My Journey

[Ace Brown]

I fully understand the desire to stay free and unencumbered. As you probably remember I full timed for 8.5 years and often turned down opportunities that would have been an anchor. I know nothing about that Go-fund-me setup but it does sound like something I would steer clear of too. It’s just that some us would like to help, even if it is for Moonpies.

You’re already famous on here, and if you keep doing what your doing, sooner or later a news crew is going to discover you. It’s good news to us anyway.


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[ClayH]

Thats really powerful stuff Jerry.
Thank you.

 

[ITTOG]

I feel terrible for those types of families. There is so much I want to say but won't because it could easily turn political. But great work and thanks for the real truth of what is happening there.

 

[Sierra Valley]

Wow good stuff Jerry. Definitely puts a different perspective on things.

 

[ClayH]

I feel sorry for them as well but I wonder what kept them from immigrating legally? They are criminals for living here illegally and likely wont get a second chance.

 

[YukonMontanaTannerTrapper]

Yesterday was a tough day to be a migrant.....temperatures in the 50's, breezy, light rain and downpours all day into the night.....

Ace.....

Clay.....it really is powerful stuff. If you notice in my reply to Anonymous, I said "the timing was good" and I said that because every night I struggle when I lay my head down on my pillow. It's then that I have time to feel guilty about all that I've been given in life. His comments helped me at that moment as I typically relive my day each night, picturing all those innocent little faces until I can finally fall into a fitful sleep. Regarding your question, I do not know the answer.....

ITTOG.....yes, I think it's EXTREMELY important to keep politics out of this story. I support neither political party, no politician, nor do I participate in any religion. My goal has been and is for the remainder of my life to be independent of all influences and do as many right things as I can. Thanks for your support.....

Sierra Valley.....travel is always teaching me new things.....thanks.....



Here's just a few more pictures of some of the foods and supplies that I've been delivering to my new friends.....crayons are in high demand and I wouldn't doubt that I've delivered no less than 200 boxes so far. Another big seller (obviously they're free) is the kids shampoo bottles. Who would have thought that a five year old would value such a thing.....



One idea I had was to supply them with solar lights. As soon as the sun sets they're all under their tarps.....without light. I'm so hopeful that these inexpensive solar lights (97 cents each at Walmart) will help light up their little spaces. I'll keep you posted on my successes.....



Something that readers may wonder (as I did) is what kind of support are the migrants getting from the community of San Luis Rio Colorado. I was told that there's a church run shelter about 30 minutes walking from the migrants camp so of course I wanted to see it.....



It turned out to be 1.25 miles to the shelter, not too bad for a single grown man (although the bum knee is still quite an issue).....I can't imagine doing it with my belongings and several small children in tow. My first impression was puzzlement over the compact size of the building.....how could this small building possibly service 170 migrant families.....



My "guide" & friend seemed reluctant to share its location with me initially, and even more reluctant when I insisted on seeing the inside. No doubt pride had raised its ugly head into our friendship but I was able my assure my friend that I wasn't here to judge anyone but I wanted to experience as much as I could from their perspective.....

As I entered the building I saw a small lobby with several families lulling about.....



Further to the rear of the building was this dining area with table & chairs. I was told that free meals are available here early in the mornings. I saw one small bedroom filled with bunk beds.....there was also a washing machine and dryer. There's a bathroom with shower(s) which I didn't see.....all of this is offered free to the migrants.....



Our visit here couldn't have lasted more than 5 minutes. There was no hiding my friends discomfort with my presence so I certainly didn't want to infringe any further. I suggested we grab lunch so we met his father at the park where we all had typical Mexican food and bottles of Coca Colas. I shared my phone and Google and the boy caught up on his favorite American basketball teams.....



And I'll finish this post with just a few more pictures of the children living on the streets of San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico.....

 

[YukonMontanaTannerTrapper]

It's 36 degrees this morning.....

A few nights ago I was taking a walk with the dogs and on the return to our spot in the back lot of the Walmart parking lot I spotted this guy "stealing" oranges (mostly) from this locked dumpster (labeled organic) behind the Walmart building. It was pretty ingenious what he was doing.....since the dumpster was only half filled he had two long boards and used them like giant tongs and would grab one orange at a time.....



Now I'm always up for a look at most anything so I asked him to show me what he was after.....and this got me to thinking.....maybe Walmart could help me out.....



The following morning I happened to cross paths with the Walmart management and subsequently found out that my rig was going to be towed off the lot that very day (I guess that nearly 3 weeks here had pushed my luck). I explained myself to the store manager and what happened next totally shocked me. He grabbed a cart, said follow me, and began walking the aisles filling the cart with food.....



He was so thankful for what I was doing that he paid for all of this out of his own pocket. I left with bags of bread and hot dog rolls, bologna and hot dogs, soup, and bags of chips. He told me that he would cancel the tow truck and that I could stay as long as I pleased. I now have his phone number and he said call whenever I need help.....



I guess that I've tried to shy away from preparing food but that morning I made 30 sandwiches.....then it was back across the border and time to hang out with my migrant friends.....



Here in Mexico on this street that runs along the border wall with the United States, they call this guy the Gringo.....



And let me tell you the Gringo loves his new knickname.....



When these people see me now, you can't believe the smiles on their faces and they'll yell for me as if we're old friends.....



I've asked for nothing in return for what I have given but it's truly amazing what they have given me and they really have no idea that they have.....

 

[Riversdad]

As sad as seeing this is, this part of your trip may also be my favorite. It gives me hope that there are good people left in what appears to be our new normal. Keep up the good work as long as it doesn't drag you down.

