic mass. The widow of the 1890’s Japanese Scientist who discovered Ad reline in the Japan.  Mr. Tanakama visited the USA, fell in love with an American woman, married her in 1897 and moved to Japan.  In the 1910s He and wife moved to New York. Mr. Tanakama, who was raised Buddhist converted to Catholicism. Sometime after his death in 1922, his widow married a rancher from the Vail, AZ area. Together she and her second husband built this Catholic Church in memorial to her first husband and named it after Saint Rita in 1935.  Saint Rita is known as the patron of the impossible similar to the more widely knows Saint Jude.

The whole area bears names to Saint Rita, such as Santa’s Rites Mountains, and Santa Rita Abbey, for the Cersticians nuns. The impossible part hits me more after today’s uphill into the wind. The lack of conditioning and 60lbs overweight make this journey even more improbable. Just keep trusting in God and the fact that the conditioning will get better and the weight will be eventually left on the side of the road.

The first night camp is 12 miles short of the Abbey with still 5miles of 5-6% upgrade.

Heading out at dark Thirty

Into the mountains

Happy New Year to everyone.  The Journeycontinues in the morning at 5:00am. Looking everything  look good to go. This last for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years has been great, with Helena and the Friends and her family in Tucson.

2012 is the year of search of the western USA and through Canada.

I will miss all the food I have been putting away and the TV and Movies for the last month. The cable news channels thankfully didn’t dominate the air waves during the day while I was here.

Mostly I will miss being able to attend nearly daily, close by. My journy goal is to find as many churchs and Masses along the way as I can. The first will be tomorrow about 12 miles into the journey at St. Rita’s Chuch in Vail, Az. The evening plan and incentive is to be at Santa Rita Abbey for the evening after 37miles. The Cestercian Nuns have given permission in an email for me camp on the grounds and attend prayers with them. 

My trepidation is in the 37 miles with 30miles of up grade. The elevation gain is 25% of what the total for the whole 1450 mile segment to the Gulf of Mexico coast, estimated by “www.ridewithgps.com

The following picts are of a couple of the churches was able to attend.

St Agustine Cathedral Tucson

St Agustine Cathederal - noon Mass