Hello friends and welcome back! Today we journeyed from Tulsa, Oklahoma to Amarillo, Texas!

Right out of Tulsa we were treated to a lovely, pastel, big sky sunrise!

It wasn’t a long trip between the cities but we had a few fun adventures once we arrived in Amarillo.

Leaving Oklahoma we cruised across the prairie and farms of western Oklahoma.

Throughout Oklahoma, we had noticed these beautiful trees with dark pink flowers on them.  They were everywhere.  A little Google and we found out they are the Eastern Redbud.  So beautiful!

We were surprised at the number of wind turbines on the farms, sometimes as far as the eye could see.  The farms also spread out as far as the eye could see.  Trying to capture the extent of it all was not easy from a moving car.  It’s something you really have to see in person.

I also loved all the farms with barns and grain stores

Just before we crossed into Texas we stopped at a tourist trap for a rest, and a chance to see a few buffalo!

Crossing into Texas the farms and prairies continued all the way to Amarillo.  We stopped at the first rest area and were treated to a beautiful view of a large gorge, and a nice little museum piece inside giving you information on some of the history of the area.

We then made our way through Amarillo and headed south to visit Palo Duro Canyon.  It is the second largest canyon in the United States, after the Grand Canyon.  It’s around 1K feet deep, and not only can you view the vistas from the rim, but you can also drive to the bottom.  Sadly, I attempted to drive down but did not feel comfortable so I returned to the top.  It was really impressive, and if you are into outdoor activities there are lots of things to experience here.

After visiting Palo Duro, we ventured back into Amarillo and went to visit the Famous Cadillac Ranch!  This is an art installation that is in the middle of a cow pasture.  It is really cool, and best of all you can bring your own can of spray paint to all your mark on a Texas landmark!  We didn’t have spray paint with us, however, a very nice man who had brought two cans gave them to us after he had finished.

Our Marks on Texas! (Yes, I left a hidden Mickey!)

On the corner at the end of the pasture is the Cadillac Ranch Gift Shop.  Outside they have three Cadillac’s one with Elvis, one with Willie Nelson, and one with John Wayne driving.

Inside they have a third of a Cadillac that is on the wall.  Great gift shop!

For our hotel, I choose the Drury Inn Amarillo.  I have stayed at a couple of Drury’s prior and have always enjoyed my stay.  The offer free full breakfast buffet, and in the afternoon the Kickback! As always the hotel lived up to the standard that is Drury!

For dinner, we went to the ultimate tourist trap!  The Big Texan Steak Ranch! Even before you leave Oklahoma you start to see signs for this place. It’s a theme park in a restaurant.  They are famous for everything being over-the-top Texas.

The big draw is watching people try to eat the 72oz Steak Dinner.  If you finish it in one hour, it’s FREE! These two guys were up for the challenge!

If you are going to visit the Big Texan do it for the “show”.  The food was fine, but not out of this world.

Today was a great day, and I have a newly found appreciation for the people of our Heartland.  It’s amazing the size of the farms. How rural some of the areas are.  These are definitely hard working, and God-fearing people. Thanks to them we have a bounty on our tables.

Tomorrow we are off to Santa Fe, New Mexico.  I’m really looking forward to this part of the trip.  I have heard people say how beautiful Santa Fe is, however, I’m not exactly sure what to expect.  We have a hotel, but outside of that no plans, so we are going to wing it! I’m sure a great adventure is just ahead of us!