Corpus Christi

I pedaled out of West Columbia on my way towards Corpus Christi taking a combination of farm roads (Texas road designation) and state highways. Until temperatures dropped into the low 40's and driving rain forced my head down - 80 miles later i checked into a hotel to dry off and thaw out. Eric Idle writes some catchy tunes that are good for putting brief misery in perspective.
I arrived in Corpus Christi on December 31st coming over the Harbor Bridge . . . check out the sidewalk!
Self and bike barely fit on the sidewalk as i bounced and scraped my way across the bridge while trucks boomed past two feet away - but it was a great harbor view. I rode along Ocean Drive looking for the Herring's address. Laurel Herring is the sister of Sissy, who works with my mom in a real estate office in Warner, NH. Laurel and her husband, Ken, were most gracious hosts and i stayed at their house for three nights. The chance to do laundry and write and eat and eat is always welcome. The entire family was simply wonderful to visit with but the first order of business was replacing a snapped spoke at a local bike shop. Ken and I went to the House of Rock for new years, owned by their son Casey, and had a few beers before returning to the house well before midnight to crawl into the most comfortable bed. I felt truly welcome and enjoyed meeting the family.
If you are in Corpus Christi check out The House of Rock - a great venue with a fine beer selection - http://www.myspace.com/texashouseofrock
And if you need some ink check out Pinnacle Tattoo - http://www.pinnacletattoo.net/ - Chris does some amazing work that has me thinking it is time for another tattoo. He had just returned from a book buying spree in Jinbocho, Tokyo's famous book district.
The youngest son i did not meet because he was on the road - http://www.myspace.com/jasonbolandthestragglers