Daily Update Report

Date: Wednesday, June 30, 2004 – 3 PM

Location: Sanderson, TX

Looks like we made it here just in time (been here for about 1.5 hr.), there is a terrific storm gathering due west of here, from whence we just came!

A great day of riding was had. The theme song of the day was the theme song from the old TV show, “Rawhide.” I rode through a very long valley (they call them canyons, here), which will actually extend all the way to Del Rio. On either side of the canyon are mountain ranges, the Dill Mountains, the Woods Hollow Mountain, and such. The canyon terrain is Texas sage/bush country – ranch spreads on both sides. I saw a great deal of animal life, the most interesting was a Razorback wild hog (at least I think so). It was attempting to cross the road, but scurried back into the bush as I approached. It’s funny watching the cattle, they all turn their heads and watch me go by – I wonder what they are thinking….?

The beginning of the route was a 49 mile gently rolling ascent out of Alpine, 4300ft to about 5000 feet, then it was downhill to Sanderson. According to the narrative on my map, it was a 3000 ft drop through the Chichuahuan Desert to Sanderson.

Sanderson is not much, although they label themselves the Cactus Capital of Texas. It has a population of fewer than 700 and 2 motels; we are at the lesser of the 2 dumps. Hey, its clean and has AC all for a total cost, both rooms, of $67.00!

Tomorrow, another early start – sunrise is at 6:52 AM, and then it’s on to Del Rio. From Del Rio, I will need to alter the course. The route is supposed to take us N – NE to Camp Woods and the Texas Hill country, but due to heavy rains over the past week, the road along the route has become impassable. The map narrative did advise that in case of heavy rains, check with the Texas DOT – wise advice. Instead, I will continue on Texas 90, the road that I took today leaving Alpine and continues onto to Del Rio. It keeps the route simple, no turns, just stay on 90. 90 continues straight into San Antonio. From San Antonio, I will head N – NE and reconnect with the map route. In the meanwhile, I am trying to make some contacts in San Antonio for Shabbat. Originally, we were going to be in a town (Ingram) about 100 miles NW of San Antonio. I will see if the arrangements can be made.

Below are some PICS from today:

1. The beginning of the climb out of Alpine, the Dill Mt. Range in the background

2. Major league road kill -- the remains of a calf - I also saw a lot of mean & hungry looking buzzards & they were eyeballing me!

3. Road construction on 90, the worker radioed ahead and they let me through, but the cars and trucks were held up for some time

4. Beautiful scenery

As a reminder, if you have not already done so, it is still possible to send in your pledge, or to increase one already made. Your contributions are greatly appreciated and will do immense good. In addition, please feel free to forward these updates along and to encourage others to contribute. If you know someone who should be sent a Ride Brochure, please let Tammy in the Temple Office – (973) 376 0539 x 11, and one will be sent right out.

Shalom v`l`hiitarot,

Rabbi M

Rabbi Mark Mallach

Temple Beth Ahm

60 Temple Drive

Springfield, NJ 07081

(973) 376 - 0539 ext. 15

fax: (973) 376 - 5478

Visit My Website:

http://ridinrebbe.com/ -- Rabbi Mallach Home Page

"Tears may linger for a night, but joy comes with the dawn" (Psalm 30:6)