April 25,26, 27, 28 2013

Thursday April 25, 2013
Today we re-grouped and did some chores around the house.   Laundry,cleaning, went to the store to re-stock, and worked on the blog.   Dennis also gave Buttercup and the Escape a wash.   They were filthy after being at the ranch.  

About 6:00 we headed over to Terri & Kevin's house.   Terri and I hopped in their mini cooper and went to a Stella & Dot party (jewelry) for a few minutes to meet some of her friends, ordered a couple of pizzas, stopped by the store for some wine, went to pick up the pizzas and then back home.   But the neat thing was I got to drive the mini!!!   What a great little car.   So we had a good time sharing more stories and talking about old times!!

Friday April 26, 2013

Slept like a rock - window open with a breeze in my face.   Worked on the blog more this morning.   We were excited because Terri & Kevin were joining us for lunch at the campground.   We had a turkey sandwich, fruit & veggies.   Really enjoyed having them over.   Kevin had to get back to work so they left a little after lunch.   So we jumped on the motorcycle and headed for downtown Dallas.   Checked out where JFK was shot and the "grassy knoll"!!!

6th floor!!

 

Look at the folks and you will see the yellow sign, "The Grass Knoll"

Look at what many folks have done over time, scratched around the word allegedly.

  Also rode over to the SMU (Southern Methodist Univ) to see the newly dedicated George W. Bush Library.   Not open to the public until May, but we were able to snap a few pictures of it.   The day before all 5 living presidents had stood right there.   Was pretty neat!!

When we arrived back at the campground we did a few housekeeping chores and prepared for a late dinner at a sushi restaurant with Kevin and Terri. Another treat was we got to meet their daughter, Emily and her husband Brian.   They met us at the restaurant after driving up from Austin . An experience for both of us. The food was great - we will definitely be finding a good sushi place in Richmond!!!  Danny, David, and Doug, Dennis' three brothers will be up for that, as will my son, Kevin. Had a wonderful time!!

 Thanks Terri & Kevin!!!

 Emily and Brian - it was so nice to meet you!!

 

OH we forgot to add our waiter to the blog, We promised him we would so he took this picture. To much Saki!!!!!

Also, wanted to to say hi to Amanda (Terri & Kevin's other daughter) & Happy Birthday!!   Next time we hope to meet Michael & Tess - congrats on your engagement!!!

What a great family - so glad we've stayed friends over all these years!!!

Back at the campground by about 11 and off to bed. Hope to get up the next morning and hit the road by 10 at the latest. Headed to Amarillo which is about 450 miles.


Saturday April 27, 2013

On the road by 9:50 and took a couple of back highways to Amarillo. Beautiful country with different landscapes. Had our usual lunch at the refueling stop and continued to make progress on the road. Dennis was getting a little sleepy, as usual, so I took the plunge.

 

No this is not Robin, its our dog that goes with us when ever we are on the road. His name is Smokey! and he loves to laugh!!!!

 

He pulled off and now I was in control of "Buttercup". I wouldn't let him know but I was scared to death and didn't want to hurt Buttercup so I was very gentle and only went about 55 mph.

 

 

 

 

 I actually drove for about an hour while Dennis shut his eyes. As I was saying, beautiful scenery so I kept saying "LOOK", so he didn't close his eyes too much. We saw lots of trains hauling coal and freight. I made him take a lot of pictures.

Well I passed the test and pulled off the road about 30 miles outside of Amarillo. Dennis took over and we arrived at the campground about 5:30, got settled and checked in at the office.

Met the hostess who was just as sweet as she could be. She told us about a few things to see and when Dennis heard her say something about the "best hamburger ever", his eyes lit up. The Golden Light Cafe was a hole in the wall on the famous Route 66 in town.

 We sat at the bar and ordered a couple of special cheeseburgers, a Harley and a Gooney. A  couple of Shinner Bock's, the Texas beer of choice, we ordered and watched the cooks prepare the burgers. Yep, full of grease, it was okay because we had had sushi the night before so it all balances out in the end.

 

 

Walked down Rt. 66 and took some pictures then back to the campground.

 Right beside the campground was a Drive In theater. Well Dennis got a wild hair and said let's go do it. So we popped some popcorn, got some left over cake from the fridge, two pillows, and a couple of bottles of water and went to the drive in. It was 9 pm before the first one started.

