Marathon - Sanderson, TX
Daily Route
Daily Elevation
It was warmer last night, so it was a good night sleep. We woke up to temperatures in the 50's and by the time we left at 9 AM it was 60 degrees. We were all feeling great with the warmer temperatures.
There is absolutely nothing between Marathon and the 55 miles to Sanderson, so the plan is to stop on the roadside at around 20 miles and then Patrick will meet us around noon which should be around the 35 miles point. It doesn't look too hard on the elevation map above, but there was a climb between the 10 and 16 miles point. The scenery actually looked like we were going through a small pass. At the top we took a little break.
There is absolutely nothing between Marathon and the 55 miles to Sanderson, so the plan is to stop on the roadside at around 20 miles and then Patrick will meet us around noon which should be around the 35 miles point. It doesn't look too hard on the elevation map above, but there was a climb between the 10 and 16 miles point. The scenery actually looked like we were going through a small pass. At the top we took a little break.
 Jim, Tim, Gerri, and Jackie climbing the hill (Mary beat us all and is took the photo) |  Taking a breather. |
When we went up and over the climb, we were rewarded with an awesome long view.
We were supposed to stop at 20 miles for our first break. As we were approaching 20 miles, we saw a sign indicating that there was a picnic area just 1 mile further. How lucky we are to find a table to sit at.
A lucky find at the right time for a break
After the break, we got back on the road and started our long down that would last the rest of the day. We just had a break, the weather is perfect (72 degrees), the scenery was amazing, and we had a long downhill. It doesn't get much better than this.
 Mel and Bill enjoying the downhill |  Tim with cool mountain in background |
The plan to meet Patrick worked out great. We met him right at the 3 hour point and at 37 miles. We really did need him today since this was the first chance we had to fill our water bottles all day. After a nice 20 minute break, we continued down the hill for the last 18 miles, although the wind shifting a bit making it a little harder, but not as hard as yesterday.
We arrived in Sanderson and was greeted with a really nice "Welcome" sign:
We arrived in Sanderson and was greeted with a really nice "Welcome" sign:
Cactus capital of Texas?
I don't know what makes Sanderson the "Cactus Capital of Texas" since there doesn't seem to be more cacti here than anywhere else in Texas. There is actually nothing in the town but 2 gas stations and an antique store.
We arrived at the RV park by 1:20 PM. This gave us plenty of time to set up camp, shower, relax, and do laundry. With the now water weather, we were finally able to eat dinner outside (Grilled chicken, pasta salad, and comfort curry).
We arrived at the RV park by 1:20 PM. This gave us plenty of time to set up camp, shower, relax, and do laundry. With the now water weather, we were finally able to eat dinner outside (Grilled chicken, pasta salad, and comfort curry).
Finally warm enough for eating outside
All in all, today was a great day. Tomorrow however may be difficult. We have 80 miles to cover and the wind is predicted to be a headwind most of the day. We are planning on leaving at 8:15 AM, so everyone retired very early to be ready for a tough day.
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