The Western Part of the Harley Trip

After a stop-over in Tulsa to visit some cruising friends of Paddy's and traveling on the famous Route 66, we rushed on to Texas.  This was the first part of the trip I was able to ride in a short-sleeved top.  The wind was blowing and it was HOT.  You could see the sand blowing right for us. I was hanging on tight, squinting and trying to avoid smiling for concern of sand in my teeth!  Arrived in Amarillo (now that's an exciting place?!?!?) just as the sun was setting and fortunately the winds had calmed down.  Larry and Rudy were about a day ahead of us and had been in Amarillo the night before........"have dinner at the Big Texan - it's an experience".  Ah, yes it was.  There was taxidermy art on all the walls hanging high over head.  There wasn't a critter that was overlooked.  If you choose to accept the challenge of eating a 72 oz. steak along with all the fixings in under an hour, then you get it for FREE vs. $$$.  But of course you are sitting in the center of the dining room on a raised platform with the eyes of all the other patrons on you along with Management.  I choose the prime rib and it was yummy!  Paddy had a Large steak that he enjoyed.

Next morning, we are up bright and early to catch up with the Johnson boys who are now in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  When we pulled into the Harley dealership there, it was sleeting!  That's the white stuff in my helmet and on the bike.

After a chilly ride north to the Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino we discovered that there was @ $5 million in art throughout the hotel.  Some of the art work was different and strange, while most of it was typical of this part of the country with the First Nations style.  Glass, feathers, fibers, and baskets were on display along with this one-eyed alien-looking dude.

   Central Plaza, Taos, New Mexico.

 Next stop - the magnificent Grand Canyon.  You can take all the pictures you want, they just don't do the views justice.  If you've never been - put it on your bucket list.

                                           

Paddy's sister Lynne and her husband Jason who live in Alaska, have just finished building a vacation home south of the Grand Canyon and north of Williams, Arizona.  It's off the grid!!  Meaning they are totally self-sufficient.  There are 12 solar panels that supply all the electricity, and they have water delivered when needed.  Yes, they do have all the conveniences - dishwasher, washer, dryer, air conditioning, etc.  Stacks of fire wood will feed the wood burning stove for heat.

                  In Sedona with sisters Diane and Lynne.  It was great to spend some time with them.

 Last stop, Palm Springs.  We arrived at Larry's on May 13th, after 13 days and 3,200 miles on the road.  I had a great time and I'm ready to jump back on that bike!