 

 

 Yes a double feature, a bargain for sure, well maybe. The first movie was the new Tom Cruise movie, Oblivian  and the second one was Scary Movie 5.
                                

 It might be one of the all time stupidest movies we've ever have seen. Worst than the one Dennis saw with Chad and Scott, Hey Dude Who Stole My Car. Anyway it was after 12:30 before the second movie had ended and we were both exhausted. Sleep by 1:00 am for sure. Who would have thought we would be in Amarillo, Texas watching a double feature at the local drive in. It's what we do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday April 28, 2013

Thought I might sleep a little later this morning, but was up at 6:30.   Tried to be quiet so Dennis could get his beauty sleep!!    Once "His Highness" got up I started some laundry.   Then about 10:30 we hopped on the motorcycle for a ride to Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

 

                                      



  Beautiful day but the wind about blew us off the road on the way there.   But we were really blown away by the canyon!!    Awesome doesn't even describe it!!    Is the 2nd largest canyon compared to the Grand Canyon.   Rode down a steep and winding road snapping pictures left and right.   Also, holding on for dear life!!    Got down to the bottom and rode all the way to the end.

 

 Found a nice covered picnic table and laid out our feast of a turkey sandwich, chips, orange slices, and plenty of water.   Of course I had a small bag of oreos and animal crackers, so you know who was happy!!   With full stomachs, we set off into the wilderness.

 

Up and down the trails watching for snakes and prickly bushes. The views were like a postcard - everywhere we looked was just beautiful!! No telling how many pictures we took.

 

Dennis marked the trail so we would not get lost. It is an old Indian way of marking trails by putting stones on top of each other and pointing the top rock in the direction of the trail. We learned about this when we were Maine last year.  A real Daniel Boone for sure, he such a great guy! 

 

 

 

 

 

.    Made it back to the bike and traveled up the rode a bit to another hiking area with a lot of rocks.   Instead of going up the "marked" trail we decide to take another route.   Up and up through rocky terrain.   I almost chickened out a couple of times, but Dennis put his hand out and pulled me up.    After almost having a nervous breakdown - we finally make it back down with no broken bones with Dennis' expert climbing skills :)).

   By then we were hot, tired and ready to hit the road for home.

Made it back in one piece.   Cleaned up our shoes that had gotten dirty on the hikes, put all our stuff away and Dennis gave Buttercup's face a good washing.   Then my wonderful husband cooked dinner AND did the dishes while I blogged and did more laundry!!   He's gone outside now to trim his hair - must be nice.  Wish I could do that -  I'll probably have my hair in a ponytail by the time we get back :)).  
Taking it easy - no movies tonight and early to bed.   It's off to New Mexico tomorrow.    Later...........   

Robin & Dennis     
   

April 21,22,23,24  2013


Sunday April 21

We left San Antonio about 11 am and headed to Bandera, the Capital of Cowboy country. We found a place called Rancho Cortez on the Internet. It's a dude ranch!!  It was advertised as a place to ride horses and gives you that old wild wild west feel. It was an experience just getting there. The roads got narrow and rough the closer we got to the ranch. On the way we saw some horses and long horn cattle.

 Once we arrived at the ranch it was a real rough road so Dennis went very slow, not sure the speedometer would even register he was going so slow. Got settled on our campsite.   No cell phone service  but could get wi-fi down near the mess hall.

 

 

Oh boy it was time to ride so we put our jeans, our cowboy and cowgirl boots.   Went down to the corral and hopped on our horses.   Yee haw!!!

 

 

 Then we hit the trail.  What a gorgeous place with plenty of trails. About 300 acres to ride on.

 

 After the ride, the owner of the property, Larry Cortez, let me get on a horse and put me in the ring so I could practice some more. He was so funny as he tried to teach me the proper way to ride. Dennis could not stop laughing, not at me but at Larry. A true cowboy teaching a city slicker for sure. My butt was getting sore already so I stopped and let Dennis take a turn. Dennis's older brother Doug had taught us the basic skills on riding so we both looked pretty good compared to the other guest.

                                       

 Also, met Larry's daughter, KD.   Senior in high school and is also a champion horse barrel racer.   She had a dog named Lacy, a blue heeler, who liked to boss the other animals around.

