Today had changes in temperature, landscapes, elevation, states, and time zones. It was 49 degrees when we left Oklahoma City at 8:30am, heading west on I-40. After 90 miles near Canute, Oklahoma we saw a modest sign for the Great Western Cattle Trail. Our route bisected this historic trail that, from 1874 to 1893, ran 7 million cattle and horses through Texas and Oklahoma north up to railheads in Kansas and Nebraska to establish the cattle industry in northern states. Soon after we stopped in Elk City, OK for a leg stretch and were surprised we were already at 2,100 feet in elevation.
We passed into Texas at 11:04am. Michele liked the name of the border town, Texola, but not as much as her favorite Texarkana.
We started seeing wind turbines. Rob wondered if they are oriented so that the wind comes in from the front or back, but later figured it is from the front.
Landscapes changed dramatically.
We saw the Leaning Tower of Texas.
We also saw several blades of wind turbines being transported. Their size always amazes us, especially very close up.
During a long stretch of landscape Rob commented "That's a heck-of-a-lot of hay bales." They extended far into the distance.
The stretch through Texas was very remote with dry grazing land. We are definitely in the Wild West now. In Amarillo, Texas we saw the Big Texan that is famous for offering its free 72oz steak if one can eat it (and all the trimmings) within the timed challenge.
Rob teased Michele about going there. Instead, we stopped at a Firehouse Subs around 12:45pm. The place was hopping inside, so we shared a sandwich on the outside covered patio.
While comfortable enough in the Mazda, Michele couldn't help think how much more comfortable she'd be in this luxury Tiffin Allegro Bus.
It's one of several we've seen at the RV shows and among a favorite of Michele's. Rob kindly reminded her that we'd have to sell our house to have one.
Horses also have lodging on the plains for rest and comfort.
We crossed into New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment, at 2:16pm. Since the state line is also the Central/Mountain Time Zone line, we immediately went back in time to 1:16pm (MST).
The landscape further changed in New Mexico as did the elevation. We reached a high of 5,050 feet in elevation on our route and had views of mesas and buttes.
We arrived at our hotel in Santa Rosa, NM before 3pm MST. Needing a leg stretcher, we tried to visit the nearby Route 66 car museum, but it was closed. Instead we walked loops around our hotel to get some movement in our legs and enjoyed the mid-70 degree temps.
Dinner was at the Silver Moon, a historic route 66 locale. It was very busy as there are limited restaurants in town.
Our total mileage today was 429 miles. Tomorrow we cross into Arizona.
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