We started out early from San Antonio, reminiscent of THALAMAC. But, we learned what not to do from that trip, and, more importantly, to get enough sleep!
Alas, the trip is still young...
On the way up, we stopped in Lubbock to see Kim's old stomping grounds at Texas Tech in under 30 minutes (our parking time limit). Then, we played real-life "Frogger" (some frogs were completely pulverized in the most horrible way during our game). About 90 miles north of Lubbock, we spotted some beautiful thunderstorms to the east and west. We could see it was raining, as well as lightning strikes here and there. It almost looked like it had rained on the road which we were travelling, but I can't be sure. Either way, here we were listening to "Little House in the Big Woods," minding our own business on the lonesome roadway, when Kim and I saw several little somethings "tumble" out into our path. Then, a heartbeat later followed by a horrifying "KU-Thunk!" By the time we saw the third one, we could see they were frogs. Suicidal frogs. Everywhere. Well, everywhere, but in waves. We managed to miss most of them after that...
Next up was a visit to the second largest canyon in the US: Palo Duro. I've never been to the Grand Canyon, so this was quite a remarkable sight for me to behold!
Even though the clouds gave us a welcome break from the strong sun that had followed us earlier in the day. It provided a different view of the colorful striations than most see. And, oh, the greenery! Apparently, the area around Amarillo has received a lot of rain this year. So, the canyon floor was covered in green grasses and trees. It was absolutely amazing.
We drove down to the floor, winding and weaving our way. I took many photos on Kim's camera. The clouds were encroaching upon us. The wind picked up, and became surprisingly cool. We came upon a neat photo-op, and noticed a trail. We followed it for about 100 feet, managed to grab our sunset photo, and then made our way back. However, two bikers came upon us on their way to hurry out of the approaching storms, and asked, "Did you see the tarantulas?"
We all had varying looks of surprise (or maybe horror) on our faces during the moment of shocked silence. Abby and I both went, "COOL!" and, "Where?" But, I must admit I was quite hesitant.
Steven: expect a small box with holes to arrive in time for your birthday.
We got back in the car, and continued on our way along the canyon floor. Dusk was now upon us. The (heat) lighting was flashing more and more. It was amazing to see the awesome shadowed ridges set against the quickly darkening sky. After leaving the park, we stopped to take some video of the amazing lightning show (it was now dark), but all the lightning became shy! Oh well. You'll have to take our word for it.
Our next stop was our hotel! YAY! The lightning kept getting closer and more intense. We checked in, and parked just as it began to drizzle. We hopped out, and the drizzle got more dense. We grabbed our bags, and it was a light rain. We ran to the outer door, and it was officially raining. Just in time! Unpacked a few minutes later, and realized we missed a bag... ran out, to get it, and yes, it was again raining even harder.
Made it up to the room, and it was absolutely pouring. Even a few minutes later, and we could barely see my car from our window! The rain was coming in droves, and waves were visible along the black top when the wind would pick up. Kim's phone went off: Severe Thunderstorm Warning until 2 am.
I watched my car float away... not really. (I wrote this last night, but am posting it this morning.) My car was nice and clean! But, still there. :)
Stace, yes you have been to the Grand Canyon! You were 23 months old, don't you remember???
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