The Texas Panhandle
Everyone knows Texas is big. REALLY big. I’ve visited a few Texas cities over the years on business trips but this was my first time actually driving on my own through any part of the state. As with this entire road trip I did some research on what was reasonably close to I-40 and Route 66. For ease of typing, going forward I will mostly just refer to I-40 rather than Route 66. Much of 66 was converted to 40 years ago. One of the places that was easily on the list was Cadillac Ranch. I contacted them via Facebook to see if they had any problem with me launching a drone and not only found out it was OK, they gave me several good recommendations on other things to see in and around Amarillo as well as some New Mexico tips.
The Leaning Tower of Texas
A Route 66 quirky classic … The Leaning Tower of Texas. This is one of those things that I would not have happened upon unless I had done some research. It is not as near the middle of nowhere as some of the things I found but it is approaching it. This is adjacent via access road to a stretch of the former Route 66 that is not I-40. Here’s the question thought, what on Earth could have caused that lean … a sink hole? An earthquake? A terrible metal fabricator? To find out, and I know you need to, check out Atlas Obscura’s excellent article.
The Slug Bug Ranch
Lots of people have heard about the Cadillac Ranch. Bruce Springsteen even sang about it. Have you heard of the lesser known but no less charming Slug Bug Ranch?
This quick stop off if I-40 is an odd one. It wasn’t terribly clear where it was OK to park but nobody seemed to care. (i.e. nobody was around). There are several little gems here that I thought deserved attention.
The Big Texan Steak Ranch
I had to at least top by and take a few photos but I have never been hungry enough to eat a 72 oz. steak. Yea yea I know they have other stuff but it wasn’t time to eat. The Big Texan is known for their challenge. It does look like a cool place so maybe I will stop in some day and eat some less manly steak or something.
On my way to Cadillac Ranch I had to take a quick shot of the 2nd Amendment Cowboy.
To quote Atlas Obscura.
“THIS MUFFLER MAN TURNED NATIONAL Rifle Association spokesman symbolizes the golden age of roadside attractions. The purpose of this mega attraction is to of course spread a message, but is more or less there for curious travels to have a photo op. “
Braceros Mexican Grill and Bar is where I had eaten lunch earlier in the day thanks to a recommendation by the guys at Cadillac Ranch in an online conversation. If you are in Amarillo give it a try. The food, margarita and service were all fantastic.
Cadillac Ranch
The ranch is cool and the price is right. There is no charge to get in and they have a merchandise bus that also sells spray paint if you want to leave your signature on the cars. If you do, don’t plan on it being there long. Right now my understanding is that they have painted the cars in the colors of Ukraine and they cars are ever evolving.
Windmills
Texas is obviously known for oil and lots of it and rightfully so BUT on my drive across the panhandle I saw far more windmills than I did oil rigs. Renewable energy is pretty clearly the future as we us a lot more biomass every single day than could ever be replaced. Texas is on top of that trend big time. The beauty is, as you hopefully can tell from my photos is that while the wind is filling the batteries, crops are growing and cattle is grazing.
Miscellaneous Sights
The blurry train was a total accident while I was trying to set up really quickly. I like it so I’m posting it. I would rather be good than lucky but I will gladly accept good luck when it happens.
Goodnight Texas! You were awesome!
