I know, even the title of this one sounds cheesy, but it’s the gosh darn truth! After two and a half days riding through West Texas, I couldn’t help but think Damn, Texas is huge! Riding east from El Paso, along the border for miles along its booming Mexican sister-city Juarez I passed from city bustle to winding agricultural highway within a few miles.

I was happy to finally arrive at Fort Hancock, especially because I got there only 2 miles after surviving my first attack, a ferocious dog chased me barking and biting at my heels for about 150 yards, as I sped up to 21mph to get away! (I briefly reconsidered the advice folks had given me about bringing mace or a pistol.)

When I got into town, I couldnt help but feel disappointed that this, the only town I had seen in miles, was nothing more than a truck stop, post office, motel and diner.  Oh well, I thought, at least I’ll get something to eat at Angie’s Restaurant.  This was an easy choice to make being the only restaurant in town!

As I chowed down a double serving of enchiladas and a bowl of pasta I observed the folks coming in to the spot.  Long-haul truckers just dropping in on their way through the I-10, as well as the town’s local kids who made for boisterous company as they came to east after their middle school basketball game ended.

I introduced myself to the woman at the counter, who told me she was Angie.  “The Angie?!” I asked, with a sheepish grin.  “Yes”, she replied, “we’ve been here for twenty-three years now, the same three women cooking, serving and running the place”.  Its not everyday that you meet someone as nice as these three were.  Angie ended up giving me my meal for free, and telling me about the charming qualities of living in a town so small as Fort Hancock.  Being a town establishment for over two decades has given them a strong connection to the community.  They know the kids and their families who come come through by name, and its a place where youth can go to stay out of trouble.

If you’re driving east from El Paso and passing through Fort Hancock, you’ll definitely have to check out Angie’s.  Don’t worry about directions, its easy to spot and the only place you’re gonna find a decent meal in town!