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!  

Road to Palo Duro Canyon to fulfill a bucket list - Part 1

 Going to Palo Duro Canyon was on Allen's bucket list.  Do you ever wonder where that term came from?  

I can still remember my mother telling me what the term "kick the bucket" meant.  I had no idea as a 7th grader.  Well, we both have things we want to accomplish before we do kick that bucket!  

(I just explained to a friend of mine who grew up in Mexico that "to kick the bucket" meant "to die" and that to "fulfill your bucket list" means accomplishing things you want to do before you die.  She was surprised!)

We left town on Highway 50.  As we drove west of Hutch, I suggested stopping at the Dutch Kitchen for a piece of pie.

Al pretty much ignored me; he was anxious to continue on.  We weren't that far from home and we had many hours to go!  I guess a piece of pie would help one kick the bucket sooner too.  But it sure is good!  Infact, I always ask for pie instead of birthday cake on my birthday!

We veered off onto highway 61 just past Partridge.  As we passed Turon, there was a gas station that was permanently closed.  The name of that place?  Lucky gas station.  Not so lucky though!

As we were coming into Arlington, I asked Al to go through town.  My Dad grew up about 7 miles away and they came to church in this town.  I believe much of the town looks the same as when he'd come to town here as a boy.

One thing we have noticed recently.  The trains are super, duper long!!  Perhaps twice as long as in the past.  Double stacked and 3-4 engines in the middle of the train to pull them.

We were impressed with the city of Pratt.  Looked very nice and welcoming.  Pratt is where they hold the Miss Kansas Pageant.  Three Miss Kansas winners went on to become Miss America. 

Going through town, we saw something we have never seen before...an army helicopter on the back of a trailer.

We've never seen a climbing wall on the back of a trailer either!

Highway 61 runs from McPherson to Pratt only.  It now turned into Highway 54.

The entrance to some artist's home.

I love old church buildings!

We passed Greensburg, where the tornado nearly wiped out the entire town.  I flew over it on my way to Colorado shortly after that.  Rather eerie to see paved streets without any houses on them.  (found a picture on-line of what I had seen)

This town is worth a visit, but we'd stopped before and it wasn't our destination this day.  

When we got to Bucklin, we had to do a double-take.  There were all these whirly-gigs along the highway.  

I looked it up.  They are the creation of M.T. Liggett, who poked fun at politicians.  His art work is a little crazy.  You can read about him here.  

Old and new

I just don't really care for how these windmills are littering our landscape.  

I love this land!

At Meade, you will find the Dalton Gang Hideout.  We didn't take time to go today, as we've been in the past.   It's a pretty cool place to visit!

There was construction on 54 and we had to turn south.  

I texted a friend who we knew grew up around here.  "Where did  you live?"  He told us.  It just so happened that it was on the road we were on!

I sent the following picture to the kids.  I love the beauty of the open prairie!  My son-in-law comments "Looks desolate.  Why would anyone live there?"  He's a city boy.

We stopped at this historical marker.  I guess somewhere around here, who knows where, but somewhere, Coronado passed.

To be continued...