Mike Price on Texas, Exploration and Back Roads

A self-described �retired computer geek� who �did about all of it for a large electronics firm in Richardson,� Mike Price has made Sherman his home for the last 10 years. In his own words:

�At the age of 13 I had to be hauled to Texas from Indiana, raising hell the whole way.

After arriving in Abilene I had to learn that when the wind blows it didn't mean it was going to rain, a 100 degree day could be more comfortable than an 85 degree day, frogs came larger than 3 - 4 inches, 'that if it doesn't bite, stick, or sting it isn't from West Texas', and that young boys walking down the street carrying rifles didn't cause anyone concern.

My exploration of Texas started on foot the week I arrived, progressed from there to cover most of West Texas from the oil boom towns of Ranger and Cisco to my first ghost towns of Terlingua and Shafter in the Big Bend country in a time when there were only ghosts there.

I've never lost the desire to see the out of the way places, the country and towns that most don't look at as they pass, and to travel different roads, for the sake of curiosity if nothing else.

Fifty years after arriving, I'd raise hell if they tried to move me from Texas.

I became interested in back roads when I first moved to Abilene and became friends with a well- to-do kid whose family kinda adopted me and hauled me all around the Abilene area and anyplace within a couple of hours drive. I intended to become a history teacher, but I hated college and moved to Dallas in mid 60's. I got into support and programming for big computer operations, and hung on for 35 years, leaving pretty much on my own terms.

Since retiring I've made a habit of sticking my nose into any place that catches my attention, and love to make trips down roads I've never traveled. I frequently look for back roads on my trips to Abilene and surrounding area as my wife and I still have family out there and a few friends I grew up with. I must be a little nuts as I love West Texas.

Another reason I like the back roads (especially the crooked parts) is my car. The more curves the better.�

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