Since it was going to be a shorter riding day today, we all started later. I started at 705 with temperature at 61 degrees. I rode with Donna Ragen from
Apalosa pony
Looking closely you might see some cave openings
thistle along roadside
It was interesting how the terrain changed from Zuni to Rehoboth. We left the red rocks came in greenish brown back into cream red rocks. The rock formations are pretty amazing and it makes us wonder how these all came about. We did learn that centuries ago Mexicans came north thinking there was gold in the land where Zuni's lived and the Zuni's retreated high onto the mesas that we saw today.
We stopped for a fruit smoothy in Gallup and spoke with the proprietor who told us he teaches at Rehoboth Christian School sometimes and were familiar with the place we were staying. He has only been here 4 years and took over this coffee shop when the owner wanted to sell. He is originally from New Orleans and knew he did not want to stay there. Interesting person.
We also rode along part of historic Route 66. There was an old hotel see picture that had names of famous people who once slept there. We read over 20 names on the first floor. It was still very authentic and neat to visit.
Historic hotel
historic route 66 road sign
Navajo painting on building
Inside historic hotel
Once I got into camp we were again delighted to hear we could stay in an air conditioned school. It is a very beautiful facility. The guys have been assigned to sleep in the gym and the girls in another large room. We thought this was funny, but it all good.
After I arrived I went to the hospital to have my arm x rayed and it did not show any fracture. However when I push my thumb up it still hurts so I have a removable brace that I can take off to shower. It is a relief, but I will be happy when the pain is all gone.
We learned a lot about the area. What is interesting is that this community has also been supported by the Christian Reformed Church for a long time. Rehoboth seems to be flourishing where as Zuni seems to be struggling. The whole town of Zuni seems poor where as Gallup and Rehoboth there is a lot of commerce, hotels and stores. Interesting to note how areas 40 miles apart can differ so much. Probably the key is high 40 runs close by and there is an exit right here in Gallup.
When I ponder our mission work both here and "Rehoboth I wonder about how much we have empowered the Navajo and Zuni to determine their own future rather than depending on outsiders to solve their problems. After 100 years it makes me wonder when both areas will be completely independent from donations.
Rehoboth Christian School
the church
One of the issues in dealing with poverty here and overseas is that as North Americans with money we often think we know all the answers for people and impose our systems and values on a culture that is very different. What I like about the organizations benefiting from the Sea to Sea funds is that they walk along side of people to help them figure out how to solve their own problems. These organizations might provide initial seed funding to get people started on their business or projects but they take responsibility for making it work and be successful.
Poverty alleviation is not simple, but we still need to keep working at helping people.
I did decide not to ride the 97 miles tomorrow to give my legs and hand some relief for 2 days. Hopefully I will be able to ride on Monday with little difficulty.
Daily stats 6 flats and 2 falls
- Distance42.54 mi
- Duration3h:32m:19s
- Avg. Speed12.0 mph
- Max. Speed35.9 mph
- Calories2179 kcal
- Min. Altitude5986 ft
- Max. Altitude6970 ft
- Total Ascent1257 ft
- Total Descent1134 ft
- Cadence53 rpm
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