Sunday October 9: El Paso and West Texas

In 1968-69 I was stationed at Ft. Bliss, an army base in El Paso, so of course I had to check things out on post.  I was somewhat surprised at the minimal security at the gates—I showed my driver’s license and told the guard I just wanted to drive around, and he waived me right through.  In fact, he was waving everyone through.  Obviously, much had changed in the 40+ years since I had been there, but I saw a few familiar sites.  Susan tolerated my reminiscing, but I could tell the tour didn’t excite her.

I probably need to work on my salute if I go back on active duty, or become commander-in-chief.


I lived in an apartment off base and I thought I would see if it was still there.  Lo and behold, there it was—Cielo Vista Apartments, 1202 Avalon, upstairs unit on the end.  It sure looked a little rattier than 40 years ago, but then, so do I.


One place we didn’t go while in El Paso was the city of Juarez, just across the Rio Grande River.  When I was stationed at Bliss, we often went to Juarez for some nightlife, but not today—I value my life too much for that. 
After lunch we headed west to our overnight stop in Fort Stockton, about halfway between El Paso and San Antonio.   Not much on the road except semi-tractor trailers driving 80 miles per hour, but I managed to keep pace.

Ft. Stockton is home to hotels and restaurants and not much else.  We had a totally unhealthy meal of chicken-fried steak and mashed potatoes with lots of gravy at K-Bob’s.  I must have gained 5 pounds that night and significantly upped my cholesterol count—but what do you expect at a place called K-Bob’s?