Texas

 Nov 8, on this early Friday morning we left Foss lake State Park in Oklahoma.  The winds were suppose to be strong so we thought we would get an early start.  We drove about 190 miles in about 4 hours.
We have never seen our shadow before!   we did see the largest Cross in the Western Hemisphere!  did not know it when we passed it or would have taken a picture.

Getting to Palo Duro Canyon State Park at about 10:30.  Great hiking, great scenery but no Telephone or computer service.  Actually we have a few TV stations which we never got in OK. there was a 10% steep grade for about 1.2 miles into the canyon. This is the 2nd largest Canyon in the USA.



Temperature was about 70 deg in the canyon.  Eric is hoping to not put long pants on until April…  looks like he will be wearing them this Wed!  cold front coming our way.
some flooding of the road, they need to build a bridge here!

time for a fire!  What is Eric doing?

got the fire going, now time for popcorn!  love our popcorn.

Saturday morning we took a hike in the park.  Eric found Billy’s cousin..

we did see a few more deer, one had a very nice rack.
stopped by a cowboy dugout.  we read where one local lived in one of these for 7 years.


time to head out of the park, not sure if we can see our camp site but it would be at the very end of the canyon.

another view from the top


we stopped for lunch before going to
 
We spent about 2.5 hours there and rushed through it pretty quickly. It was well worth the time and money.
Sunday we took a long hike (about 5.75 miles) to see the Lighthouse rock formation.
 


Horses and bikes make the trek too.   this lady went to the top.. it is not me!

after our long hike we thought it was time for a big dinner!  Texas sized dinner..


so the deal is if you eat a 72 oz steak, 3 shrimp, baked potato and dinner salad in less than 60 minutes your dinner is free!  otherwise it is $72.  Our waiter said that a small guy from Australia at it in 15 minutes!  most that make it do it in just under 60.

of course we did not even think of trying the 72oz steak..  a great T-Bone and Ribeye was on our table.

doesn’t that look wonderful?  it was really good.  but too much food for us so we have lots of leftovers and a growler
we each took half of our steaks, potatoes and jalapenos home.. and a growler of Octoberfest beer.  Great food, beer, service and atmosphere.
Monday:  Eric took a walk up the rocks:

while I waited below:

our morning bird hike:  we picked up 2 new birds here in Texas.  Our life time count is at 325!! 

we headed into to town to the

this is from the movie “RV” with Robin Williams:

Welcome we are thinking of downsizing:

Of course we found a Wisconsin connection:

Next on to the Cadillac Ranch: 10 cars planted in a field. 

our final stop was at the



the Texas Longhorns were out today..


it was 76 deg when we returned from our touring.. Eric needed a nap..


We left the canyon this morning.. an Arctic front came in last night..  temps in the mid 20”s!  time to get out of here! 
these guys were there to say farewell  and safe travels..

Next stop is Santa Rosa, New Mexico about 200 miles from here.
Well, one more stop before we get to New Mexico;  the half way point on Rte 66