Marfa
We’d planned to spend at least a night in Marfa but with other plans to see friends and family later in the week taking shape, we stopped in town only for an afternoon instead. After lunch at one of the only places open in town, we headed to the Chinati Foundation to see work by Donald Judd and Dan Flavin. After another gallery stop we realized it was early enough that we could make it to Brownfield to visit Kyle’s cousin (and have a free place to stay), so we hopped back in the car and drove north.
A few miles outside of Marfa, a police car made a u-turn to follow us, then pulled us over. The official reason? A dirty license plate. We were let off with a warning but suspect that we were nabbed for California plates.
In Brownfield, Curt and Kim Cato were kind enough to feed us and put us up for the night. After so many nights of motels and eating out it was a huge treat to have a home cooked meal and good company to share it with. Their kids, Tuff and Kinley, were just as welcoming even though this was their first time meeting cousin Kyle. We got to spend some time with Curt’s parents, Roy and Jude, the next morning too.
Austin
On Friday we left Brownfield for Austin with a quick stop for lunch in Big Springs to meet up with Ray Pat, an old friend of Kyle’s Dad. In Austin we met up with Kyle’s friend Trent and stayed in an Airbnb in the SOCO neighborhood.
On Saturday I was determined to eat at the famous Franklin BBQ but arrived to a three hour wait. I didn’t think my Ten Speed connection was enough to jump the line, so Kyle and I walked a couple blocks to find a BBQ food truck which was still better than any I can remember eating.
Sunday morning we met up with my high school friend, Dixie, and her fiancé for brunch at their house. Once again, the home cooked meal plus catching up with a good friend was a huge treat and the highlight of my weekend in Austin.
