Route 66

Here it is.  Just a little sampling of what I traveled over when I was driving in West Texas.  Route 66  runs parallel to I-40 and sometimes they are the same road.  For the most part I traveled on the interstate but whenever I pulled of the exit ramp into a small town along the way I found myself driving on the old "main street of America".  Route 66, just like US 80, was a major cross country thoroughfare in the earlier part of the twentieth century but was gradually replaced (and renumbered, in some cases)  by the newer interstate highways.  But it's still here in bits and pieces.  A simple reminder of what was.  (I can almost see the corvette now.  Or is that a mirage?)   As the signs say "Get your Kix on Route 66".

Cadillac Ranch

I have seen pictures of the Cadillacs partially buried in the sand and I knew they were somewhere in the Southwestern USA.  Well...I found them.  They are located just outside of Amarillo, Texas and since I was in the area I decided to stop by and see them for myself.  Drive about five miles or so west from Amarillo along I-40 and you will find them on the left side of the highway frontage road.  The frontage road is actually Route 66.  It seems appropriate that Cadillac Ranch would be located along Route 66.  It is public art and, therefore, free to the public.  The public is also free to add their own artwork to the cars in the form of spray paint.  Every five years the cars are given a new base coat of paint and after that, it's everyone for themselves.  Up close the cars are very colorful and interesting to see but if you are on the highway traveling at a high speed they are easy to miss because they are dwarfed by the vastness of the flat desert landscape.  Glad I stopped, though.

Palo Duro Canyon

I first became aware of the Palo Duro Canyon while reading James Michener's novel TEXAS.  The canyon provided the perfect cover for bands of outlaws.  Unsuspecting travellers were easily spotted from the many hideouts and ambushed.  The history of this canyon, filled with treachery, is also a story of breathtaking beauty.  The canyon is located in the panhandle of West Texas near Amarillo.  The terrain of this area is flat, flat, flat.  Nothing.  Nada.  Flat as a pancake.  However, out of this flatland a canyon was carved over a period of millions of years.  It is the second largest canyon in the United States (next to the Grand Canyon).  The canyon just appears out of nowhere.  Flatland to canyon!!  Just like that!  The first sight of the canyon is amazing.  The depth of the valley, the colors of the rocks, the visible layers of sediment.....all of it.  Amazing.  The Palo Duro Canyon is part of the state park system in Texas.  There are several campgrounds set up for both tents and trailers as well as a few rustic rental cabins that were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930's.  There are many hiking trails throughout the park ranging from short one mile hikes to longer twelve mile trails.  There are picnic areas for day travelers, like me.  Along the way I came across a large pavilion with rockers on the back porch facing the canyon walls.   This is a perfect place for slowly rocking and contemplating the majestic beauty of this canyon.  This is one of those places that I would like to return to some day but the next time I will bring camping gear.  I will be back.

Silent Wings Museum

Just outside of Lubbock, Texas (next to the airport) is where you will find the Silent Wings Museum.  This museum is dedicated to the WWII glider program (thus the "silent wings").  This is a very interesting museum and I learned quite a bit about a program I did not know anything about prior to this visit.  Basically the glider planes were designed to ferry soldiers and equipment into enemy territory during the war on the European front.  To silently glide into the war zone and not be detected was their advantage.  The disadvantage was that these missions were basically one-way missions because the planes could not be relaunched once they were on the ground.  The planes were generally damaged on landing and the pilots and soldiers scrambled to retrieve as much of the plane as possible for further use before the enemy arrived.  The gliders were lightweight and were constructed with a wood frame and a thin fabric skin.  Improvements were made to the design to help protect the pilots during landing.  I watched a short film in the theater that told about the glider program and the pilot training.  One of the former pilots stated that his job basically was to crash a plane every day.  Putting that statement into perspective made me realize how heroic these pilots were.  Thank you so much for your service.  This museum is really worth seeing.  Aircraft buffs will enjoy the many planes and helicopters on display.  But you don't have to be knowledgeable in aircraft in order to enjoy this museum.  The Silent Wings Museum is a gem.  It's a place for learning and enjoying.  Please stop by.

Buddy Holly Center

While I was visiting Lubbock, Texas I stopped by the Buddy Holly Center.  The center houses the museum dedicated to the late singer/song writer Buddy Holly.  The museum displays include his guitars, clothing, program bills and, of course, his signature horn rimmed glasses.  The documented time line chronicles his professional career which was tragically cut short.  He was born and raised in Lubbock and was part of the West Texas music scene.  The Buddy Holly Center is much more than a museum. It is a cultural center dedicated to the arts.  There are two art galleries housed in the building.  Both galleries featured contemporary art created by artists from Texas.  Enjoyable visit!

First United Methodist Church in Lubbock, Texas

I attended church in Lubbock, Texas this morning.  What a beautiful setting for worship!  I was present for the 11:00 a.m. traditional service.  Communion was served.  The choir members sang like angels.  (yes, they did)  The minister's sermon was inspiring.  There is a large ornate stain glass window behind the alter area and other stained glass windows line the sides of the sanctuary.  Dark oak wooden arches decorate the ceiling in the large sanctuary.  The church is lovingly cared for by the congregation.  I am so happy I found this truly wonderful place to worship today.

my GPS

                                      Driving instructions from San Antonio to Lubbock.