Back in Waco

We came back to Waco on sunday night. We had heard last week that hurricane Rita could hit central Texas this monday so we hurried back. But it's bright sunshine, no wind and 100° fahrenheit (about 35° centigrade) so no worry. That allows me to take a day off at Celia and Steve's, fix a few things on the motorcycle, and update the blog from the local Starbucks where they have an awesome high speed internet connection (much better than in my tent...).
Driving through the (very straight) roads of Texas on saturday and sunday was very fast but also tremendously boring. Luckily, Steve knew where to get the best chicken steak in the whole State of Texas (and I think he mentioned the world...) at Mary's Restaurant in Strawn. I must say it was pretty good, though I was very tempted by the fresh oysters. Steve convinced me that eating oysters in Central Texas was a little bit of an anathem and that I should wait to be in the Chesapeake bay next weekend. That man has a lot of good sense.
Waco feels a little bit like home to me. I've been here a lot of times over the past three years following President Bush (I am a journalist accredited with the White House but I am getting another beat in October hence the month off..) and I got to like it. It doesn't have any hidden treasure except for its unhabitants who are very, very nice. (You could pretty much say that of all Texans by the way). The only hitch is that the air conditioned broke down in the house as soon as Steve walked in and it's pretty hot over there. That's the real reason why I've taken refuge at Starbucks, leaving Steve to roast waiting for the repairman...
I'll hit the road again tomorrow Tuesday after a call at the local Triumph shop (Euro Shop) with 2,000 miles to go to Chincoteague/Assateague where I hope to be on friday night.
And here's a very touching picture of Steve and Celia getting together again after three long weeks of separation. "Love is in the air, tatitati , tatata" (a free used tire to whoever tells me who sung it).