LandCruise episode 2: Gilbert -> Hallettsville

Traveling from Arizona (temp 114) to Texas is not the most exciting trip you ever want to take.  Hints:  I-40 much better road currently than I-10.  Don’t miss – Joshua Tree, Petrified Forest, Death Valley, Dinosaur Valley State Park (Highlights on past trips.)

Standing along Route 66 near Amarillo, Cadillac Ranch was constructed by a group of art hippies from San Francisco in the 60’s. The Ant Farm artists (creators) were financially backed by Stanley March III, an eccentric Texas millionaire who wanted to make a statement in Amarillo.

New Mexico temps in the 80’s were much more desirable than Texas triple digits.  Plans changed-hotels were necessary. In Amarillo, TX – Panhandle Plains History Museum (claims it is the largest history museum in Texas) followed by green chili burgers at Coyote Bluff Café. One forgotten surprise – picked the hotel for the size of the pool, but – since it was after Labor day (despite the 98 degree temperature) the pool was closed for the season!

After a day in Wichita Falls, TX and a scenic bike ride along the Wichita River, onward to Dallas.  Enjoyed a visit with cousin, Paul Pesek and his new wife, Connie.  Fun to have a “Connie Pesek” in the family again.  Tex Mex, a great visit, and a lovely overnight before we were back on the road to Austin.

41^st UTMB college reunion at “the Other Place” in New Braunfels. Seeing Donna Perfetti (flew in from Huntington Beach) was the cherry on top.

98 deg weather in Austin took us to Padre Island National Park for a breeze. Gulf of Mexico water temps hitting 87 degrees assured us it was a good idea. This area of the coast was established as a National Park in 1962, after cattle grazing was banned allowing the dunes to fully recover, and provide nesting grounds to Ridley turtles (Apr-June). The area is also a migratory location for over 250 bird species. With Hurricane Ian heading to Florida, we were happy on the Texas coast – although the storm surge forced us off of the beach. 

I remember shell seeking as a child. Sadly, there were very few shells to be found, replaced by plastic bottle caps and plastic bags. Next time you drink a plastic bottle of water – think about where the lid/bottle may end up. It is reported that the US uses 50 billion single use plastic water bottles per year (contributing to a total of 500 billion plastic bottles disposed of in the US per year). (Plastic water bottles – National Geographic).

Gil and Marianne Garcia (my sis) at the Dinosaur Park in Cedar Creek, Texas. Initially designed and built by a family for their 3 year old son, it’s an unbelievable outdoor museum experience featuring 30 life sized sculptured dinosaurs.

A visit to Texas is not complete without a trip to Austin. UT campus was a place we had not visited since college.

An awesome day exploring the Wexford Ranch with cousin Kai. The ranch is one of the largest in the state of Texas, including land just outside Victoria near Goliad and satellite land in other areas. Kai has worked as the foreman of the ranch for many years, and his amazing job of multi-use creative land management gained him the prestigious Land Steward Award from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Well deserved!

Family Reunion organized by my sister, Judy was held at the Sweet Home ranch. Already talking about a re-do next year for OU weekend so a few additional family members can attend. With the UT victory (49-0) this year, it was fun to have Bevo, our “mascot” on the ranch.