Amarillo, TX

November 18, 2013

I confess I did not do my homework on Amarillo, TX.  I thought that this would simply be a layover on our way to NM.  It kind of just springs up out of nowhere.  I would feel completely isolated living out here.  Every once in awhile, you see about 500 McMansions all packed together on their postage stamp sized lots.  I told Scott there is not one thing that I miss about our house.  I have everything I need right here.  

Anyway, after driving all day yesterday, we really needed a down day.  Turns out there is a super secret canyon here…2nd only to the Grand Canyon.  It’s called Palo Duro Canyon State Park.  Since we have not been to the Grand Canyon yet,  it was nice not to compare it and to just enjoy it as it is.  We took some  nice switchbacks about 800 ft down into the Canyon.  If you know me, you know I would rather “burn a rental” than my own car’s brakes…but, the RV held up well.  Ignorance is bliss!  It was like driving the Auto Road at Mt Washington but shorter. 

We went to Palo Duro Canyon, the second largest canyon in the U.S.  It was only second because it was next to the biggest one in the world, the Grand Canyon, but we’ll get to that later.  We kept stopping along the rim, each time there was a hiking path and an overlook.  The flies, they were just terrible.  There were at least 10 at a time!  They drove us insane!  The only thing they couldn’t drive was unfortunately the RV.  We whooped and cheered every time one left.  Eventually they did drive us out of the canyon.

~Jack

There is our RV way up there.

As you can see, we have the place to ourselves!

On the way back to the RV park, Scott wanted me to drive.  I was doing great, even stumbled upon a nice organic store for him to go shopping at.  Then I decided we should check out another iconic Rte 66 stop, Cadillac Ranch, for a sunset shot.  You know the one, there are 10 Cadillacs head first, buried in the dirt? Well, that place was a huge disappointment. It was full of spray cans strewn about the place and other trash and debris.  You could not get away from the aerosol paint can smell.  

I had the driving under control until I was diverted by another photo op, than I made a U-turn, and another U-turn…hit a curb or two.  We didn’t get a flat, but, I have been put on probation and my license just might get revoked! Secretly, I prefer to be driven anyway! 

All in all, it was another fun day….rounded out by a quick swim in the pool and a nice long hot shower and another healthy meal.  We have only had dinner out once and we picked up Chipolte one night, other than that, we have been eating very healthy, organic food, thanks to Scott and we all feel great!

Onward to New Mexico today!  Looking forward to spending some time there.

~Linda