A Day in the Life

Everyday is different, but this is an example of what we do.

Our day started in Snyder, Texas where I discovered squeezable peanut butter (whoever invented this is a genius), Cracker Jill (What happened to Jack?!?), and dog-sized bags of cereal (do Texas children eat from bowls on the ground?). 

We got our groceries and headed north to Lubbock. I had arranged for us to meet George Bush. As you all know, the great and honorable George hails from the state of Texas. I was excited at the chance to meet this icon and knew it was probably my only chance. One child was mortified, but I was in full excitement for this moment. The Bush was indeed iconic and I am forever grateful to have been in this inspiring presence. I snagged a picture and will always giggle when I look at it. It brings me forever joy.

                                                            

We then headed to the UPS store to mail back souvenirs and sent back two hunks of cement. Loren asked me to get insurance, but how do you insure priceless pieces of history from a landmark that has yet to be officially named? When the clerk asked me how much, all these hypothetical and philosophical scenarios raced through my head and I replied with "$100?". Of course Loren disagreed, but I wasn't sure how to explain to the man that priceless items were being shipped back in a sad and dilapidated cardboard box. His brain may have exploded from the paradox, and I decided to save a life today.

After, we headed up to Amarillo and stopped at Combine City to witness the boredom and artistic creativity of a farmer with dead combines. It blew my mind. The kids thought there should be more combines. I disagreed.

We then headed to Ozymandias of the Plains, but took a quick right turn when we saw signs for Shark Beach. SCREEEEECH! Well, as much as a loaded minivan with a Thule on top can do. We stopped by for some fries and fresh cherry-lime sodas and went surfing on Amarillo's most original beaches. We met the owner and quickly learned his story. He had temporarily moved there before the pandemic to sell some inherited property, but quickly realized moving back wasn't an option when lockdown occurred. His wife desperately missed the beach and surfing, so you know what, he brought the beach to her. It's an amazing place and a venue for concerts in the area.



                                                    

We then headed to Ozymandias on the Plains which was constructed as an homage to a poem written by Percey Shelley:

I met a traveller from an antique land Who said: Two vast and trunkless legs of stone Stand in the desert… And on the pedestal these words appear: ‘My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings, Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair!’

These legs are a bit of a mystery and the origin is different depending on who and when you talk to people. I love history mysteries and this is something I may look into in the future.


We couldn't leave Amarillo without heading to Cadillac Ranch. This place is the most Route 66 thing one can do. It's multiple Cadillacs that were buried into the ground about 50 years ago. I had high hopes and we came prepared with spray paint. We had actually been there about 15 years ago and my memory of this place is different than the current state of affairs. 15 years ago, we were the only people there. We drove right up and tagged some cars with leftover paint that someone had left behind. It was isolating and communal all at the same time. We were part of something bigger than our small lives and left our mark for future generations to come and mark over ours. It felt majestic. 
Currently, it's a small tourist attraction with small crowds gathered to awe in the unique artistic creation. As much I selfishly wished to keep it to ourselves, I was happy that the larger world was able to enjoy in this life oddity. More and more people need to see things done for the pure joy of it. This was a creation that was originally made with zero financial profit expected. That part has changed, but at least it's not Disneyland. It's still just a magical place that doesn't follow the rules. They did it because they wanted to, and that is the best reason one can have.
                                                          
We couldn't end the day without a gas refill and rest stop food fun. We picked up some food at a diner where I indulged in chicken fried steak (I later fully regretted it while I nauseously sweated in our overheated room). I did enjoy the free car museum and decided to one day actualize my dream of a 1959 corvette. If you dream it, it will come. I also indulged in the hobby of "browse the local snacks". My favorite today was pickle flavored cotton candy. It just seems wrong. No one ever said "Man, I wish my cotton candy tasted like a pickle."
                                                            
We couldn't end our day without a classic Route 66 motel experience. We stayed at the Roadrunner Lodge and sweated our night away as the air conditioning took a LOOOOOOONG time to cool the room. Still a great day despite the sticky bedtime snooze.


One day in the vast array of days for us on this trip. Some days are uneventful with long chunks of driving and minimal stops. No matter how much or how little we do, we always have a moment of "Wow, how lucky are we to be here?".















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