Next day... I'm forgetting the dates...
As I watch a Cardinal out my window this morning. I am reminded of something so sad. Of course when I speak of Mexico. I speak only of the parts I actually saw. Many the time you would see someone on a bicycle with a tiny cage on the back of it with a wild bird in it. They would place cages out in the woods. And with different methods trap these wild born birds to keep or to sell. It was heart breaking to see a majestic male cardinal living out the rest of it's life. In one of these tiny cages.

It's true that alot of folks in the US own tropical birds as pets. But the difference is. Most of these birds were born in captivity. Not snatched from the wild. This still doesn't make it right by no means to cage a bird of any kind.

Time growing short for my stay in the Yucatan. With still so much to see and do. We had to make choices that were within our reach. One text message left on Ana Marias phone, set the stage for the day.

David the avid bird watcher wanted to come out that day. So putting our plans aside. To enjoy a visit with this very nice man. Off we went to do some bird watching. Jim and David know their birds. Where I only knew a few. So I stayed in the rear as they spotted birds left and right. Personal note,,, never walk in front of bird watchers.

After a while of following behind and enjoying the landscape. I had reached my limits for bird watching. And decided to walk back the long way down the road. Where as they decided to go on a little further and take a short cut. Through the chigger/tick infested high brush. I got some much needed exercise. Where they got back faster, but with passengers. I think I came out on top of this one. :o)

Ana having promised Davids sister to feed him who is another big land owner. Surprisingly, Jim and I were also offered a cheese and tomato sandwich made on home made bread. It was just delicious. We all set around the the big pool enjoying our sandwiches.

Ana' doesn't visit for long. So after we ate she was up and working again. More than content to let someone else entertain the guest. It was time to wash the dogs. Getting instructions from Ana'. One by one I captured each dog and gave them a good scrubbing.

I tried to talk Jim into helping. But after all he had cleaned the pool for me. And David would have been left alone. Still I couldn't resist harrasing him a bit. He wanted to wash his legs off. And I threatned him with a complete dousing from the water hose. Yeah, I let him rinse off and get back to visiting with David. And I enjoyed giving the dogs their baths.

Back at the ruin and a quick dive through the cold shower. Rinsed out a few clothes and settled down with my journal. Personal note,,, I will never take my washing machine for granted again. Davids sister Katherine came to pick him up. David lives in Bermuda but is here visiting his sister at her very large beautiful ranch. Jim had wanted to see it. So they made plans for us to visit the next day. And be picked up by her son around 3pm. There will be another bird lady there. That worked closely with the Audubon Society. All of these people have had a much more interesting life than me. But not one time did any of them ever make me feel beneath them. Ok, maybe one, but you already know who she is.

A quick supper I was glad to be able to zip myself up in the tent. Especially after Jim had told me about the little mouse. That he awoke, to find sitting on his face one morning. Although I still felt pretty bad about stealing his tent. There was no way I would give it up after that story. At night you could hear the little critters searching around for something to chew on. One night I heard a couple of them fighting on my shoes. A quick thump on the tent sent them scurrying away.

Now I am not afraid of mice at all. But once it sounded like we had a giant "something" inside of the ruin. And in the dark, your mind can really come up with all sorts of things. Jim was hearing it all too. So up he came to turn the light on. Yep, nothing was to be found. Nothing out of place. So from then on, when I heard something. I just tried to ignore it. Even the night, that I was convinced a snake was slithering down the side of the tent. All the way down, slowly in the darkness of the night. Knowing if I had asked. Jim would have jumped up to check. I let him sleep, drew up in a tight little knot. And covered my head with my covers.

Up early as always. Jim has made his run. And we go to town to use the internet. Another day with no word from home. I'm really getting worried. Email is my only connection with home. You can make yourself sick with worry. Or try and reason through it. So I chose the latter. Having already sent my plans for leaving. There was nothing else I could do at this point but wait.

While in town, there are some children in the square playing baseball. Asking permission to take their picture. They all fall in for a group picture. Which I have promised to send them a copy of. Once home and looking over what pictures I did take. I realized just how many pictures I missed.

In this area, most of these people are Mayan Indians. So you have to be very careful with a camera. When taking overall pictures, there is no problem. But to just whip your camera up. And take a picture of a older women in her traditional wear. Would not be a wise thing to do. Most likely it wouldn't have offended any of them. But you just never know.

