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Making a Run for the Mexican Border

8/20/2014

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Picture
As MJ and Nelson, her protector driver in cahoots with her escape, drive along the Texas Tropical Trail towards Brownsville, MJ is startled by the barrenness of the land.  White grazing cattle fascinate her.  This Charolais breed, originally from France and introduced in the southern US from Mexico in 1934, is common in the area and produces more red meat and less fat.
They stop to have breakfast along the way and because this is almost Hallowe’en, a Spanish princess serves them while a wicked witch sweeps the floor around the café tables. 
Constant fear that Tommy, her tormentor, may still somehow find and punish her, the tortured MJ is eager to get to Brownsville and cross the border into Mexico.  For now, however, she must ride the long Texas Trail passing the US Border Patrol with stern warning signs: Do Not Pick Up Hitchhikers!
Finally reaching Brownsville on the Rio Grande River, across from Matamoros, Mexico, they are exhausted.  Despite MJ’s wariness, they agree to remain in the Brownsville/ South Padre Island area for two days to research and map their Mexican route.
While there, MJ learns about Brownsville’s historical background including several battles and events in the Texas Revolution, the Mexican American War, and the American Civil War.  She notices the proliferation of all things Mexican, including bars and eateries like Mi Pueblito Restaurant where she quickly downs a couple of shots of Santo Azul (Blue Saint).  The drinks immediately block out all thought of her pursuer, Tommy, and push her into sunset mode.  Back at their motel, she collapses onto the single bed, the potent drinks keeping at bay her Tommy demons---and Nelson---who longs for an intimate relationship with her.
Route: Texarkana, TX to Brownsville, TX

Next: South Padre Island


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All authored material and photographs contained on this site are copyrighted © and the property of Heather Rath and cannot be reproduced without her written permission.
Photos used under Creative Commons from Bazar del Bizzarro, roland, Mike Kniec