Day 15- Rest and Recovery

So, what do you know about Columbus, NM? Probably not more than I did before today. We visited the local Pancho Villa State Park that commorates a raid from Mexico that occurred a little less than 100 years ago. We were quickly overwhelmed by the complexity of the story and intersections of local and global politics of the day. In brief Mexico had been embroiled in a prolonged civil war that was threatening US industrial interests at the same time WWI was underway in Europe. Pancho Villa was losing sway in the Mexican conflicts and launched a raid into nearby Columbus for reasons that are still not clear. However, it gave the US plenty of reason to retaliate with an invasion of 10,000 cavalry troops under the command of General 'Blackjack' Pershing. The incursion lasted just a few months and Pancho Villa was not captured; however armored vehicles, mechanized trucks and cars as well a reconnaissance planes were all used for the first time in armed conflict. Who knew? All this was a precursor and training for the US involvement in the war in Europe not to mention an upcoming election for a second term for Woodrow Wilson.

On a much lighter and celebratory phase of the day we were shuttled a few miles south to Palomas, Mexico, where we drank free margaritas and lunched at The Pink House. Most of us are now napping this afternoon in anticipation of getting back on the road tomorrow and entering out third state, Texas.