Showers in the AM but we were up early and enjoying the rolling ranchland. Most fields had a mix of cattle, horses and donkeys. Don't know why so many donkeys? Route 377 back to 82 through Wichita Falls, then Route 287 to Vernon, TX. Joe finally got to walk into the Vernon Auto Group which was a hyper busy place. In addition to an onsite sales force and huge service facility, they had staff at banks of phones taking truck orders from all over the USA. They are one of the largest Ford dealer in the country. Joe wanted to look at a moose guard, more commonly known in Texas as a cattle guard. He says if we do make Alaska it will help protect the front of the truck from road rock damage. Unfortunately, even though they had what he wanted in stock, they didn't have the bolt kit for a F450. Nice chunk of change not spent! The woman running the service department directed us to a local Mexican restaurant for lunch, Mestizo. We were disappointed in that it wasn't any different then what we can get in Maine so either ME Mexican is good or this one wasn't. We'll try again as we wend our way further west.
Route 287 went to Route 86, a two lane road with a 75 mile an hour speed limit !!! We were comfortable at about 60mph but the few people on the road who passed us always tipped their hat. This is a lot of land and few people. We stopped in Turkey, TX and walked around the tiny town which was having a Bob Wills and The Texas Playboys festival. He is a locally famous country western singer. Lots of real cowboys in their work gear, not fancy boots and hats and a huge smoker roasting what looked like a side of beef. They were dancing the Texas two step and having a great time. We didn't stay for the evening activities but went on to Quitaque.
Texas is windy and we were caught up in several large dust devils that were coming across freshly plowed fields. We had been averaging 10.8mph but this last leg dropped us to 10.6mpg. You can't go uphill against a strong wind and keep the mileage. Most of the trees are permanently bent at the tops.
Our goal today was Caprock Canyons State Park in order to walk the three mile rim trail. Since it is currently 6:30PM and it is still 89F degrees we will get up early and do it tomorrow. These two Mainieacs don't do 90 degree heat well. We did drive the scenic loop but didn't spot any of the resident Bison herd. The campsite has water and power and yes, we are using electricity for the AC. $20 for the site plus a Texas Park Pass. I have a feeling it will be pitch black in here tonight and we'll take a walk on the site roads to see the stars.
There are good exhibits on bison, geology and the use of early Indians and settlers of the land. At least Joe found one bison.
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