Amarillo and Return to Oliver Lee

The wind kept up for most of the day. We pulled into the Amarillo Visitor Center where we planned to spend the night. Many rvers reported it as a safe, quiet place to boondock. As we pulled into the parking lot, we decided it was the place for us!
We found a good, level spot in the trucker lot. After a short rest, we unhooked the car and explored Amarillo and found a few caches along the way.One thing we discovered is that Amarillo is spread in many directions. The Big Texan (famous for its 72 ounce steaks) was only an exit away, but since we ate there last time, we passed.

Bob was interested in seeing Cadillac Ranch. For those of you who have never heard of Cadillac Ranch, it is an expression of helium millionaire Stanley Marsh 3. He planted 10 Cadillacs aging in vintage from 1949-1963. Yes, I said planted. They are in a wheat field near defunct Route 66, but very active I-40.They are all facing west at the same angle as Cheops' pyramids. They are covered with graffiti, much of which has peeled off and been repainted many, many times.
It was amazing how many spray paint cans and lids littered the surrounding area.

We returned to the rv and had a peaceful night at the visitor center. We did pose for a photo op with the sculptures.
As we drove through Canyon, Texas, we couldn't resist getting a picture of another Texas travel icon--Tex Randall. He stands 47 feet tall and his foot rests on a now closed gift shop. At one time, the local Levi Strauss plant kept him in new jeans. Everyone soon found that wind can cause Levi's to fail.
He had to be stuccoed and his clothes were painted on his huge body. He also quit smoking in 1989 as to not offend health conscious visitors. He now holds a spur.

Sunday we drove south toward El Paso, but once again the wind was against us. We stopped at a New Mexico rest area. One thing about New Mexico and Texas, they still have picnic areas that will accommodate our rig on non-interstate highways Eighty-two miles from Bobby and Cathy's house we decided to stop. Oliver Lee Memorial State Park was the place for us. We stayed here in 2007 on our first big trip and we visited it with Chris and DeAnna in 2008. Both visits were in fall. The cacti were interesting and the grass was brown, but this time everything was in bloom! We found a great spot looking out into the valley.
The blooms were colorful and surprising! The ocotillos have brown thorny stalks with a firecracker-like burst of color on the tips.
Hedgehog cactus has blooms or buds all over its surface.Prickly pear, barrel and cholla are also blooming.Creosote bushes filled the air with a tar smell after the morning rain. They also had small yellow blooms.We took a short hike Monday morning and then it was off to Bobby and Cathy's to get some much needed hugs!