Day 17 - Arrey to Las Cruces, NM

Last night was better for sleeping than prior nights, since temps were "up to" the 30s and no wind. Sunrise was beautiful (see photo).
We were tired from yesterday's Emory Pass ascent and afternoon headwind, so rode at less than full speed today. Before leaving camp I managed to break my tire's valve stem while adding air (a daily task) (see photo). We rode about 62 miles on route 187 from Caballo Lake State Park to Las Cruces. We ascended 600 or 1200 feet depending on whose computer was used. Flat nearly all the way. We passed a significant number of pecan orchards (see photo), and fields of cotton, onions, chilis and alfalfa. The last was for dairy cattle at two large dairies we passed.
After 20 miles we came to the town of Hatch, which bills itself the chili capital of the world (see photos). We enjoyed a hot drink and huevos rancheros at the Valley Cafe (see photo of waitress with Sandra, Trevor, Bruce and Julie - Andre took the photo). My Pittsburgh relatives will be glad to hear the waitress was wearing a Troy Polamalu Pittsburgh Steelers T- shirt!
The remaining 42 miles to Las Cruces were uneventful except Jerry picked up a flat from our nemesis, the goathead. I stopped at a great little Mexican bakery (see photo) and refreshed on an apple empanada.
Linda's husband, Peter (see photo) was hiking the Grand Canyon and joined us this evening. He is now off to Big Bend park, and will rejoin us at Fort Davis.
Instead of cooking dinner tonight, we piled into the van for a run to a Mexican restaurant Julianne knows called La Posta de Mesilla. Boy, was the food good! Lots of red and green chili dishes. Authentic interior too according to Andre, who has lived in Mexico. Jerry graciously bought a round of tequila shots for medicinal purposes, since Mitch's cold is being passed around the group. In the photo are (left to right) Terry, Bruce, Julie, Rhodri, Flynn, Jerry, Julianne, Mitch, Bob G, Ken, Bob Plant, Linda, Andre, Carol and Bob Pedersen. Thanks to Peter for taking the photo. The last picture shows Bob Pedersen about to dig in.
On a closing note ... Carol said last night was the first night she did not need to use earplugs. So the designated snore-free zone worked!
Bruce