Road to Paulo Duro Canyon, part 2

 

When we entered Texas, we were surprised to see that the 2 lane road we were on had a 75 mph speed limit!  In Kansas, those speeds are reserved for 4 lane roads.  We took 23 down to Booker, then 15 to Perryton and then south on 70 to Pampa.

I guess there isn't much traffic up in this part of Texas though.  So you need speed to get across this huge state!

Probably more cattle than people.

Loving the scenery!

Bluffs turned into flat land.   "Francisco Coronado was the first European to see the vast open spaces of what would one day be the Texas Panhandle - nearly 80 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock." 

Texas often brags about being BIG.  

However, I have a thing to argue regarding their historical markers.  When we saw the signs that would say "historical marker, 1 mile ahead" we looked and looked but the markers themselves are SMALL and we would totally miss them!  I love to read historical markers so it was sad to me.  In Kansas, I think historical markers are well defined.

We did see this one and pulled over to read it. 

Going around Pampa, the road went past an airport.  This plane was just getting ready to take off.  We could hear the engines revving up.

The road was empty so Allen decided he would race this airplane as it took off.

I won't say how fast he went!!  He tried to keep up, but, well, you know.  Planes go fast.

This area had recently seen a lot of rainfall.  These are not a lakes in the pictures below.  We sure could use rain in our area of Kansas!  We are dry.

I don't believe I've ever seen cow hides before.

We found another historical marker!!

We got to Amarillo and then on to the town of Canyon where we were staying.

There was a Texas Rose Steakhouse next to our hotel so we walked over to eat dinner.  I can complain about the small historical markers in Texas, but this meal was HUGE!!  Texas style!!  We shared a meal and still were so full!!  The rolls and honey butter were great!!  And left me with Texas size gerd that evening!

We were looking forward to exploring the canyon the next day!