Hello from Fort Stockton, TX (Part 2)

Run Stats:
Day: 315
Miles Completed: 1152.2
Miles to San Diego: 947.8
Miles to El Paso: 233.8
Avg Miles/Day: 3.6
Marathons Completed: 44
Longest Run Streak: 9 Days
Playlist Favs: Genesis Duke album, Eagles Greatest Hits
Guest Runners: Molly Donovan

Bible Verse of the Day: O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I'm far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! Psalms 139: 1-6 (NLT)

Run Reflections: It's been a good running week although the majority of the runs were in the dark. I have been using my new noxgear visibility vest and definitely feel safer with the extra light features. I also had a chance to run again with Molly when she was home last weekend to watch Meredith's play. Will jump right into the 2nd half of the story on Fort Stockton which I virtually passed through earlier this week.

Fort Stockton, TX: According to the website, the handbook of Texas published by the Texas State Historical Association, Fort Stockton is the county seat of Pecos County. The town grew up around Comanche Springs, which at one time was the 3rd largest source of spring water in Texas. The spring was a favorite rest stop on the Comanche Trail to Chihuahua, the Old San Antonio Road, the Butterfield Overland Mail route and the San Antonio-Chihuahua freight-wagon road.

Wikipedia reports that the actual fort was established in 1859 when 1st Infantry Co, H was sent from Fort Lancaster to take post along Comanche Springs. The Confederates took possession of the fort briefly during the Civil War and in 1867, the army rebuilt the fort on a larger and more permanent basis to protect travelers and settlers from Indians. The new fort was garrisoned by four companies of the 9th Cavalry, one of the new regiments created for the black men known as "Buffalo Soldiers." The fort was abandoned in 1886. Today the fort is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, it includes a museum and is open for visitors to explore the ruins. I have included a picture from wikipedia of the fort parade grounds and barracks as seen from the guard house.

I checked on tripadvisor for the top things to do and see in Fort Stockton and was surprised to see that the #1 attraction is a giant road runner statue named Paisano Pete. Measuring 22 feet long by 11 feet tall, it is one of the largest road runner statues in the world. I have included a picture thanks to the texasescapes website and photographer Jason Penney. Another local site that looked interesting is the the Anne Riggs Memorial Museum. Originally a stage stop and hotel, the building now contains a unique display of exhibits on pioneer life in West Texas including a Columbian period mammoth tusk. There's also the Grey Mule Saloon Tasting Room, an original saloon that has been remade into a bar and tasting room for Texas' largest winemaker, Mesa Vineyards. All three of these attractions have their own websites with lots of additional pictures and information if you'd like to check them out.

Blast from the Past: In honor of Veteran's Day, I thought I'd share this picture of my Dad and me taken at his retirement from the Navy in either 1980 or 1981. I was a senior (1st class midshipman) at the Naval Academy in this picture and Dad was retiring as a CAPT. I was probably 21 at the time of this picture, just one year older than Molly is now. Anyway, I'm very proud and thankful for my Dad for his service to our country and for the example he has been in my life and for my brother Dan, his wife Janet and their daughter Kate for their years of service to our country as well!

Thanks to all the other Veteran's out there and to those who are remembering Veteran's in their families. I hope you all have a great weekend!

God Bless, Pat