Goodbye Texas

I have now ridden over 2,000 miles. 1,000 of those have been in the State of Texas. I have been in Texas for 26 days. Tomorrow I will leave for Louisiana and the deep south.

Texas is enormous, 20% larger than France or twice the size of Germany.

It could very much be its own country, indeed it was for a while in the 19th century after overthrowing the Mexicans.

They have oil, land, cattle, wood, water even coastline. The state lives off its assets and I do not get the impression that the recession has hit hard around here.

It is certainly not a homogeneous place. Almost every type of environment is well represented within it's borders. Along my route I have passed through high deserts, mountains, vast bushy plains, wooded hills, homely valleys, big cities, rich farmland, tall pine forests and dense thickets.

There are many different types of people living here from all walks of life with different attitudes, agendas and prejudices just like the rest of us. However the citizens of Texas retain a strong sense of identity and state pride. They are often territorial and independent, resisting all interference from the outside in their affairs.

Moreover they are courteous, thoughtful and hospitable people. Not all country Texans will gush forth pleasantries the second they meet you, they may take a while to size you up. However their quiet interest in your well being is most sincerely meant. I have found the many good people of Texas will do whatever thay can to help a stranger on their way.

I have been given advice, lifts, food, I've even been taken into people's homes on several occasions. I cannot count the number of times passing motorists have stopped to see if I needed help when I've stopped on quiet country roads.

My journey through the state has been a pleasure and chore, a journey of discovery and of many challenges. The weather has been extreme, the media are calling it the arctic blast. It has been the coldest winter here for 20 years.

I did not come here just to get away from the cold. I wanted to escape the boredom and frustration of the short days and long nights of the UK winter. I wanted something to do.

I saw an opportunity to explore somewhere I had never been and to go on an adventurous journey.

It certainly has been that. Texas has put me through my paces. I am glad I came here and pleased to have experienced this previously unknown land first hand. I will look back on my time in the Lone Star State with affection. There's a lot to love about the place.

Still, after nearly a month of camping in sub-zero temperatures, frozen feet, icy headwinds and gun toting locals: I am leaving for the tropics in the morning - at last.