AND WHAT TO OUR WONDERING EYES SHOULD APPEAR

Just a little North of Apache, NM.  We left camp on Highway 9, going south for a quick late-afternoon ride.  Not long after we begun the spin, three Border Patrol cars pulled off to the side of the road.  "Hmm," We thought, "Illegals being pursued?"  Do we get to see a real "chase?"

As we neared the trio of vehicles, telltale signs began to appear.  This was not at all a chase, it was the birth of a quickie check-point.  We continued on,  past the beehive of activity and pedaled up the road about another three miles.

On the way back, the sun now casting long shadows,  the operation of mobile check-point was in full swing.

As we got closer, I began shooting (camera) not knowing if I would be told to, "quit with the camera, guy."

Click-click, a little further up the road.  Still no flailing of arms or anyone coming to meet us.

How close are these guy going to let us come before they shut down the photo session?

I would have kept clicking, and maybe even asked for individual portraits with the sniffer-pooch, but out of respect and fear, my better judgement prevailed.  When we got to the check-point, no one even bothered to ask us our nationality (The usual question) or even where we were going.  I guess we just didn't fit the profile of cartel drug smugglers, mules or illegals crossing the desert in search of a new life. 

We had a short chat with them, thanked them for keeping us safe and asked if they had apprehended any illegals yet.  They waved us through and said, "Be safe," without answering our probe.

I think a "Pooch and Patrol" portrait shot wouldn't have been out of the question.