Of course each time I wanted a snap shop of something. I could have easily gotten Jim to ask. But for some reason. It just didn't feel right.

Back at the Ranch. Jim added some plants to the larger pond that had goldfish in it. Then we went to a smaller pond to catch some of the guppys. Ana' had already put plenty of them in the larger pond. But they were disappearing. I tried to explain that the goldfish were eating them. This fell on deaf ears. Her being sure that the turkeys she used to have, had eaten them. What can you do with something like this. But add more "feeder" fish to the gold fish pond. The upside, this keeps the other ponds from getting over populated.

Up the long white road, to wait at the gate for our ride.We plop down on the side of the road. Of course I immediately start scratching through the limestone gravel. Picking up a few nice pieces to bring home to my Mom. When I look up to see what is making that strange noise.

And here comes a car down the road driving slowly. With a mans arm stretched out the window. Holding on to a rope. That is tied around a horses neck. Who is being trotted along beside the slow moving car. Now this was a Kodak moment that I took advantage of.

Our ride shows up. Off we go to visit David and his sister Katherine. Katherines son Vlad picked us up. What a smart young man he was. Already fluent in 3 languages. Still in high school and studying college courses over the internet. I was just amazed. And can only imagine how far this young man can go in life.

At the home of Katherine. Words could not describe the beauty of this ranch. Also having withstood the rage of the hurricane.Walking up some outside steps we entered the top floor through huge hand carved Mahogany doors. And was served a fresh fruit salad with sweet cream.

With introductions being made. The conversation quickly turned to birds. This is a favorite topic of mine too. But this discussion was well over this little southern gals head. Although I was always included in all conversations. I soon found myself itching to get up and walk around.

Following my lead, they also got up. All grabbing their very nice expensive powerful binoculars. And me with my little Fingerhut pair. We all set off to walk the grounds. I soon abandoned the binoculars for my camera. We were shown one beautiful thing after another. At one point we were able to look at. A Great Horned Owl that was sitting on her nest, atop a stone wall. At first it looked like a bunny sitting up there with its large tufted ears. But Jim lending me his binoculars, I could get a really good look at it.

My first impulse was to get a closer look. But as we all know. This would not have been the smartest thing to do, so I resisted. And safely enjoyed the rest of the tour. We had met the Lady that had spent most of her life. Dealing with tourism, bird watching and counting. She was a very nice interesting lady. And I would have liked visiting with her more. But it was time to get back to the ruin.

Jim having made some new contacts. With some possible paying work in the future for him. And getting to meet such nice people at this beautiful ranch. We were well satisfied with our visit. So back in the truck, off down the road we went. Glad that we had a ride, and didn't have to try and catch a bus. We were let off at the big green gates, with promises of more visits. And down the long white road we headed.

Back at the ruin. Jim whips up a little supper over the camp fire. And it's off to bed. By now I have gotten use to the hard floor of the tent. Making me wonder will I have to adjust to sleeping in a soft bed, once home. Or would it be like riding a bicycle as they say. OH,, let's not bring that back up.

Sunday we were wanting to go to a different beach. Vlad had wanted to go with us. And maybe some of the bird watchers. So we agreed to wait around a few hours. Never showing, we walked into town.

In the US, Mardi Gras was gearing up. And here the same celebrations were getting started. Walking through town. I saw more people out than ever before. Colorful flags were strung across the streets. And festivities were in the air.

Getting down to the public square. We were heading for the bus stop to try and get some information. When I noticed a men's softball game was being played, or was it. Stopping to get a better look. I said, Jim, are those men dressed as women. Or the ugliest women you have ever seen. Jim looking over his shoulder, said well thats mighty big boobs for a man. And didn't give it another thought.

Getting to the bus stop. Jim was able to talk with some of the men there. Finding out that there was a bus each morning to the beach. Unlike we had been told. So the beach plans were on for the next day. Or at least to the town that had the beach.

Then walking over to watch the game. Indeed these were men dressed up as women. It was just hilarious. And they were having the best time flaunting their outfits. There was a large crowd, lots of cheering and laughter. Laughter a universal language.

