When I first started this blog I often mentioned our "ex-mechanic"...well I used to call him something else but I can no longer do that, as we just learned he passed away two months ago. His shop closed down a couple of years ago, he blamed the federal government as they constructed the new International bridge offices and cut him off from his customers and the old road to Mexico.
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| Behind this fence, it is still US soil for about a third to a half mile. That is how far the RIo Grande River and Mexico are located |
Here you can see the International Bridge in the area reserved for the inspection of 18 wheelers and commercial vehicles.
Even though we are in December the trees are still holding on to their leaves. There was this big grayish truck with blue and red lights on this now cul-de-sac. I, of course did not take a picture of it...though it surprised me as this area is usually patrolled by official Border Patrol and not undercover vehicles...but what do I know?
One of the churches that was most impacted by the street closing was Faith Mission. Their church goers would simply clear customs and walk half a block In my day there was no Salvation Army, Goodwill Industries (there still isn't) or other charity to donate to. If you had something to donate you brought it to Faith Mission and many including myself still do.
When we moved here from Austin, Texas in the late 60's there was only one Border Patrol Headquarters located along Hudson Drive which is now called Qualia Drive in honor of the owners of the oldest winery in the state of Texas...more on a future post.
It now sits empty on some prime real estate. Though there were two vehicles parked here, they were not official Border Patrol vehicles.
In some ways it makes me feel old, as I remember landmarks and people we knew that lived along this stretch that are no longer with us. Like the Arranaga's, the Urby's, the Gonzalez's, the Cantu's and the Lira's.
Good night. May you all have Terlingua Dreams.
