If you think our TS Club Members are not tough—just consider the adverse conditions that we faced in getting to and attending this Rally!  Not only is Texas in the midst of the worst drought in its recent history, temps have been in the 100's for several weeks.  On the road to Canyon, James and I had a blown hose, which delayed us three hours.  The Christians, the Bertelsens, and the Waters did not even make it the whole way to the rally due to an accident, a truck malfunction and health issues, respectively. 

So, you may be surprised to hear how much fun we had!  Sue and Joe Moore had planned this event so thoroughly that it went off without a single hitch.  Bobby and Nancy Skinner, the Moores, and Teddy and Susan Kercher made the 10% grade and camped in the Palo Duro State Park, in the Sagebrush Campground.  We all attended a hamburger cookout with them there on Monday evening.  In addition to the beautiful canyon walls, we saw 4 wild turkeys, several longhorn cattle and a coyote running as fast as his legs could carry him. 

We were extremely delighted to be joined by Clarence and Jean Zabel, who are former members from Oklahoma who came down to the rally to visit old friends and meet new ones.  The rest of us (Smith, Brian, Cook, Butaud, Brandon, Bobo, Odom and Moreau) stayed “up top” at the Palo Duro RV Park.  The extra 2 days of the gathering gave some of us an opportunity to see some of the many sites and scenery prior to the planned activities of the rally beginning.  In our case, since we had two of our grandchildren (Nathan and Gracie Porter) along, we got to go to Splash, the waterpark in Amarillo, as well as the Amarillo Zoo.  (And I would recommend both.)  In addition, we drove out I-40 to the Cadillac Ranch, where the freshly painted Cadillacs were “tagged” with spray paint by a new round of tourists and the kids loved this!  We heard about a Cadillac Club which arrived shortly after we were there and caused quite a wonderful commotion showing off their old restored automobiles.  We saw them later driving around Canyon.  They were making a drive down the Historic Route 66 and enjoying it immensely!  Sue and Joe finished off Tuesday evening by furnishing pulled pork sliders, supplemented by a pot luck dinner.

On Wednesday, we got our information packets, signed in and shared lasagna, salad, corn, garlic bread and cheesecake.  We all shared war stories of flood and fire, etc. since we were last together, and, of course, some card games and dominoes were played.  Bill Bobo commented that he used 2 tanks of gas to drive up here and play dominoes with the same guys he plays with in West Monroe, LA! 

Thursday began with Polk and Linda's famous french toast for breakfast, after which we all went our separate ways.  Some went to Herrington House in the historical district.  Others took jeep or truck rides through the back roads of Palo Duro Canyon before coming back to camp to rest up for our big evening at the “Texas” show in the Canyon.  You are able to see magnificent views of the Canyon right from your automobile on the same trails used by the Apache, Comanche, and Spanish many years earlier.  The color is amazing.  The signature formation is the Lighthouse Rock.

We all drove together to the show “Texas” and were able to take a backstage tour prior to the fabulous meal prepared by the famous Big Texan Restaurant of steak, potatoes, salad, fruit and peach pie.  The laser show in the finale was awesome!

On Friday, a cool front came through and our temperatures went from 102 degrees to 68 degrees in a matter of hours.  It was heavenly.  After a delicious breakfast, we carpooled to the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum—an interactive museum that is called the “Smithsonian of the West”.  We then went downtown to the courthouse square where they were having “Tunes at Noon”, and we enjoyed music by West Texas Town and Gown orchestra while eating a picnic lunch on the ground!  Afterward, we took photos of Tex Randall, the tallest Texan ever, soaring over 47' high.  He was built in 1959 as an icon for a western store.  Some went to a great fried fish dinner, recommended by Joe, while others cooked at camp. 

On Saturday, after biscuits and gravy, we took it easy (Wal-mart, laundry, RV repair, truck fueling, etc.)  We got back together for dinner.  Wow!  Barbecue brisket, potato salad, beans, and Texas Sheet Cake!  …More visiting and early to bed in order to leave early on Sunday morning.  There are warnings of high wind and high temps and fire danger AGAIN so we are all anxious to start the drive home. So after muffins and coffee we said goodbye until we meet again in Chama, NM.  See you all there!

By: Gail Smith

Photo Credits: Linda Brian and Susan Kercher