Wednesday

Our last day was fabulous - we went out & about showing Robyn and Fiona some sights of Grapevine! We went to breakfast at IHOP, shopped at Walmart and then on to Cracker Barrel for Halloween treats! Next to Grapevine Mills for a quick stop at Samsonite (yep - needed another bag!) then to the Bass Pro Shop! Oh we had a lovely time in there - looking at the 'stuffed' animals, what you can buy and clothing! Next we went to the Gaylord Texan Hotel at Grapevine to show Fiona and Robyn how beautiful the hotels are! Whew....! We were busy! Dave decided we needed a mexican treat before retiring to our hotel - so off to Cozymel's for fajitas. It was a hot day so the margaritas went down realllllly well!

Back to our hotel - pack and shower. We left at about 5pm. It was very sad leaving Robyn and Fiona - we've had such fun! Found our way back to the airport and the car rental return. It's hard not feeling sad and depressed when arriving at the Qantas Club to await our flight - even with the beautiful sunset!

16 hr flight back to Brisbane. We departed at just after 10pm - the flight attendants served the evening meal and it was lights out. Dave and I slept really well for about 8 hrs. It was nice to land in Brisbane at 5am. We were home by just after 7am. Asha dog was very pleased to see us! No more adventures to tell from Dallas...... oh well, until next time.........!

Downtown Dallas! (Tuesday)

We decided to go downtown today. It took a fair bit of planning and research to work out how to get there using public transport! We took the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) which was a new-looking, quick rail and the station was in Irving! $7 return - we thought it was great!

Upon arrival, we located the Tourist Info Centre and a map. We went 'The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza'.

The permanent exhibition examines the life, death and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. The exhibit features films, historic footage, and hundreds of photographs and artifacts that chronicle Kennedy's 1960 presidential campaign and his influence on current events. The sniper's perch and storage space where a rifle was found remain preserved as they appeared on that fateful day. Also on display are cameras that captured Kennedy's motorcade on film, a scale model of Dealey Plaza created by the FBI for the Warren Commission investigation and much more.

We paid $13.50 entry into the museum. A man gave us an audio set and headphones - this provided an explanation of the exhibits, and also featured historic radio broadcasts and the voices of reporters, police and witnesses to the assassination.

We walked through at our own pace - we were surprised that we took 1.5 hours! It was interesting and then emotional (even for a foreigner like me) - Fiona and I agreeing that we felt such compassion for his wife, Jacqui and how on earth she coped with that day. The museum was fairly busy but more people lined up when we were leaving - so still today, the episode of Kennedy's fateful trip to Dallas is of interest to people.

Outside we looked at the grassy knoll and took pictures - David is standing next to the roadway where Kennedy was in the car when the shots rang out and you can see the bookstore building behind and the window where Lee Harvey Oswald was sitting.

It was quite sobering. We left and walked up Main St looking for a spot of lunch. David sniffed out a great lunch venue - 'The Iron Cactus' mexican restaurant. We settled in there and had a round of margaritas to cheer ourselves up before devouring a delicious meal.

Back to Irving on the TRE and home via a few quick stops - one of which was the local gas station - Krispy Kreme donuts are 97c! (not quite as good as the bargain I got one time, they were 67c each or 3 for 99c!!!)

Fort Worth Stockyards District (Monday)

This morning we decided to drive to Stockyards National Historic District in Fort Worth - about 30 miles from Dallas.

'It was once the biggest and busiest cattle, horse, mule, hog and sheep marketing center in the South-west, where more than 160 million head of livestock were sold. Today, the 125 acre Stockyards National Historic District attracts over 2 million visitors a year and is home to restaurants, hotels, saloons, galleries, shopping and family-style entertainment. Take your next trip back in time to Stockyards Station.'

We parked the car for $5 for the whole day. It was pretty quiet when we arrived at almost 11am so we wandered the main street. There were several cowboys and a cowgirl on horseback meandering around and we stopped to look at them (of course). Two of them were quite happy to chat to us and told us about their period costumes, one had an authentic Texan saddle, the other had a Mexican saddle (and pointed out the differences) and they told us about their horses.