Being in Mexico had been both wonderful and the scariest thing I have ever done. My spanish amounted to about a maximum of ten words. With Jim's help I was able to navigate around and stay out of trouble. But still I always kinda felt on the outside looking in. So hearing all of the laughter and the cheering. For a moment, I really felt a part of things. There were no cultural differences or language barriers. Just laughter and smiling faces no matter what color they were.

Deciding to come back later that night to enjoy the Carniva'l. Back to the ranch we headed. Time running short, I walked around taking more pictures. And spent some time with the dogs that I had become so fond of. Jim was working in his books as he so often did. Identifying the local plants. Walking into the ruin to get something. He have moved to the hammock for comfort. And was sound asleep, book on his chest with legs and arms daggling. Looking like a large spider in his web. I would have taken a picture, but was scared the flash would wake him up.

We walked back into town around 5pm. Jim had gotten the computer and the office key. Knowing I was anxious for news from home. Ana' had visitors that day. And she had cooked some fish bought from some local fisherman. No we were not invited, but that was fine. Walking up our way, to show the visitors around. Ana' decided to take the key from Jim. Saying that she would be in town after while. And that we could use the internet then. Thinking this was pretty odd. Seeing as she still had visitors. All we could do was go on into town.

The party had really gotten started. You could hear the music for miles. We joined in where the center of the festivities were taking place. Jim so tall could see pretty well. But being so short and with the crowd. I was having a hard time. Checking the office door off and on. As we suspected Ana' never showed up.

Working our way around and through the crowd. So I could get a better view of things. It wasn't long before my foot was tapping to the music. There were drummers, a singing group, children in costumes and adults dressed up in bright colored outfits. Making our way on around through the crowd. We found an even better viewing point.

Passing a place where they were selling foods and iced down drinks. I had to try one of the sweet looking treats. It was a curly fried bread stick looking thing, rolled in powdered sugar. Jim tried one and I managed to eat 2 of them. But the grease was more than either of us could handle. Later finding a hungry dog. I was more than happy to let him have them.

Not being able to resist a ice cold coke. We walked over to buy one. A man which we think was the mayor or a very important man. Handed us 2 cokes, and would not except any money. Of course Jim drinks nothing but water or fruit juices. Looking like he was fixing to hand his back. I shot him a don't you dare look. Thanking the man for his generosity, we returned to where we were standing.

Before long the same man came over to us. Bringing two chairs with him. Placing them where we could have a good view in comfort. I asked Jim why were we being treated so nice. His reply was the word was out of the rich Gringa visiting their town. Well I'm not rich, but they thought I was. So I enjoyed the special attention just the same.

I have always loved the beat of Spanish music. So as the night grew on. My feet were tapping and I was swaying with the music. On several attempts Jim had tried to get me to join in. Agreeing to do so, only if he would too. Ok, I knew that would never happen. But it sure would have been fun.

Later one of the brightly costumed dancers came up to me. Offering a chance for me to join in the dancing. Here was my chance and I blew it. There was a time I would have joined in without a second thought. But I declined for whatever reason. Maybe it was the fear of embarassing myself or Jim, who knows. It had been over ten years since I had danced. Maybe knowing I would be the only Gringo out there. And all eyes would surely be on me, caused the hesitation. This decision I would later regret. What a chance I had missed. To spread my wings and fly free for awhile.

Getting a little late it was time to go. Jim would sometimes like to take different roads. So we shot over and took a less congested darker one. Well it kept getting even darker turning into a dirt rock strewn road. Jim is the one that meets anything head on. Almost hopeful that a new challenge would be presented. As for me, bring it on but in the daylight. I can't even see my own feet!

Jim just strode along in his ever casual relaxed way. While I stumbled over rocks. Waiting for a hungry beast to spring from the bushes. And for that extra large angry snake to be crossing the road at that precise moment. Knowing that if I was attacked or Jim. It was too dark to even know what it was. Well as usual, no beasts from the shadows attacked. And no angry snakes wrapped around my legs. We soon walked out onto the dimly lite streets. The beating of my heart slowed to a normal rhythm and all was well.

Through the large green gates that opened to the long white road. We headed for the ruin one more time. Jim to roll up in the hammock. And for me to zip inside the comforts of the tent. Curling up with thoughts of one more day with my friend. And one last day of adventures. Before the long bus ride home. And back to the rut I had dug for myself at home. With hopes that something inside of me had changed or grown stronger. Still being able to hear the festive sounds from town, I drifted into a peaceful sleep. Or was that the night Jim said I snored like a dragon. Nah,, I don't snore. It must have been the beast from the shadows.