  Then there was Dixie.   The cutest little puppy you ever wanted to meet.

 

 

 

 

Now its time to lasso. This took some practice for sure. The rope is stiff because it is wound backwards. We both finally were able to rope the plastic cow head but I think the real cows are safe.

 

We have a short video of Robin trying to lasso, we shall show it later.

Time for dinner, 6 pm sharp every day. We mosied on down to the dining room for some vittles. Not bad, turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, vegetables, salad and some good ole sweet tea.. Brownies for dessert, and all was tasty. The chef was a little cranky so the other guest and us named him "Old Cranky Pants".   He was a good cook, but Chad, I think you could show him a thing or two for sure!!!!!!

 

After dinner we all hopped in the back of two old pickup trucks for a short ride over to feed the Texas Longhorns and one heifer.   Boy, they were something to see!!   Tyler, the resident cowboy, brought feed and spread it out on the ground for them to eat.   So while they were busy eating, we were busy taking pictures.  Definitely had to watch where you stepped, if you know what I mean.

 Even got to sit on the big heifer.   What a hoot!!

Ride'em cowboy!!!

Got back in one piece and by then it was time for the campfire.   Larry, the owner had a buddy come out about 8 pm with his guitar and played for 2 hours as we sat around the campfire. The guest were 5 ladies from Italy, a family of four from Canada( Patrick, Marie, Laurie and Thomas), Ed and Suzanne from Dallas, Nancy and Susan from New Hampshire, Larry, and the singer, I W, and his wife.
Sang some old country songs and roasted marshmallows for s'more's.  Danced a little under the stars and the moon.  Was a perfect night to end a perfect day.

 

 

 

Monday April 22, 2013

Well, howdy partner!!   Up bright and early for our 8:00 breakfast.     Dennis was happy with the food except for the big bowl of oatmeal.   As you know, not his favorite.   But he chowed down on a fried egg sandwich with ham.   Then it time for our 9:00 ride.  Saw a couple of road runners, but did not see Wile E Coyote!!   Weather was a little cool and misty but not bad.   Made it back without falling off the horse.  Was a great ride.   Was so good that Dennis decided to go on the 10:00 ride too!!   Very laid back atmosphere.

 

 

 

  After his ride we took a hike up the hill to try to get phone service.   Dennis got hold of Chad for a bit.   At the top there was a fitness area we checked out.

  Then back down the trail just in time for lunch at 12:00.   You sure don't go hungry around this place.   Chicken & gravy, cauliflower, potato salad, regular salad and a yummy homemade apple cobbler for dessert.   Before we knew it, it was ride time again - 1:00.   Sun came out and had warmed up.   Not a cloud in sight.   Another good ride with no incident!!

 

 

 

 

 

 About 3:00 Dennis took another ride (definitely getting our moneys worth).    Was a small group so they went way up in the hills where it was quite rocky he said.


  Then we relaxed a while with a glass of wine by Buttercup watching Tyler bring a big bale of hay to the horses.    They were hungry from a long day of lugging us all around on the trail rides!!.

   So guess what - it's dinner time again - 6:00.   Tonight Chef Patrick made a great dinner - beef brisket, baked beans, potato salad, regular salad and a chocolate bread pudding with a whiskey butter sauce - was to die for!!!    After dinner we all piled into the old pickups for our trip over to feed the longhorns again.   We were just as amazed as the first time we saw them.   Took a few more pictures but kept our distance!!

  Then back to the ranch for our campfire and s'mores.  That day we were joined by two Australian guys who had never had them before, so we showed them the ropes!!   They were telling us their funny stories about their adventures in America.  All the other folks were there too.   We all just sat around sharing tales about our different trips.   But about 10:00 we had some excitement!!!!   One of the ranch hands had put a mare in the corral with the males!!!   Not a good idea - guess she had had enough and came busting through the wire fence over by the barn not far from where we were by the campfire.   We heard all this commotion and saw her go bolting by.   We jumped up and several people went to catch the mare, and we went to check on the fence.   About a 30 foot section of wire fence was on the ground.   Got some flashlights and Dennis proceeded to start "shuring up" the fence.   Of course, you know him, he was loving every minute of it.   Had to improvise with things from around the ranch to prop what was left of the fence so all the other horses wouldn't get out.    Even wheeled over a big trailer beside it to help keep them in for the night.

