Tuesday ~ June 28, 2011
So on the road we go in search of Amarillo Texas!
What are these called? And what do they do? Not sure but we see a lot of them.
We must be in Clines Corners...
We stop for gas in Clines Corners....
Definitely a familiar logo in these parts.
Another disaster we saw on our National Disaster Tour. Fortunately it doesn't look like any one was hurt.
Route 40 is the newer interstate built to replace the old Route 66, but there is still 85% of the old historic Route 66 still completely intact.
Adrian Texas, one mile ahead. Guess what is in Adrian Texas?
The MidPoint Cafe. It is the diner that movies are made of. Ever hear of a town Radiator Springs? Ever hear of a movie called Cars?
Dave is catching up on his reading.
This quaint piece of nostalgia was delightful. All original chairs, tables, counter and stools, the building and memorabilia.
This little grotto of memorabilia is from the movie "Cars". A part of the movie was based on the diner and the owner and employees of MidPoint Cafe. The town in the movie is called "Radiator Springs" where Flo's Diner is. The MidPoint Cafe is "Flo's Diner" and Fran the owner of MidPoint is Flo in the movie. Have we confused you yet?
Here we have our hungry travelers getting their picture taken with Christina our waitress who is actually, "Tia" in the movie. She was so sweet and humble. She never told us who she was until right before we left and Fran told us she was in the movie too!
Dang, I think it was the best darn burger Dave ever ate!
Followed by their famous "Ugly Pie", which was chocolate, pecans, whip cream and a whole lot of deliciousness!
Her is Christina "Tia" and Fran the owner "Flo". They were fun and gracious!
We had our picture taken with the stars behind the lunch counter.
Sorry to leave this very dear, sweet place but we must be moving on.
A shameless plug for the RV company. We are hoping to win their photo contest.
The sign as we roll out of the MidPoint Cafe driveway.
We hear we are pretty close to the infamous Cadillac Ranch. Let's go find her!
The Cadillac Ranch was an art project done back in 1974. It was quietly moved in 1997 by a contractor two miles down the road on a piece of private property.
Dave is doing an "illegal action". Writing on the sign pole at the fence you go in to see Cadillac Ranch. "Citizens arrest, citizens arrest!"
And there she is! All ten Cadillacs in a row. There is no one at the gate checking you in, or charging admission or nothing. It is ten Cadillacs out in a field. Period. We were surprised how many people were there the same time we were with their spray paint in hand.
We each picked our favorite.
We did a little graffiti of our own, "KB & JB" and "DL"
We have found our destination for the rest of this day, in Amarillo Texas.
We find this very nice and tidy KOA owned by Tim and Bobbie. They left the banking world for a more peaceful life 17 years ago. They run a fine operation.
We spend the afternoon in the pool....aaahhhhh.
Kathy is being held up by two flotation devices.
Enjoying happy hour before we are picked up by a limo with bull horns on the grill. We are going to "The Big Texan". Can't go to Amarillo without going to this landmark. You know, every things big in Texas!
Here's our cute driver "Ron" who picks us up. And yes, Kathy is asking more questions. Hey, he is a retired rancher. He knows a bit about beef. We have a very intellectual conversation about corn versus grass fed beef. He's all about the grass!! I knew it!
The Big Texan has a fleet of 12 limos with retired men who do the driving and will pick you up at your campground, hotel, etc. and bring you to and from this establishment. It is pure gluttony.
Here's one of our gluttons now!
This is one of those places if you eat the 72 oz. steak and fixin's you eat FREE!!! Many a guy and gal have taken the challenge, but only a few ever eat free. (more about that in a bit)
Dave's trying to bring this bull home. The bull said "no go!"
Attached to The Big Texan is this corny hotel. It reminded us of a high school art project.
I think the bear is winning!!!
Happy couple bellied up to the bar...
with another happy couple. Life is good.
Remember if you eat a 72 oz steak you eat free. Right as we were seated for our dinner, this guy and his friend decide to take the challenge. They have one hour to finish their meal. They are seated up on a stage in the middle of the restaurant. People cheer and root them on. Doesn't this guy finish the whole meal!! He even asks for dessert! So, we are now outside waiting for our limo to take us back to camp when we spot a big, beautiful green celebrity bus in the parking lot. We notice it is the big steak-eating winner and the other guy who tried to finish the steak, and a few more friends. Being the curious people that we are, we ask one of the guys, who's tour bus is that? He said it was country singer, Jamie Johnson. Jamie Johnson happened to be the other guy who couldn't finish the 72 ouncer. We find out that they come to The Big Texan once a year. The guy who won the night we were there, this was his 8th win, and the only one to hold that record? How lucky were we to see that,Ya all!!!
After all this excitement we will be leaving Amarillo in the morning. (doesn't that sound like a song?)
