Windrose Ramblings: Just Birds

Some people asked us if we were Snow Birds. We said we haven't figured out the snow part as we're turning the wheels north on the first of October. We're just Birds.

Yes, we were on the road home. Sometimes when the cows smell the barn, they break out into a run for home. Even though, like the proverbial cows, we were ready to go home, we did stop to smell a few roses along the way.

From Dallas to Amarillo, Texas

AMARILLO - Route 66

Back in the day, Route 66 was the marketed as the shortest and most scenic route from Chicago to Santa Monica, California. Amarillo is along this route. By the time we found the historic district of shops and restaurants right along where the highway once was (we think), most of the shops were closed, but enjoyed a walk and dinner at Smokey Joe's.

Wings for Dave. Chicken fried steak for me.

AMARILLO - Cadillac Ranch

Many years ago we came across a highway sign that advertised a "Tourist Trap." Cadillac Ranch might fit into that category. We fell for the trap and had to go look.

Back in the 1970s some artists had the brilliant idea of burying ten Cadillacs nose-first, inclined at the same angle as the pyramids of Giza. The cars were all from the 50s and 60s, featuring the tail fins. People were climbing all over the cars, spray painting and taking selfies. Suddenly we were handed a can of spray paint and were encouraged to add our mark to these cars!

Cadillac Ranch was a perfect spot for a prairie sunset.

AMARILLO - Flat Tire

The next morning we were ready to go, just locking all the doors when I looked down and saw a flat tire. We weren't going anywhere for a while! Thank God we were still in the campground, in a major city, with AAA to the rescue and a tire shop nearby. By the time everything got sorted, it was almost time for lunch and we enjoyed a Texan-sized second breakfast.

Biscuits and gravy as the side

From Amarillo, Texas to Raton, New Mexico

RATON - Autumn

With the delay in Amarillo, we didn't make it in time to drive to the top of the volcano near Raton. By the time we got to Raton, it was evening, and suddenly it was autumn. It was definitely cooler and the leaves were turning colour. Good bye summer.

Colorado

COLORADO - Rainbow

Going to Colorado would be a trip in itself - another time. We stopped for lunch at a popular sandwich place in Pueblo and later, after making it through Denver traffic, sat down for coffee. We had our eye on the sky and had to make a run for the truck before a rainstorm hit. But after the rain, there's a rainbow.

CHEYENNE - Boondocking

At the last minute we were able to book a boondocking spot through Harvest Hosts. Our host was very helpful in getting us set up and as it was cold and dark we disappeared into our trailer for supper. Except we found out we were out of propane. Now what? Thankfully this site had 30 amp power and we could make supper using the microwave and the fireplace and space heater kept us warm enough.

It was a wonderful night with no traffic noise!

Wyoming

CASPER - National Historic Trails Interpretive Center

We stopped in Casper to tour the National Historic Trails Interpretive center. It was interesting to learn about the various groups of pioneers that trekked west across the US, each for their own purposes. The people on the Oregon Trail were heading to what is now Oregon to find new places to settle. Those on the Mormon Trail went to Salt Lake City to start a new life as a Mormon community. The Gold Rush Trail led to California for the gold rush. And for a brief period of time, the Pony Express ran the mail on horse-back from Missouri to California return. All this took place in the mid 1800s and all these trails converged at Casper in order to cross the North Platte River before heading up into the mountain passes. It's hard to imagine the hardships and challenges these groups endured.

Sample of the names inscribed on Independence Rock indicating they had made it that far.

Imagine riding in this all across the country.

Sometimes you find the most interesting places to eat!

Montana

MONTANA - Autumn

We stayed in Sheridan Wyoming at the KOA and then carried on the next day through most of Montana. It was a beautiful day for a picnic, and then later, an ice cream stop at a local diner: two of my favourite things to do on a road trip!

GREAT FALLS - Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

We stayed at a campground in Great Falls and the next morning decided to spend a bit of time at the Lewis and Clark center. In the early 1800s Lewis and Clark were commissioned to find the headwaters of the Missouri River and a route to the Pacific. It’s a fascinating tale of struggle and adventure as recorded their detailed journals. At Great Falls they encountered, not only one, but five waterfalls. These were a formidable barrier that they had to portage around and it took them the better part of a month. By the next winter they had reached the Pacific Ocean after crossing the continental divide and making their way down the Columbia River. We spent the better part of the morning listening to stories and reading the displays and made it only half way through. The road was calling.

SHELBY - Subway and Coffee

We have a tradition of eating at Subway at least once on every road trip, and we found one in Shelby. Another favourite thing to do on road trips is find unique coffee shops and this one was one of the cutest we saw on our trip.

Montana to Alberta

COALDALE - Full Circle

We have come full circle. We spent the night relaxing and debriefing with our good friends Dennis and Irene. They were the folks we camped with at the very beginning of the trip. It was wonderful to enjoy their hospitality and just leave the trailer on the street.