Amarillo, Texas was a 1,200 mile drive across central United States from Nappanee, Indiana. Our goal was to avoid active early spring storms, so we ended up driving longer distances than usual to avoid bad weather. We wanted to visit family in Amarillo, but because of the worsening COVID-19 pandemic and increasing restrictions, we decided against it considering that 20-80% of those infected have none to only mild symptoms making it difficult to know if we were infected. We will try again the next time we are in the area.
Effingham, Illinois
We stayed at Camp Lakewood in Effingham. There were not many people there and little evidence of spring.
The RV park had full service and ok wifi. Jake loved the squirrels. Otherwise, not much to do other than take nice walks around the park. Time to high-tail it west and get out of “tornado alley”.
Springfield, Missouri
We stayed at Cooks RV Motor Park in Springfield. The owners were very friendly, even with social distancing. We would like to have stayed longer to enjoy the area. Branson was not far south from Springfield. We will have to return to this area of the country and to visit the Ozarks.
It was a treat to be further south and and once again see spring flowers. Redbud trees have always been a favorite to mark the transition of seasons.
It was nice to view tulips again.
Weatherford, Oklahoma
We stayed at Wanderlust Crossings RV Park in Weatherford, Oklahoma. They had full service and decent Wifi. The sites were huge. It would have been nice to explore the area. We have been impressed with the RV parks taking full payment by credit card before arriving and leaving a packet with instructions outside in a mailbox to avoid contact with staff. Most RV parks alternate sites to increase distance between people.
Amarillo, Texas
Another nice full service RV park with large sites. Their Wifi could have been better, but it was good enough for emails.
Not sure about all the half buried vehicles in the area.
Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, Texas
A public art project created in 1974 on land provided by Stanley Marsh, a local helium tycoon. Ten Cadillacs, ranging from 1949 to 1963, are partially buried in the ground.
Over the years they had been repainted various colors, but currently are mostly just graffiti. We thought this resembled a monkey. Nearby, there are buried VW bugs.
Another RV park had restored Cadillacs on display.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Amarillo, Texas
The park was open in accordance with coronavirus guidelines by restricting the number of visitors each day.
It was a needed break from weeks of bad weather and isolation. We purchased tickets online. There was hardly anyone else there in the morning. Without a doubt, it is possible to maintain social distancing but still enjoy the beauty of nature.
Palo Duro Canyon is only 25 miles from Amarillo, Texas. It was formed by erosion from the Red River and West Texas wind. It’s one of the most remarkable landscape features in the Texas Panhandle.
The canyon drops about 800 feet and has numerous hiking, horseback, and mountain biking trails. There is also a campground and cowcamp cabins for rent.
A wild turkey.
Palo Duro Canyon was an unexpected Texas beauty often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Texas.
Pink super moon.