At 11.30 was the first (of the twice-daily) longhorn cattle drive, where 'Authentic Fort Worth cowboys drive the herd down Exchange Avenue. Head 'em up and move 'em out.' Loved it - have never seen anything like it! We were standing on the edge of the footpath and the herd moved right by in front of us. We followed the herd around to their holding pen afterwards and learnt a little more about the longhorn breed, each animal has a name and photo on a board. There are 7 different breeds of longhorn and my favourite was the spanish styled with the very curled long horn - and my favourite was 'Sancho'. We found out that the herd animals have been donated from ranches all over the US, and when they are no longer able to participate, they go back to their home ranch to live out their days in pasture. The cowboy was telling us that once upon a time, people could offer to adopt the longhorns in retirement and the waiting list was 600 people long!!! People love 'em!

Wandered the streets and found a recommended cafe for a coffee (and cake) - delicious! We decided to split up and look around. David and I ended up in a store called 'Maverick Fine Western Wear'. I was attracted by something in the window and dragged David in there. Well - what a lovely place inside! Along the left wall, was a very swish looking timber bar - with beer - and a tv showing the football.... that's where the husbands get to sit whilst the ladies shop!!! We looked around and David found a very Texan shirt to try on and he looked so handsome in it, I had to buy it for his Christmas present. At the counter, whilst paying, he met the owner/manager - Sam - and I left to have a look at clothes. Upon my return a few minutes later, David is sitting at the bar, beer in hand - having a lovely chat with Sam! He reckons it was the best place to shop he'd ever been to! Sam was a veritable source of information, we learned a lot. He recommended we eat at H3 restaurant across the road for lunch, because they served food 'Texan style' better than anyone else in the district.

So much happened today, I can't possibly write it all down here. Lunch was excellent, Texan style beef and ribs - complete with a full corn cob in its husk on the plate! The Native American jewellery, pottery and artwork was exceptional - Fiona and Robyn had a ball! We watched the second cattle drive at 4pm before leaving. By this time, there were many more people in the district and we were really glad we'd seen the earlier one, too.

Driving to Fort Worth and back today was a very 'interesting' experience (perhaps I should have said frustrating) with the number of road work detours which our GPS of course, didn't recognize; and then in the afternoon we were battling peak hour traffic as well. So we just turned up the music - 92.5 'Where Cowboys Come to Rock' - until we made it safely to the Grapevine Mills - had to get a few last minute things.

Back in our rooms by 7pm - we had cheese & crackers and wine - I don't think we got to bed before midnight! It was lots of fun! One of the best days ever!!!

To Irving, Texas! (Sunday 25th)

Up early and on the road out of Abilene for a drive of about 140 miles into Irving - one of the suburbs around DFW airport. Roadworks made the trip a bit tricky in places - poor GPS couldn't cope - but we made it in around 1pm.

Fiona and Robyn were waiting for us at the hotel! They'd flown in from Nashville! We spent the afternoon having lunch, driving around - finding Walmart for 'supplies', out to the outlets and then went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner! Oh - and takeaway cheesecake, of course!

Amarillo to Abilene, Texas!

Today we were "up and at 'em" early because we had another day of driving before us - 280 miles to Abilene.

A big Thank you!! to my family and all of my wonderful friends who remembered that today is my birthday! I received lots of emails (some very amusing ones, especially thank you Susan!!) and even phone calls from Australia! - and a card from my husband which fronted with a picture of a 'Holy Cow!' I think as a reminder of all the cattle we have been seeing here in Texas!

The first photo today is what we've been looking at along those 400miles yesterday and 200 miles today.... 600 miles of very flat, very dry plains (Holy Cow!). I have invented new and interesting ways to fill in the time whilst not annoying David - just ask him!.... (I think)

The region is known as the 'llano estacado' - spanish for 'staked plain'. David says he couldn't find in his research the reason for it being named this way. Might have to ask a few locals and see what they have to say....