Monday and my last full day here
Jim has gone up to get my box of milk. Taking a little longer than usual. My guess Ana, is still on her tear. Personal note,, when I get home. Send Ana some hormone and prozac pills.

While trying to brush the lime out of my hair. Theres a big knot in the pit of my stomach. I cannot believe that I agreed to take the bus back home. It's confirmed I am insane.

We grab our backpacks and off to town to catch a bus to the beach. Not having to wait long we were on our way. This was a larger bus, not one of the little micro buses. Reaching Telchac Puerto rounding the corner of the bus station. I was awe struck at the beauty. Between the store lined streets straight ahead of me. Lay the most beautiful shades of blues and greens.

And the town itself was so nice and clean. Now this is a vacation place. If you don't want the glitz and tourist traps of some of the better known towns. I was truly in paradise. And glad I would be spending my last day in such a nice place with my friend.

On the beach there were always plenty of shells to sort through. Birds out on the water to entertain you with their antics. Fishing boats were anchored with their nets in the water. Which the pelicans took full advantage of to sit on. Jim calling my attention away from the seashells. I looked up to see a beautiful Frigatebird right above my head. Almost hanging motionless in the stiff wind. I know my mouth had to be gapping wide open. Never had I seen something so beautiful yet eerie.

All along the beach were the remains of hurricane ravaged homes. Some had been restored, but most abandoned. Even my most vivid imagination failed to grasp what had taken place here. Looking out onto the water with the smaller waves coming into shore. I still could not visualize what it must have been like on that day it grew so angry.

For a moment I felt so small and insignificant. Realizing there were things so much larger than I would ever be. Thinking how I had let a bus ride into the unknown almost do me in. I tried to feel the fear and panic that these people here must have felt. Running for their lives while watching their homes being destroyed. By a power that was out of anyones control. I have to say I felt pretty embarassed.

Bringing me back to reality, Jim walks up with a coconut. Telling me to bring out those straws that he had told me to bring. For just sort of an occasion. Whipping out his knife, he slices the top off of this still green coconut. Looking at it a little confused. Where was the brown husk I asked.

Jim carefully explained the evolution of a coconut. How it begins as this green seed full of milk. Eventually creating the meat inside that we are familiar with. Those of us that have only seen the brown hard shelled ones in the stores. Sticking my straw in, I drank. It was pretty good. Our coconut still being a little young. It wasn't as sweet as it could have been. But it was good and refreshing on this hot day.

Walking down the beach, I took it on myself to be the savior of some of the things being tossed ashore. Looking over my shoulder. There set Jim binoculars in hand, backpack always at his side. I had to marvel at the peace I saw. Whether on a crowded street or the solitude of a beach. His demeanor never changes. How does he do this. Taking each moment each day as it comes.

He actually owns every moment of his life. No matter where he is or where the next road has taken him. While so many like me are actually "owned" by their lives. This would either require some deep thinking. Or just some letting go. Watching him sitting there surrounded by an aura of peace. I decided it was time for letting go.

Walking back towards the town. I didn't feel sad the day was over. With my bag full of beach goodies. And so many memories of the last couple of weeks. I knew that my day had just begun.

Catching the bus back to Dzemul. Grabbing a few last supplies. We made our final walk back to Komchen. Jim with his computer and key jumps on his bike. And rides back to town. To check for any last emails from home.

Poor Ana Maria still in such a tense mood. I had tried to tell her Thankyou for letting me stay there, and goodbye. Instead in her present state of mind. Working on the house next to our ruin. The most she could do was. Have a quick conversation in spanish with Jim. And walking away threw me a half hearted goodbye. Having told Jim that we were not to use the bathroom or shower there. She was gone.

Resisting the redneck urge of mine. I went off to finalize my packing. Now, I don't want it to sound like she was all bad. She had good moments too, and was a hard worker. Finding herself in the latter part of her life alone. In a almost destroyed home and place of business. I know it had to be hard on her. And she had all my respect for what she was trying to do. So silently I wished her the best. But knew I would never come back here.

