Summer Roadtrip Day 2: Tucumcari NM to Lincoln NE

This morning we got an early start and began our drive to Nebraska

We pulled over to see the Texas Sheriff man near Dalhart TX.

From there, we passed into OK,

where we saw the first of many oil derricks.

We stopped briefly in Hooker OK for a stretch break and to get a few snacks/water, and then we were back on the road. 

Shortly after entering Liberal KS, we had an unexpected traffic stop/delay. 

It felt like the big bear was laughing at us as we patiently waited for the police officer to finish his work.

Our next stop was to visit Dorothy's Oz house.

From there, we drove to Dodge City to see La Salsa man.

He was just down the street from the brewery where we planned to have lunch. The brewery was closed so we had lunch at the Cowboy Capital, in a historic building.

After lunch, we drove to see the world's largest Czech Egg in Wilson KS.

The town also has smaller Czech eggs by various businesses and attractions, and had a selfie mural.

The next stop was to see the World's Largest Ball of Twine in Cawker City KS.

We also checked out a few things across the road.

Steve spent a lot of time talking to the owner of the ice cream shop across the road, so we were running slightly behind schedule.

After what was supposed to be a quick stop for dinner in Strang NE (it was not quick), we decided to skip seeing the largest uncovered porch swing and drove to Lincoln NE, to spend the night.

San Antonio (March 7-10, 2023)

 One of Steve's daughters was graduating from Air Force basic training in San Antonio, so we loaded up the minivan and drove to her graduation. We had a scary moment just north of Tucson as a tire on the freeway bounced and barely missed our car. As we entered San Antonio, the I-10 was closed and we needed to be rerouted. We nearly got T-boned by a car leaving a parking lot, which was also scary. Luckily, we all arrived in one piece and were able to attend her graduation the next morning.

Cadets during graduation ceremony. 

The next day, there was an additional ceremony on the parade grounds.

Following the ceremony, we went to the Riverwalk in San Antonio where we took a boat tour and then had lunch at a seafood restaurant. The lunch didn't agree with me, so I got to "sightsee" in the bathroom, while everyone else went to the Alamo.

We then hung out on the base for a while, to make sure she would make it back by curfew.

We started the drive home late that afternoon. By the time we got to Fort Stockton, we were tired and spent the night at a roadside motel. 

The next morning, we finished our drive home and caught this glimpse of a train transporting military vehicles.

Austin

 I traveled to Austin for a work trip, but I didn't get much of a chance (outside of dinner) to do much sightseeing outside of work. Here is a picture from my hotel.

And another from the airplane as I departed.

Dallas - Grassy Knoll

 I went to Dallas for a work trip. After work ended, I had time to check out the grassy knoll

and the spot where Kenney was hit with the fatal shot,

then had sex in a canoe...twice.

A few days later when I was getting ready to leave, Air Force One was scheduled to land at the airport. The taxi ride from the hotel to the airport felt like Mr. Toad's wild ride, with the driver taking lots of side roads and cutting through parking lots in an attempt to avoid traffic chaos and road closures.

I made it to the airport alive - and was able to see Air Force One from the airport terminal while I waited for my (now delayed) flight.