We stopped in Lubbock for an early lunch. Lubbock's claim to fame is that it was the home of Buddy Holly. There is even a museum here dedicated entirely to him. We really only had time to get some food because we wanted to get to the winery and then on to Abilene. There were lots of people standing outside of Denny's, then we saw a Pancake House across the road and began approaching - only to see people lined up outside it, also. It was about 11am and we couldn't work out why it was so busy? We parked the car and joined the queue - then realised that the people were on their way to the football match! (Come to think of it, we couldn't book accommodation when we were planning the trip either...) The waitress told us that today was also 'Parents' Day' and people were out doing the lunch family thing. I think the staff at the Pancake House were fairly exhausted too!

After lunch, we drove out of Lubbock (Holy Cow!) about 5 miles and found the 'Llano Estacado' winery. Their website is http://www.llanowine.com

David had read about them on their website - they are one of Texas' best - and he noted that their varieties were ones we prefer to quaff.... So we walked in and were offered a wine tour (Holy Cow!) as well as the wine tasting! What could we say but yes.....!

Enjoyed the tour, liked the shirts, savoured the samples, bought a few take-aways..... brilliant! (Do you like my take away box?)

Continued on our journey, arrived in Abilene (Holy Cow!) about 5pm - it was 101 farenheit (38 C?) when we exited the car.... OMG!

Staggered over to 'Outback Steakhouse' restaurant (after the sun went down) for a good steak and Dave enjoyed some ribs. Met the manager as we were paying the check - he heard our accents and thought we were from New Zealand! Had to sort him out on that one! He was wondering what we were doing in Abilene and whilst we were explaining, he organised another drink for us, which we thought was very hospitable of him. It was a lovely way to end the evening - what a great Birthday!!!

PS from David:- Scarlet didn't tell you about the "Retail Therapy" at the Abilene Mall, specifically Dillards where she came running out of the store in a panic because she did not know which of the three plus outfits to buy. Like telling an Irishman to take his pick of the shovels in the corner!!! It was the first time I have seen Scarlet in "Retail Overload". I'm sure Uncle Frank was guiding her!!

To Amarillo, Texas

A very early start this morning, leaving Denver before 8.30am. We had a long drive ahead of us because we wanted to get to Amarillo, Texas - distance some 423 miles (700+km). The first half was on I-25 (interstate) through Colorado and New Mexico. We found the scenery through Colorado very interesting and pretty with the mountains to our right. Still managing to see pronghorn in the fields, and warning signs for deer and bears - which we did not see.

We crossed the border into Texas and had to drive along a state highway which was only dual carriage way (1 in each direction) due to road works. The landform changed into flat plains - very different from Colorado - where we could see to the horizon, including the road, and not much to see except very dry land. There were 'ranches' along the way and lots of cattle!

We arrived in Amarillo thinking it was 5pm but we were back on central time in Texas so we had to put our clocks forward an hour, making it 6pm. Nightfall didn't happen until after 8!

Amarillo, originally named Oneida, is situated in the Llano Estacado region. The availability of the railroad and freight service provided by the Fort Worth and Denver City Railroad contributed to the city's growth as a cattle marketing center in the late 19th century. Amarillo is the regional economic center for the Texas Panhandle and is economically important to Eastern New Mexico and the Oklahoma Panhandle.

The city was once the self-proclaimed "Helium Capital of the World" for having one of the country's most productive helium fields. The city is also known as "The Yellow Rose of Texas" (as the city takes its name from the Spanish word for yellow), and most recently "Rotor City, USA" for its V-22 Osprey hybrid aircraft assembly plant.

Amarillo operates one of the largest meat packing areas in the United States. Pantex, the only nuclear weapons assembly and disassembly facility in the country, is also a major employer. The attractions Cadillac Ranch and Big Texan Steak Ranch were located adjacent to Interstate 40. U.S. Highway 66 also passed through the city.