Jim had thrown a skillet supper in the solar cooker. I had added my last cup o soup. Finished with my packing, having secured my beach treasures the best I could. I settled down with thoughts of home and my journal. The dogs had gone down to the house with Ana. So I was not able to tell them goodbye. Which was just as well. Because I know it would have made me cry.

Poor Jim, walking the bike back with a flat tire. He announces I have a email from home. Breathing a sigh of relief. He plugs the little computer up so I can read it. Then takes the bike and computer back down to the main house.

Eating our last little supper in the ruin. Tomorrow once again I have to tell my friend goodbye. But this time he is putting me on a bus. Instead of it being the other way around. I know there are the small minded folks out there. That have to wonder about a male female friendship. Possibly comparing it to their own experiences. Not being able to understand how magical it can be. An actual friendship. That you are free to be who you are. With no restrictions or confines that relationships so often are cluttered with. Its a rich and rewarding feeling to just have a friend. Different in so many ways. Yet have so much in common.

Crawling into the safety of the little tent one last time. Although I know Jim will miss me. I'm sure he will be glad to have his tent back. And some of that quietness and solitude he has worked so hard for. Sleep comes easier than I thought it would.

Last Day
Sitting straight up in the tent. WE'RE LATE!!!

It's 6am and we were suppose to be up around 5. Jim hits the floor running, as I come rolling out of the tent. Cutting the morning rituals to a minimum. Bags hit the floor from the protective shelves. And the rolled up hammock was quickly stuffed in.

Jim grabbing the heaviest of the bags, out the door we went. Me still fumbling around with what I had. Off we went down the long white road for the last time, almost in a trot. Ok, I'm in a trot. Jim has long legs. The rush being catching the early bus in Dzemul. Since they don't exactly keep a regular schedule.

Turning a 35 minute leisure walk into a 20 minute marathon. We made it to the bus stop. I collasped on the first available spot. While Jim wasn't even winded. All I could manage was a squinty eyed, flushed faced, out of breath, glare his way.

The small bus rolls up. Which is filling up fast. Grabbing the bags, loading them in the back. We have to squeeze into a very tight last 2 seats in the back of the bus. What seemed like two steps. Jim was in the bus and seated. While I struggled with my bag I never let out of my sights. Stepping on toes, banging heads, finally I squeezed into the last remaining seat. Finding Jim all calm and relaxed on his small portion of the seat. I had to resist giving him a elbow to the ribs.

With a hour ride ahead of us. I say goodbye to Dzemul and the smiling faces left behind. But the adventure was far from over. Trying to calm myself with thoughts of home and hot bubble baths. I still can't believe I am going to willingly get back on a bus.

Making it to Merida with plenty of time to spare. We set off down the crowded streets to the bus station. Jim always shouldering the heaviest of the loads. Which I'm forever grateful for. I shoot off behind him trying to keep him in my sights.

Finding the bus station and collapsing in some chairs. There goes Jim with my ticket to make sure all is still in order. And for all the single ladies out there, yes he is single too. Sorry Jim, I had to do it. A true gentlemen is a lost art these days. And something to be proud of.

Waiting for the bus Jim is up and talking with interesting people. While I sit and grow more tense as the minutes click away. Asking if I would like to walk around in some of the shops outside of the station. All I can think of is this next bus ride. Trying to look calm and brave, I am anything but.

It's time.... The bus is here and is loading. With a big hug he hands me my bags. And stands at the window to give me one last reassuring wave goodbye. Finding my seat I watch as the bus starts backing up. Still being able to see him through the glare of the window. I see him throw up his hand as did I, and the tears fell. I know I'm such a baby.

10:35am the bus rolls out. Pulling onto the highway, the little TV screens flip down. And after 30 minutes of dumb commercials. A English speaking movie with Steven Segal pops on the screen. Ah, Stevie baby, this will be a good first 2 hours of my trip. The woman that I had ousted out of my window seat. Finally got up and found a empty double seat.

Settling down for the movie. I dared to eat my ham sandwich bought at the bus station. And Jim the green thing we thought were pickles, was a jalapeno pepper. Imagine my surprise!

12:50PM
We arrive in Campheche. A small break here never letting bus 731 out of my sights. Lots of folks got off of the bus, while only a few new ones were added.