 The others caught the mare and got her into a separate pen for the night.    Guess this was our "western excitement" the brochure had mentioned!!!     After it was all over we were exhausted and it was off to bed!!   Goodnight and sleep tight!

Tuesday - April 23, 2013

Morning sure came early, but we didn't want to miss our 8:00 breakfast on our last day at the ranch.
Had scrambled eggs, hash browns & ham.   Then on to our last 9:00 ride.   Had a big group as a lot of us were leaving that morning.   Went over to see the mare that had broken loose last night.   She had cuts on her chest and legs, but wasn't too bad thank goodness.   Our final ride was a good one, up in the hills with parts up and down rocky cliffs.   But our horses were surefooted and made the way with no problems.

   Got back, packed up, and said our goodbyes to everyone.  What a great time!!!

   Left there about 11:00.   Made a stop in Bandera, TX - Cowboy Capital of the World.   Ate lunch at the OST "Old Spanish Trail" restaurant.   Had a lot of western charm with pictures of John Wayne and Roy Rogers all over the place.   Even the bar had horse saddles to sit on instead of regular seats.   Food was good!!   "Doc" from San Antonio had told us about the place.   Neat place!!   Went through a few shops and then hit the road.

 

   Stopped for the night just a little past Waco, TX.   As you will remember, just near Waco is a town called West.   This was where the fertilizer plant had that big explosion.   Well it is still all over the news down here, so we got set up for the night, unhitched the car and rode over to West about 5 miles up the road.   Boy, what a sad sight it was.   Got to drive through the town and neighborhoods that had been affected.   State Troopers were everywhere blocking the areas closest to the blast site.   But we did get to see a lot of homes that had there windows and garage doors blown out.   Most everybody's windows were boarded up and the houses had been marked with a big X or marked OK.   The high school was a disaster - also got to see from a distance what we believed to be the blast site and that apartment building they showed on the news.

 We ate dinner in town at Wild Bill's Outlaw Steakhouse and heard quite a few residents in there talking about what had happened.   Also saw many out of town firemen helping out, ATF agents, disaster relief trucks offering showers and saw a line of people at one of church's which we think was a viewing for one of the first funerals they were going to have the next day.    Our hearts just went out to all the people in this town after seeing what they had been through.

Wednesday April 24, 2013

Slept till 7:45 which is late for me.   I'm sure Dennis loved it that I wasn't up at the crack of dawn.   Must have been exhausted.   Breakfast was "on the house" at this campground which was really nice!!   Then it was on the road again towards Coppell, TX - just a couple miles north of Dallas.  We are visiting here to see one of my best friends, Terri and her husband Kevin.   Terri and I grew up together until her family moved to Florida when we were in the 10th grade.   But we've kept up with each other ever since!!  

While on the road, Kevin - my son, had just been in Austin for his buddies bachelor party and we passed right by the hotel he stayed at a couple days earlier.   Just think, we could have crashed the party.   I know Kevin would have loved that!!

  

We did make one stop on the way.   One of the couples we had met at the ranch, Ed & Suzanne, own a bakery called the "The Lovin Oven" in Lancaster, TX - do we decided to take a quick detour and check it out.   Cutest little place you've ever seen in the historic town square of Lancaster.

  The owners left the ranch the same time we did, but went on down to San Antonio for a few days, so Dennis had one of the employees call him to let him know we were there.   He told them to let us have whatever we wanted.   That was a dangerous offer especially since they had these big chocolate chip cookies, and you know Dennis and chocolate!!   So he got two cookies for his sample and I got a cannoli.   We also bought a couple of others things too!!   Yum Yum!

Then we got back on track towards "Big D"!!

Got to our campground, Sandy Lake RV Resort, about 3:30.    Got set up and headed over to Terri & Kevin's home.   Went to a great Tex Mex place called Anamia's in Coppell.

  Had some margaritas and fajitas.   Caught up with all that had been going on with Terri & Kevin.   Was great to see them!!   Terri and I used to spend the night with each other - eat pop tarts and make chocolate chip pancakes.   Great memories!!!   Was back at home by about 10:00.    What a fun night!!                 

      More Later................................

Robin & Dennis