102 Comments
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Martha Hanna's avatar

I loved reading this. Ulysses will never forget this adventure with his dad. And btw, I’m a former English teacher and love that you named your son Ulysses! I needed the message about things usually turning out okay; I needed to hear that today. I KNOW it will in the USA, but just not fast enough for me. 🇺🇸 🙏🏻 Thank you for being a warrior!

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Ronald Robertson's avatar

Beto is an AMERICAN PATRIOT!

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rich's avatar

Are we talking Grecian history and Penelope or James? Both return home after a long hiatus.

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flavius Harkrider's avatar

What a great column about a great adventure in the towns and mountains of West Texas. I think you probably have a book or two in you when we turn Trump and his henchmen out to hopefully wander and die in the desert. Thank you so much for a GRREAT piece of literature!

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Michael Kjær's avatar

You meant mountains in New Mexico...the Gila area.

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Mary Ann Brown's avatar

I was going to point that out. I grew up in New Mexico.

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Ronald Robertson's avatar

Big Bend National Park. Gila Bend ?

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maggie towne's avatar

This is about New Mexico the Gila and the black range is in New Mexico

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StarGazer's avatar

El Paso and southern NM are culturally and economically linked

by proximity.

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FullStop Farm's avatar

Not West Texas.

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Connie Malone-Williamson's avatar

Beto, I was so impressed with YOU at a town hall meeting in Hillsboro Texas - not sure of the year, but I still have my BETO for Senate T-shirt and campaign pin! I'm still following you - my HERO!!! I sold my farm in Itasca and now loving the PNW in Eugene Oregon. ~Happy Trails to You~

Longhorncon67@yahoo.com

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Jane Kelso Winter's avatar

My friends Margy and Glenn just moved to Eugene also. So relieved to be in a blue spot.

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Laura Stevenson's avatar

I, too, found it comforting to read the words, “It usually works out.” Definitely needed to hear that with everything going on right now. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the account of your travels. You’re a great storyteller. Reading your story was almost like being there and was a very pleasant, much-needed diversion.

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Jay's avatar
Apr 24Edited

Jack Kerouac Beto is back, @timmiller15, your favorite incarnation!

(Seriously, though, cool read)

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Wrennah Gabbert's avatar

Thanks for describing the places and the people… like taking a short (vicarious) vacation! 👍🏻🌟

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Laura 👗's avatar

It pains me that you’re not our governor. I still have my “Beto ♥️ Texas” mug. Thank you for being you.

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Carly Camacho's avatar

I have my “Beto for Texas Y’all” T-shirt 😉

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Galen Garwood's avatar

Thank you, Beta, for this great American story, the simple transference of human curiosity, hunger, and generosity, weaving us together as one.

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PAT's avatar

Your adventure and narration restore my hope in humanity. And I am deeply touched by your description of the impact of lack of water and damage from fire.

Recently I drove through a small town bordering the Ohio river, the hills of Appalachia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. It was a like a step to another realm. Like the mining town you visited the town was built, mined, used, abused, left and neglected. Except for the handful of people who worked at a small clinic and ran the few bars and churches, the buildings and homes were empty of everything except the memories of what was.

It was humbling to drive my newer car among those on cinder blocks. It was more humbling to walk along the river tall and strong from many healthy meals, safe drinking water with fluoride so my teeth are strong, good shoes on my feet. My simple privileges have never felt more heavy.

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Jacob Barowsky's avatar

Thanks for the inspiration to restart my weekly hikes Beto!

The Gila alaws brings to mind skunks and dogs....

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Beto O'Rourke's avatar

Gotta get out there!

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Mary Westbrook's avatar

As a native New Mexican,I have had an opportunity to see many diverse landscapes and get a glimpse of history through the structures, tools and other items those no longer here have left behind. It's transformative.

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Julie Barnes Weaver's avatar

Wonderful story! I could feel the cold wind and the warmth of Hospitality that carried you and Ulysses through your Trek.

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Amy's avatar

I just want to thank you Beto, for sharing this time & pictures you spent with your son & friends.

To be trite, sharing IS caring & I felt I was w/ you on the adventure.

Wonderful.

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Cathy Mabe Pyron's avatar

That was fun! I have explored northern New Mexico with my husband, but the southern part is still on the "to do" list. I have now added a stop to what I have planned. And, BTW, I truly hope to see you back in public office again. Your light is too bright not to be part of rebuilding this country when we finally turn out the grifters and conmen and flat out liars that unfortunately have the upper hand (just for the moment, I remain optimistic......)

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Carly Camacho's avatar

me, too. Voted for Beto twice!

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Sharon A. Hearne's avatar

Great read; thank you! I was a supporter when you ran and was hugely disappointed when you lost. In contrast to Trump it is so heartwarming to actually almost feel the heartbeats of a genuine human being with his beloved son out on an adventure in nature!

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Corina Rodriguez's avatar

Thanks for this. I enjoy your writing, it always has flow and clarity.,At first I thought you were hiking with book, I had forgotten that your son’s name is Ulysses. It sounds like one of those memories that defines a relationship and will always come back with love.

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Sue Narten's avatar

Oh my gosh - this was so much fun to read! What a grand real adventure and a wonderful reminder that things can shift from our original plans and still be pretty dang awesome if we just keep moving forward. Thank you for sharing this and yay for big hearted people and moments in nature.

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