1:10pm:The bus pulls out and I still have the whole seat. The planets funniest animals in spanish, ugh. Hate that guys irritating voice and stupid jokes anyway. Maybe it's time for a nap. We are starting to cross the bay now. The water is calm with beautiful shades of blues and greens. It seems that sometimes we are about 30 feet from the waters edge. Mangrove swamps, pelicans and fishing boats. This is really a pretty place. I think we are in or near Champoto'n. It is just a shame how much trash they throw on the sides of the road.

3:00pm: Eating a snickers bar somewhere in the Yucatan or near bout. Been trying to follow my little map. But I think I have gotten way ahead from where I really am. 4:00pm bus pulls into Del Carmen. Oh yeah I'm confused, are we there yet!

4:45pm: The bus pulls out. At each stop the anxiety builds. Wondering what will go wrong. Knowing I am suppose to stay on this one bus to Tampico. Does little to comfort me. When in the blink of an eye, you can be turned away. Or even shuffled to a different bus. And once in Tampico, I have to buy a new ticket to Matamoros.

6:pm: Driver change. Seeing this for myself. One sleeps down below close to the luggage in the bus. And they always have something in tinfoil cooking on the engine of the bus. At almost every stop, you will see the driver open the hood. And poke at his goodies sitting inside. I thought this was just great. We did something very similiar when I worked at the paper mill. It was nice to feel a little smile on my face.

Wed. 1:00am
We roll into Veracruz. Looking at my little map. I realized we had blown right through Villahermosa without stopping. Now I felt like that was an accomplishment. Since I just knew if we had stopped. That I would never have been seen alive again. Ok, thats a little strong. But if they had tried anything. They would have had to pry my hands from the grill of bus 731. With a now out of control Gringo on their hands. So it was best for all, that we never saw each other again.

1:40am: Back on the road. One thing you should know about long bus rides. When you get off at a station. You are gonna feel weird and dizzy from the constant motion of the bus. Mix that with the diesel from ten idleling buses. And your drunk!

6:00am: Poza Rica. Next stop Tampico. Feeling pretty good about my self. I decided I could have a treat. Walking over with my pesos in hand, dirty white tennis shoes and 2 day old clothes. I picked out a few choice items. Placing my booty on the counter. The Lady quickly added it up and in Spanish gave me the total. Another Kodak moment lost. I didn't know what the heck she said.

Anything above the number 10, I was lost. Still being able to think on my feet. I motioned for her to write it down. Turning the little calculator where I could see it. I paid for my things. With my little bag I walked out thinking to myself. Uh Huh,, smarty pants. Get yourself back on that bus.

8:45am: Where the heck am I? The bus driver is still trying to freeze us. It has been gray and rainy for 2 days. And I am ready to get home. Fun is fun but.

10:45am: Tampico. I have made it. But now I have to find a new bus. Ok, Jim says you can do this, just follow his instructions. Heading to the ticket counters. I read the boards for anything that says Matamoros. There are 2 and one leaves in a little over a hour. Oh well, that was just too smoothe. I had handed the lady my dummy note that Jim wrote for me. Got my ticket and headed for the waiting area.

Daring to feel pretty good about myself again, I should have known better. Only armed with a waiting area and a gate number. I took a sigh of relief that I would be in Texas by this time tomorrow.

Having bought a ticket for a Estrella Blanca bus. When a Futura bus pulled into my gate. All I could do was put my head in my hands. Having had enough, up I came. And went out the door looking for someone, anyone. After asking about 10 different people. I still was not convinced. Even though the bus said Matamoros on it. And I was not the only one confused. Other passengers with the same ticket that could speak spanish. Were running back and forth asking questions too. I just stood there and waited. Thinking no matter what. Just keep heading North. And this bus was heading that way and I was gonna be on it.

Turning out to be one of the older model luxury buses. It afforded alot more leg room and larger seats. We all loaded up and found our seats. The bus rolled out 15 minutes behind schedule. Which they always make up for on the road. And we all just looked at each other with the universal confused look. 12:40pm we are on our way.

Settling down, determined to not worry anymore. Knowing once in Matamoros I would pick the Greyhound line back up. And things would be fine from there. NOT!!!!

Ten minutes later, we are being pulled over by the federalies. Seems a young couple is on the bus with no papers. Everyone but me getting asked. With a guard being posted at the door. The boys were handcuffed and removed from the bus. 1:00pm: Less a few passengers the bus is free to go.

