
A small town right out of a
Norman Rockwell painting.
Southwest USA
Retirement Trip
September 2019
29 Days – 6,500 Miles – 19 States – 7 National Parks
Several State Parks – 6,000+ Photos
1 Trillion Insects Squished by Windshield
From 108 Degrees to Snow
From 282 Feet Below Sea Level to 12,000+ Feet
Bison, Elk, Prairie Dogs, Lizards, Wild Horses
Elvis, Aliens, John Wayne Westerns
Walking In The Footsteps of Forrest Gump
And More!

Caprock Canyons State Park, Texas


At one time, I’m sure this was right out of a Norman Rockwell painting.





You miss scenes like this on the interstate. That’s why we prefer 2-lane roads.




They are rightfully proud of their hometown son.
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Wills
Listen to Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUrhgb13ft4

The sign by the entrance told us this might be interesting!

For just $5, you get a pass to drive the 10-mile loop through the park. Good deal!







After a quick photo, we quickly turned around to find a safe place to park.


As we were leaving the park, we stopped at JB’s BBQ.
We wondered if they had bison BBQ, but they don’t.



You know what they say about first impressions.
Luckily, the scenery improves after the next few miles.
CLOVIS, NEW MEXICO

They are a looking glass to the past.

The only thing missing is the young boy rushing out to fill your tank and wash your windshield so you don’t even have to get out of the car.






When we left Germany in 2003, we were told we were being sent here. In fact, they initially shipped our household goods here. Then, at the last minute, they changed our orders to Scott AFB, IL (where we were just a few days ago on this trip). We’ve always been curious what it would have been like. Well, quite different from the farmland of Illinois!

One nice benefit of being a retired Master Sergeant (E-7).

After a walk over to the Base Exchange, we settled in for a good night’s sleep.
Tomorrow, we visit the aliens at Roswell and see more of New Mexico. See you tomorrow!
Mileage Today: 283 Miles
Trip Total: 1,707 Miles