A Day In Amarillo

Before we set out on a hike in Palo Duro Canyon we stopped at the visitor center and took in the overview. 

We then set out on a hike on the Sunflower Trail.   

The afternoon temperature was a cool 92*.  There was a beautiful canyon breeze blowing throughout the hike.  And, less the humidity we are accustomed to at home, the dry heat and the breeze added to the peaceful feeling felt as we hiked.  

Who’s got the map?  Not I was repeated over and over again, till it was determined that the map was left in the car.  When we came to the end of the Sunflower Trail instead of turning around as we three girls suggested…every good hiker knows deviating from the trail is not good, King Ralph decided to hit the pavement.  Of course I recorded the rising temperature before I stepped out onto the asphalt road 

 I like to refer to this picture as—where is Michael Landon?  That was us hiking the “Highway to Heaven.”

 I swore at anytime Michael Landon would be resuming his role as an angel out to help and save people.  King Ralph has been known to stray from the trails much to our chagrin.  That beautiful cooling canyon breeze was nowhere to be felt on the black paved road.  Of course after about ten minutes King Ralph finally decided to listen to his women--that the car was a long, long, long way down the road and sticking to the trail was the smart way to go.  He, we all turned around. 


We got back to the campground mixed a couple of martinis before showering for an evening out.

In the evening we headed out to dinner to celebrate Father’s Day at the Big Texan Steak Ranch. 

This was another of our Roadside America stops.  You know the home to the free 72 ounce steak—if you woof it down in an hour or less.  There were actually five guys from Australia trying their stomachs at it. 

While we waited to be seated we did the typical touristy snapping of pictures.

Once the night was over we rested and prepared for our next destination—New Mexico.