The next day presented us with a series of dilemmas. Our original plan, formulated back in the sedate days of January, was to rent a car in Marathon and go to Big Bend National Park for two days of camping. After the last hard days and seeing the distance to and size of Big Bend, we decided to save it for another time when we could do it right. We instead headed for Alpine. After Alpine it was only 30 miles to Fort Davis, but then 89 miles with NO SERVICES through the Davis Mountains to Van Horn. This would be one of the hilliest and most challenging days of the whole journey. Another dilemma. We wanted to see the beautiful scenery of the Davis Mountains but wondered aloud if we could possibly go 89 service-less miles through mountains. We decided to compromise- we would go to Alpine, then up to Ft. Davis to see part of the mountains. Then we would head south to the eclectic arts community of Marfa. This would be three relatively easy days of cycling...and lots of sight-seeing! We got a late start leaving the Gage Hotel. We checked out the town and had an early lunch. When we wheeled the bikes out to load them, Bruce’s rear tire was flat. Grrr! Once we got it changed, the manager came out to offer her apologies for the incident the night before. Finally we got on the road and once again we had cycling Nirvana! The road was mostly flat and we had a tail wind until the final miles.We got to Alpine in great time! The next day we rode through the town and the campus of Sul Ross University. We headed to the local bike shop to get a new rear tire for Bruce. The fella at the bike shop suggested switching the back and front tires and waiting until El Paso to get a new tire, so that’s what we did. We stopped for lunch at the Holland Hotel. As we were leaving a couple on motorcycles arrived. Dan and Juliann were very generous with their compliments. We left for Ft. Davis with swelled egos! The ride up to Ft. Davis was stunning! Although it was a climb into the mountains, it wasn’t too challenging and the scenery made any tough climb worth it. We got to the top in time to tour the old fort ruins. After checking in to our hotel, we went to the restaurant next door. That’s where we met Klaus and Seph from Marfa, and Heath. We had great conversation and good tips for our stay in Marfa. As we were leaving our hotel the next morning, Heath happened to be outside our hotel. He wished us well and asked how he could follow our journey. We gave him a card and headed up to Ft. Davis State Park. There we hiked a couple of trails and headed back to town. One was straight up the mountain and rocky.....very challenging but offering great views. We stopped for an old fashioned chocolate malted at the Ft. Davis Drug Store and Motel. We the hit the road to Marfa, and although it was relatively flat, the views were still beautiful! When we got to Marfa, we checked out the courthouse before heading to our hotel. We had a delicious dinner and cocktails and called it a night. We have a big day tomorrow! Total cycling mileage: 31+30+36=96 (3 days) Total hiking mileage: 5+4+4=13Â