A Walk Across Texas

Preface

   PREFACE Adistinct enjoyment to me is to travel by auto, canoe, or on foot down the many paths and rivers that cross Texas. The best way to discover these byways is by traveling across the state’s roads and rivers that disappear over the horizon and leave civilization and its irritations behind. To hike in the footsteps of explorers, whether they were the Native Americans, Mexican traders, or French trappers, makes the journeys more interesting. Stories gathered from my travels with Jon McConal when put into print depict accurately what I experienced. J. Frank Dobie in his book, Tales of Old Texas, said, “The way to spoil a story is to talk about it rather than tell it.” McConal has the ability in his writing to tell the story and let others talk about his story-telling. I continue to be astounded by the friendliness, kindness, and generous nature found in all of the people in West Texas. McConal expresses these feelings in his writing. As you read A Walk Across Texas you will sense a care and purpose in McConal’s selection of words and thoughts that record his honesty and feelings for the roads, histories, and people of this area. From Perryton to Granbury, through the Panhandle and the plains of central Texas, you will read history of interesting people and places we encountered as we walked some 450 miles to visit with these people. The people, places, and history we encountered in our travels from the Panhandle to the Gulf of Mexico have given me many pleasant memories. The roads of Texas present many stories waiting to be experienced and written about. I am certain when you have finished reading A Walk Across Texas you will say, “I wish I could have been with those three men.” McConal’s ability to paint pictures of people and places is a rare trait for writers. When you read his description of a person and later meet this person, you will feel that you are already friends. So take a seat in a comfortable chair and enjoy your walk across Texas. I know that I did. EDDIE LANE ...