Our Cowboy Cadillac driver told us last night that it has been threatening to rain all week but always bypasses Amarillo (sounds like Geraldton). The farmers really need the rain.
Well, the sky’s opened up during the night and rain it did. And, it became very cool, a chilly 11 degrees, that was a bit unexpected.
I won’t be sad to say goodbye to the trains that tooted all night.
We have decided to explore some more of the Amarillo area and then later in the day drive towards the New Mexico border.
Back on the road and our first stop, the Palo Duro Canyon State Park. A small detour on the way to refuel and Walmart stock (the friendliest Walmart, ever).
Palo Duro Canyon is a canyon system of the Caprock Escarpment and is the second largest in the country. It was amazing with the beautiful red and orange colours against the blue sky. Again, it reminded us of Australia, particularly with the red dirt, oh, and the bull ants, that kept us inside the motorhome at lunch.
Next, to the Amarillo City Historic District. We parked the motorhome and then as we walked away we realised it was right next door to a cash converter type premises. The type of clientele outside did not leave us confident we would return to a camper with all tyres intact.
Even walking down the main street we felt uneasy. After about 10 minutes and a couple of photos, we decided to turn back and high tail it out of there. That was our exploration of Amarillo’s Center City Historic District.
Back on the Interstate 40 road again.
The scenery was beautiful, ranches, cattle, horses, wheat fields windmills, farmhouses…
Finally, back on Old Route 66 and a stop at the tiny town of Vega. Everything was closed. We still had a lovely walk around.
The Route 66 road in these areas appears deserted. The towns are also quiet and somewhat run down…
We did not spend a lot of time in Texas but what we saw we loved. I did get the jumper.
Back on the Interstate, bypassing towns such as Adrian and then across the border into New Mexico.
The scenery has changed again, open plains with tabletop hills. Still very arid.
Our destination today is Tucumcari, New Mexico (Cactus RV Park). Another quiet town on Historic Route 66. Lots of art deco buildings and murals, many of them run down or derelict.
After setting up camp we went for a walk down the historic main street. Nothing opens on a Sunday, today is Sunday.
Simple dinner in the motorhome, a lovely day again.
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