We Find the Mule

 Day 4 -- August 2, 2021

The rain has stopped and we leave Twin Pine RV Park at 9:30a at a nice temperature of 70 degrees.  Seeing a grocery store ahead, we stop for provisions then drive toward Muleshoe TX, hoping to get a spot at the first-come free RV park.

There are plenty of vineyards along the way, and we realize that these high plains are where Spirit of Texas Winery gets its grapes.

Only a two hour drive gets us to Muleshoe and the 'Ray and Donna West' RV park.  There are no other RVs here until later in the afternoon.

Within walking distance is the world's largest mule shoe.

The free park, also furnishing water and electricity, is sponsored by The Heritage Foundation, and there is a box by the fence for donations that will help pay their electricity bill.  One is not obligated to contribute.

We explore The Heritage Park nearby, which has many historical structures.

In the afternoon we see three more RVs come in, and we drive the Jeep to downtown to search for the statue of the mule.

In front of the mule is a sign by the State Historical Survey Committee that tells about the mule:

                                                THE MULE

     Without ancestral pride or hope for offspring, the mule -- along with the   buffalo, hound and longhorn -- made Texas history.  In war he carried cannon on his back.  Because he was available to haul freight, forts rose on frontiers.  Indians ate horses hitched to cart or coach, but let tough mule meat go by.

    

    His small hooves scaled rock and steep untrod by horse or ox, but big ears endangered him in lake or river.  He went fast, endured much, ate sparingly.

    Since beginning of Christian Era, has helped all over world to bear burdens of mankind.

                                                                                                (1965)

In late afternoon we return to the park, and I put our donation in the box to thank the Heritage Foundation for a lovely stay.

Willie of Sweet Georgia Brown

   and of Walldog and Willie

   August 2, 2021