Under The BigTop

Each night is a new experience!
We woke up to a cool morning but having a real bed last night, it made no difference. I cooked the eggs that Doris had given us and warmed up last night's beans. The three guys and I ate a real Texan man breakfast. Doris and Earnie came down in the truck to see us off. We were on the bikes at 7:30. Had to start in jackets and leg warmers but by 10:00 had begun to shed layers.
Went through a couple of Texas towns that look like the cowboy movies. Had lunch at a place that was fashioned after the Alamo. Not much to eat there but big burgers and fFrench fries. So as the guys chowed on those I had a bababa and can of tomato juice.
The hills are starting now. And they all go only up! Each day our elevation is greater. Still not bad wind today but the hill climbing and heat drained us. Just couldn't get enough water.
We landed in the town of Burton, Texas. Naturally, no place to stay so we ended up at the tavern. Across the street we noticed a huge tent. Went over and talked to the lady in charge of the event that they are preparing for and asked if we could spend the night under their tent. They were thrilled to share. So we are on the platform that will be the dance floor for this weekend's Cotton Gin Festival. Not a single restaurant in town either and the bar only does food on Saturday nights. The owner of the bar Tommy, told us that if we could find some food in the grocery store ( more like a general store) that we could eat it in his bar. That's what we did. Bought a can of salmon, a loaf of bread and some mayo. Built a few sandwiches, walked to the bar and bought some beer to chase down the salmon. Tommy sat with us since there wasn't a single costumer all evening.
So we are under the big top and ready to sleep in our clothes again. But we did wash up in the bar! Don't ever think we go to bed dirty! No rest rooms available in the morning however, so we'll have to be creative. We heard that Brooklyn Bob who was one of the three from our group who wanted to ride faster got tired and flew home last night. John and Harold are on their own now. Penny called tonight and she's going home in the morning. We four carry on and are so compatible. It's very dark under our big top so think I'll turn in too. The guys are all tucked in.