For the next few days, I hung out with Dave, Betty and Don and we explored that which only West Texas can offer, like the esoteric Cadillac Ranch for one!
Don generously offered to drive me around to see the sights, which was perfect so we could talk and I was able to garnish the font of historic information he supplied. First on the agenda was Cadillac Ranch.
For those that don’t know about Cadillac Ranch, it was a public art installation created in 1974 in the heart of the hippie movement. Chip Lord, Hudson Marquez and Doug Michels buried 10 Cadillac cars of varying years face down in the soil at the same corresponding angle as the Great Pyramid of Giza. Through the years, the cars have undertaken a more public art following with participatory painting of the cars, symbolizing segments of pop culture, including political support. It is truly a perfect example of post modern culture!
Here’s Don making his contribution! I believe some of you might recognize his tag!
I have no idea what I am saying here, but I bet it’s got nothing to do with cars!
Another Stanley Marsh vision…he was a man of many comedies!
From Cadillac Ranch we went to visit historic 6th St. in Amarillo. First stop was for a BLT and fries, at a old skool biker hangout. Then onto see the ìNatî which is an historic building that began as a public swimming pool which was then covered to make a dance floor. Think of the pool in It’s a Wonderful Life! Now it has incarnated to an antique mall, with lots to look at, but we were trying to cram so much into one day, including Pala Duro Canyon, that we had to run.
The Nat in its hayday.
An item from the interior stores of the Nat. Hmmmm, i’m just not sure…
More Stanley Marsh humor. These signs that he called, ìDynamite Museumî which were mock traffic signs. This was one of my favorites that we saw.
We went on over to the Santa Fe building to meet Don’s sis. The building was built in the 20s and has some cool architecture, but I had to chuckle as I got lots of shots but non of the outside whole building.
Everything was brass and marble and lovely!
The view from Don’s sis’s office.
Speaking of…
Ok…i have the KZ650 with the frame for the old vetter fairing. As ugly as it is, I believe I need to find one to bolt back on my Kawi. Not sure that Gary would agree. ; )
The RV Museum was next!
And Don’s Bronson bike was the highlight! I’d love to ride that baby.
The museum interior was set up with actual props. Darned cool!
I had never seen one of these. So were they used at a drive-in movie??
Nice reflection of one who doesn’t smoke! Love the “see you in church” motto.
What came first the cigs or the patch kit?
Don seeing if he could remember what it felt like riding the Bronson bike.
When we realized it was just too late to go to Palo Duro Canyon, we went to visit Don’s mom see some amazing paintings by Carl Smith and then proceeded to Don’s to see Harley, his injured kitty and the best museum of all, Don’s shop!
This kitty pix broke my heart. Harley is a doll and whoever hurt him be damned.
Wish he had been in better focus. My photo skills be damned! ; )
Don’s beautiful 1946 Indian
Some of the shop goodies!
What a little gem…
Wow, a bike for you and 10 of your best friends!!
The Maytag
Wow…this is certainly photo full. I need to get this onto my blog now and that will take a bit, then onward to Palo Duro Canyon with Don and Dave before I need to take back to the road heading west!
After a rousing look at the Presidential debate and a some guest commentary, and a few episodes of “Our Gang” which seemed appropriate, we retired and decided to spend the following day touring Palo Duro Canyon via automobile. Rain, was predicted although it never really rained until the evening, when the Peckerhead gathering was in full swing. The day held clouds and together in Dave’s car, we talked about the amazing history of the canyon, the sad fate of the American Indians and the lovely country we were viewing. We even got to see some male tarantellas seeking mates and some beautiful birds.
Here is my first view of the canyon with Dave and Don along the rim.
We watched a video on the history of the Comanche in the canyon which was both educational and sad. I am constantly amazing at how poorly we treated the indigious peoples of this vast county.
Closer in the canyon.
The visitor center.
Down in the canyon, Dave showed us a bird blind that was built by volunteers he being one of them. I patiently awaited some birds to photograph and was richly rewarded by this female Cardinal and her mate in the trees in the background.
Isn’t she lovely?
Sprucing up for her mate.
And here he is…
After Dave and Don were becoming bored with my hiding in the blind we got back on the road taking us farther into the canyon and found this guy crossing the pavement.
Dave actually asked if I wanted to hold the “lil’ fella” for which I quickly responded, “are you kidding me????”
A few random canyon shots.
Loved all the sunflowers.
Dave enjoying the cloudy sky without a breeze anywhere!
I wonder who stacked these here?
Heading out of the park we were treated to some golden umber shades of fall.
We barely got home in time to prepare for the Peckerheads, a local motorcycle riding group who were to arrive at 6. Neither Dave nor Don had heard much except for a couple of calls where guys were either sick or previously engaged. It was a sparse but lively group that night and sadly I didn’t get my camera out for the rain and the company. We had a great night of storytelling, some more randy than others, but all very entertaining!! I was definitely going to miss these peckerheads!!
The following morning, I packed the bike heading across West Texas and into New Mexico in some of the most windy riding ever. On to see friends in Truth or Consequences, NM