[Karl Bebout]

Dry, sunny, low 90°s . Socorro NM to Big Spring TX 511 miles today after a little extra site seeing. Wound up in a little TX town that was the county seat and there was not a single gas station. I was down to 4 gallons and MILES from another town. Did get 5 gallons of regular from the co op and that got me down the road where I found a real gas station. I like the little Texas two lane roads with 75 MPH limits (suggestions). Lots of long, straight, see for miles stuff that begs for "spirited" driving. I Did have a little excitement about 10 miles after leaving Socorro. I smell hot radiator and my gauge showed 240°. Found that the lower alternator bolt had worked lose and threw the belt. Fortunately, the belt wasn't dammaged, I had the necessary tools, and a gallon of distilled water. Got back on the road in about 20 minutes little worse for wear. (I do carry a spare belt anyway)
San Marcos tomorrow after about 6 more hours of windshield time.
Big Fun!