Across the road from our hotel is a Mexican Restaurant, 'Acapulco' so we wandered on over there with an idea of having a bite to eat. Lesley had phoned us from Australia wishing me a Happy Birthday (because it's Saturday morning there) so we decided we should start celebrating my birthday because it's Friday night here!

You'll enjoy the photos below - that's a 'Regular' margarita I've ordered and David had to try the concoction he ordered. Several other patrons were drinking them and David had to ask the waiter what it was - of no name really and they've only been making them for the last month!

It's a stubby of beer upturned into a frozen margarita - and they come in different flavours depending on the beer chosen!

We liked our waiter who also obliged with our request to speak in spanish - I think he found us slightly amusing - and after two margaritas, we thought we were slightly amusing too! Let's hope we can keep the Birthday celebrations in 'top gear' for tomorrow!!!

Colorado - Boulder excursion

We had a slower start today, especially because we had laundry to do! We decided to go for a drive to Boulder - as recommended by the lady at the supermarket check-out last night, and the young man who was next in line to us! David reminds me it is the home of Mork and Mindy (Remember that TV show??).

Boulder is located at the base of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of 5,430 feet (1,655 m). The city is 25 miles (40 km) northwest of Denver.

Boulder is famous for its status as one of the most liberal cities in Colorado, its colorful Western history, being a choice destination for hippies in the late 1960s, and as home of the main campus of the University of Colorado, the state's largest university. Furthermore, the city of Boulder frequently acquires top rankings in health, well-being, quality of life, education, and art.

In the early-to-mid-19th century, the nomadic Southern Arapaho Native American tribe frequently wintered at the base of the foothills in the Boulder area. Chief Niwot and his tribe called the site their home. Other nomadic tribes included the Utes, Cheyennes, Comanches, and Sioux.

The City of Boulder is in Boulder Valley where the Rocky Mountains meet the Great Plains. Just west of the city are imposing slabs of sedimentary stone tilted up on the foothills, known as the Flatirons. The Flatirons are a widely recognized symbol of Boulder.

One of the most popular sections of Boulder is the famous Pearl Street Mall, home to numerous shops and restaurants. This four-block pedestrian mall is a social hotspot in Boulder, with dozens of restaurants of all kinds and specialty stores that include artisan shops and unique gadget shops. In the summer and on weekends, many street shows and acts can be found throughout the mall, along with street vendors and henna tattoo artists.

We found a place to park the car and walked around looking at the city. Very impressed with a Native Indian 'Zuni' style store and wanted to buy many of the items, they were so beautiful. We asked the shop assistant where to find a good place to eat and she recommended 'Mountain Sun' across the road.

Further, we slipped into the post office -after I photographed a squirrel (much to the amusement of the locals - who think they're no more than rats) - and we had a very friendly associate who also recommended 'Mountain Sun'. What could we do? We went to Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery for lunch.

We had a very helpful waiter who offered to give us samples of their many beers - David chose ones with a more 'hops' flavour, I asked for 'pilsener' style. David's samples are pictured, mine were similar except that the colour was lighter. David chose FYIPA (India Pale Ale) and I chose 'Bombshell Blonde' (of course!) - both excellent! We ordered burgers for lunch - absolutely fresh and fabulous! A walk to the restroom was interesting - past the brew kettles and processing machinery!

We then walked the full length of the Pearl Street Mall - to work off lunch. Picked up the car and drove out to the 'Chautauqua Park' where the Ranger Station and Visitor Center was. We were able to get a good view of 'The Flatirons' and walked half way (?) up the first rise. We found the warnings dated 1 September very interesting: 'Bears spotted in the area. If you see a bear, do not run but back away slowly.' Bear bins (with dints and scratches) throughout the park. Another sign: 'Cottages available this evening.' I would have LOVED to rent a cottage for the evening - in the hope of seeing a bear (from the safety of my loungeroom, of course)!!!

Returned to our hotel in Cherry Creek after a really interesting, fun day. Early start tomorrow!