2:30pm: Now What!! we are being stopped again. Another armed guard at the door. While 2 other officers check for papers on the bus. One look at my blonde hair, they sail right past me. Exit the bus and we are off again.

A quick stop in a small town. I curl up to sleep as often as I can. Thinking we will never get there if they keep stopping us. But stop us again they did 3 more times. This time we not only had the armed guards but drug dogs too. Having to resist the urge to reach out and scratch the German Shepards ears. I just looked out the window until they were done.

The last time we were stopped. I was sleeping so soundly curled up in the seat. With the covers drawn over my head. I was prodded awake with a billy club. Boy that will wake you up. Sitting up straight my cap fell off. Bending down to pick it up. The officer smiled,, saying Spanish? I replied in the same manner English? Handing me my cap, he motioned for me to lay back down. Yeah Right!!

Once they had left all I could think of was. Geeeez what if I had, had dark colored hair. Man it sure is easier to get into Mexico than out. Being right outside of Matamoros now. It was almost time for immigrations. Obviously not being able to sleep anymore. I got all of my loose items together. And watched as we rolled into Matamoros.

From here I got my Greyhound ticket straight. And soon we were crossing the border at 9:00pm. Being stopped at customs. Off the bus again. And into the immigration office. Each taking our turns with the officer there. But he spoke English. Then we return to the bus to have the rest of our luggage checked.

Back on the bus to Brownsville. Looking out the window I thought how cruel it was. To have all of these well known chicken, pizza, and hamburger places strung out before me. It's late at night and I'm stuck on a bus.

9:50pm: A short wait in Brownsville. I'm on my bus to Houston. Finding out that Greyhound had completely changed all of their schedules. And it was a big big mess. But I was in the US, on a bus to Houston. Tired and hungry I couldn't think far past that. Having been told, I would go to Houston. With a few short stops. Then on to Baton Rouge. Instead of a 4 hour layover there. It would be a 24 hour layover.

12:30am Refugio Tx: Stopping at the store here. I heard the musical sounds of a flushing toilet. Grabbed a snack and a hot cappucino. Even stopped to help a Spanish Lady with her confusing US currency at the counter. For a moment I knew her pain. And just wanted to give her a big ole southern comfort hug.

5:45am: We rolled into Houston. Finding the information desk. I had a 2½ hour layover. Going to the phone. I made a collect call home. Waking Jacky up, greeting him in spanish. I got this kinda Huh! on the other end of the line, then recognition.

Telling him of my layover. And what time I would hit Baton Rouge. There was no problem he would be there to pick me up. Taking the time to tell me. That our oldest dog Barney had to be put to sleep. I had plenty of time to sit and morn this lose. Once off of the phone. But I was glad that he had told me.

My last bus ride did not come any easier. So much confusion with the new schedules. People with guaranteed seats were pulled off a bus. To make room for the folks with paid return tickets like me. I felt bad for them, making them have to wait longer. But I was glad to be getting on that bus.

Our bus had left late. But we were finally in Baton Rouge. Rounding the corner. I saw my old paint peeling, dirty white van sitting in the parking lot. It looked like a limousine. Almost out the door before the bus could come to a stop. Grabbing my bags, I ran to the parking lot. Scaring Jacky and waking Cody who was asleep in my seat. It was so good to see familiar faces. Still almost 2 hours from home. I could finally take a deep long over due breath.

Talking his head off all of the way home. We finally pulled up to our little house in the woods. Greeting all of my others dogs. Yes, it was good to be home. Jacky shot back to town to pick our supper up. And I called my Mom. It was so good to hear her voice. Trying to settle down from all the traveling. I looked around at all of the familiar things. Holding each of my babies in turn. Jacky had made a few changes. But nothing I couldn't fix.

Taking me a few days to settle in. While flipping through my journal, I had to laugh. On the bus to Baton Rouge. A young guy plopped down beside me. Introducing himself as a schizophrenic. But not to worry that he would not hurt me. Oh Joy!! Proceeding to talk my head off all of the way.

Closing my journal. I thought of all of the things I had seen and done. Of all of the strange and alien things I had encountered. The extreme fears and doubts that I had felt. To the wonders and beauty I had witnessed. Thinking and smiling to myself. I wouldn't change a thing.