#38 / 2004 Tour 3: Marathon, Texas

MARATHON

#38

The last night before Big Bend, we pulled into the little town of Marathon, hoping to fill the larder before heading out to the desert for seven days. I guess we had over-embellished our memories of the town; it was much smaller than anticipated with one store that was about as well stocked as a Seven Eleven. Twenty five cent packages of macaroni and cheese were a dollar a box. So it was a real challenge to get enough food and spend less than $35, but I managed. That even included an overpriced six-pack of Lone Star!

                

The night before we shopped and bought gas we parked outside the famous Gage Hotel. It is a famous old place originally built in the grand lodge era of the early 20th century. It was refurbished by some wealthy couple from Houston back in the 80s. We would NEVER be able to afford to spend the night, but since it was our last evening in civilization for a while, and I was recently bathed, we sidled into the bar and had a few drinks and some soup. I must say the margaritas were fabulous. We took our drinks and hung out in the grand lobby. Joe read a book and I slunk on into the room with cable TV. I joined in conversation with the guests and had a few sparkling conversations with two teachers. 

One was an administrator in special-needs children services in San Antonio, the other a teacher from Houston that was worried that her house might be flooded back home. I was shocked to run into a charming Democrat mother and father from Austin who shared my and Joe’s views on the last election. There was one more rowdy couple dressed up in black leather. They were planning a ride into the Big Bend next day. They were a bit disillusioned to hear the park was over seventy miles away. I predict they had slight hangovers at least the next morning.

                

One by one all the couples left until only Joe and I were left by the time Dave Letterman came on. We got comfortable in the plush leather couch, put our feet up on the table, and enjoyed the show. When it was over, we visited the facilities one more time, left the waitress a nice tip, and crossed the street over to where our van was parked next to the sidewalk, and crawled into bed.