Adventure 1- Summer 2017- El Paso

Clint High School Reunion--

I taught English, Speech, Drama at Clint H.S. from Sept. 1964-1984 (I think) .  I'd have to look at yearbooks to be definitely sure.  (I retired in '98 after spending some time as  asst principal, principal, and central office all with the Clint district)   When I first came here to teach in '64, I began in a one building K-12 school.  The district grew while I was here adding schools until when I left there were 3 high schools, 3 middle schools and 3 elementary schools.   Many more have been added in the ensuing 20 years.

I am in Clint (El Paso area) for a reunion arranged by classes of 70's which will be at Cattleman's Steakhouse tonite (Saturday June 24).  I came a day early to look around and browse to see how much Clint and EP have changed in the almost 20 years since I retired and left the area.

I didn't want to fly (it's such a hassle, altho' much faster) and I don't mind a long drive, so rather than come in my 9 year old Smart Car, I was convinced to bring Nick's 1 yr old Ford Explorer.

We (Fred Ford and I) had a fine trip yesterday.  It was hot outside (ranging from 99-113), but comfortable inside.  At one point, driving thru Sierra Blanca, we experienced a sudden rain shower and the outside temp went from 106- to 76 in about 4 minutes.  As soon as the rain was over, the heat soured up to 106 again.  The forecast for today is a "cool front" where the high is expected to be only 96.  I've been out walking this morning and it is quite pleasant with a little wind-- to be expected in west Texas.

As I was driving, I saw quite a few people pulled off the side of the road with car trouble - mostly tire problems and over heating.  So glad Fred behaved and got me here without incident.

I'm staying at the Clint Best Western hotel.  Who would of thought?  Not only is there a Best Western, I see from my window, 2 other motels which weren't listed on my internet search.  Oh, when we lived here last there was an R V Park at the Clint exit road and a restaurant whose name I can't remember- Maybe Boll Weevil?  Anyway the restaurant is now Mamacita's Bar and Grill and this area is really growing.

Breakfast on Saturday at this hotel doesn't begin til 7 and when I finish eating my plan is to drive into Clint to scout around, then on to El Paso to see places where we lived and check out the demolition of Eastwood High School.   I've heard the old Farah manufacturing plant has been turned into an upscale mall and thought as long as I'm here I'd check it out.