 

[Ace Brown]

Jerry I told you fame would come to you. Yay Gringo!

And hats off to the Walmart manager. But I’m surprised they wouldn’t give you notice before towing.


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[Ace Brown]

Jerry I told you fame would come to you. Yay Gringo!

And hats off to the Walmart manager. But I’m surprised they wouldn’t give you notice before towing.


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[Ace Brown]

Jerry I told you fame would come to you. Yay Gringo!

And hats off to the Walmart manager. But I’m surprised they wouldn’t give you notice before towing.


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[Ace Brown]

Jerry I told you fame would come to you. Yay Gringo!

And hats off to the Walmart manager. But I’m surprised they wouldn’t give you notice before towing.


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[Dougnuts]

Tonight, I was at a gala fundraiser for a friend’s non-profit that provides mosquito nets for Uganda. One thing he said in his speech was “God is bigger than this country.”

Now, much like Jerry, I am not a religious man, but in that moment I thought of Jerry and what he’s doing for people in Mexico. Jerry, sometimes the people you help are also the people who see you lead by example. Much love, my friend.

 

[YukonMontanaTannerTrapper]

Riversdad.....this is an odd time for me in my travels.....so many mixed emotions are experienced on a daily basis.....and not just plain old emotions but extremely heightened emotions. I keep thinking I'm going to sneak out of here each morning but everyday it seems as though there's something ever so small that just won't let me go. I sure do appreciate your comments.....initially I thought support would not be required nor even desired.....and I can say now that I was wrong about that.....

Ace.....that little bit of fame I can handle but that's the limit. I didn't ask the question about towing me but I'm guessing they were thinking that it was being stored here. While there aren't any "No Overnight Parking" signs here there are signs which prohibit leaving vehicles here. And the sign actually says that the tow fee for large vehicles is $1,000. Funny how someone was looking over my shoulder that day.....

Doughnuts.....that's great what your friend is up to. The nets will make such a difference in peoples lives. I recall my time in the Peace Corps in the Amazon.....there was no sleep without one for me. The haves have so much and the have nots have so little. Thanks for your post.....you'd be surprised how much they help.....



DAY 500.....it's difficult for me to believe that this is my 500th day on the road but that does appear to be the case. I was curious what my first post was like for this current trip so I went back to October, 2017 to have a look. Apparently I planned well as I was leaving Montana 500 days ago.....my words / plans were "one day at a time".....and I think that's exactly what I've done.....

Now then I mentioned previously that I've tried to stay away from food preparation and let me tell you that these hot dogs will probably be the last of me making food. The preparation time alone would be enough but when you've got two hot dog loving dogs (they got none) staring at you the entire time it becomes even more untenable.....

(Check out the animal solar lights behind the hot dogs.....hopefully I'm going to have every one of those tarp/tents lit up before I hit the road again)



These boys are looking for the Gringo.....



Notice the boy with the bottle of kids shampoo.....heartwrenching for this old guy.....in my mind eight year olds shouldn't covet shampoo.....



Something I've observed about these families is how closely bonded they are to one another. You can see the true love that they have for one another. It truly is remarkable and it's a beautiful thing to witness.....



It seems as though I can't make a site visit without ending it with a trip to one of the Mexican bakers. I'll tell myself that I've spent plenty for that particular day when I'm leaving the camper but once I get there, hand out all that I've brought, it's just not enough.....



It's quite amazing the effect that these little guys have on me. They absolutely love the feeling of their empty stomachs being filled by the freshly baked breads.....





Rocking Seven.....I haven't a clue what that's all about.....



As I headed to customs I happened to notice this little guy.....hopefully someone removed that wrapper for him.....

 

[YukonMontanaTannerTrapper]

So I'll have to admit that I've fed these people quite a bit of not so healthy food the past few weeks so to try and make up for my daily sins I bought 50 toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste for the kids. But that didn't stop me from my evil ways and I also delivered donuts and candy, as well more crayons, paper, and sidewalk chalk (honestly I'm beginning to think these kids are eating crayons !).....



While I was paying for my goods I overhead the woman behind me asking the cashier why I was purchasing so many toothbrushes and when the cashier explained what I was doing (many of the retailers are onto me by now), the woman handed me $5.....what a kind gesture it was.....



On my next visit across the border I was quite curious how the solar lights were working out.....and apparently they are working quite well as I have additional orders to be filled. Solar lights seemed to be charging all along the sidewalk as I handed out more supplies.....it put a smile to my face to think that now there's a light under every tarp.....





Often the dogs and I spend our afternoons and evenings walking along different sections of the border wall.....



I often enjoy chatting with the border guards that are posted or are patrolling along the walls.....and one thing I'd like to say on their behalf, and the customs agents as well.....every single one of these people has treated me with the utmost respect. Many know what I'm up to now and I'll add that I've had 100% support from them. I've heard "God bless you" more than once.....I've had fist bumps.....and I've had just simple thanks.....



I've been asking around about this National Emergency thing that has recently been declared since I'm not really seeing anything unusual going on around here and I'm now beginning week four of my visit so I thought maybe I would have seen something unusual or unsafe by now.....



I've not had a single border guard or customs agent say anything remotely like there is an emergency or to be careful. And I'll have to admit that I've never once felt unsafe during my entire stay here along the border.....



Maybe this wall thing / National Emergency is just politics and has nothing to do with reality.....I only know what I see.....and I only know how I feel.....



I watched a flock of birds one afternoon as they flew back and forth across the wall and I saw a parallel in our lives.....