The Border, Rick, Jerry, Sally, Jody and Mike
I walked on a pressed sand road a few yards south of interstate 8 and 100 yards from the 15 foot tall fence that divides Mexico and the U.S. today. Between the sand road and I-8 lie 7'x15' industrial strength white bike racks, 2'x2' lego shaped concrete blocks and ocean liner chains. The second wall tries to keep drug runners and coyotes who drive through the first wall from entering I-8. I noticed some small gaps between the bike racks and concrete blocks. After the walk I am going to drive down old office furniture, mattresses, refrigerators and the like to fill in the holes. I recommend every American do the same thing. Rick Telander from the Chicago Sun Times flew out to walk and camp with me yesterday. It was an honor and a welcome distraction from the 102 degree temps. to visit with Rick. He was a cornerback for Northwestern and has written eight books (ricktelander.com). We met at the center of the world and walked and talked all day; stopping at the trailer outposts for the All American Canal project and Canadian Gas company. We met dozens of employees and savored the air conditioning and cold water at each stop. The employees were probably of different backgrounds, perhaps some even worked in cheap hotels and budget accommodation. We continued on and by mid afternoon had enough of the heat and stopped at Buttercup, the country's largest recreational sand dune park. We met Jerry Vines, the 78 year old Korean War Veteran and park host. Jerry helps fellow RV'ers and dune buggy enthusiasts when they run into trouble. As an unofficial under cover Border Patrol Agent he watches over the dunes at night. . Thanks to Jerry's vigilance many unsuspecting drug runners and illegal immigrants have been round. Jody, Sally and Tia brought dinner and a 6 pack of Guinness for Rick and I. We ate, laughed and then said good by to the extremely thoughtful ladies. Under a full moon Rick and I marched over to the base of the dunes, which were the back drop for the opening scene of Return of the Jedi, to camp and talk over a fire. If the walls of the old Chicago Stadium, the Coliseum in L.A., the Boston Garden, Yankee Stadium and every other major sporting facility in this country could talk they would be less interesting than Rick. From Steve Kerrs first encounter with John Stockton, to the motivations behind Rocky Blyers football career, Rick had first hand knowledge of it all. We talked politics, religion, documentaries and books well into the night. It was unforgettable 24 hours. Thank you to Jody, Mike and Sally who drove a steak dinner, candles, a small picnic table and chairs out to me tonight. Together we ate and looked like a scene from "Out of Africa" in the sand a few yards off the shoulder near I-8. Thank you Rick, Jody, Sally and Mike.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
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