2019 WB Day 10 - What a Cracker Day!

We dropped back into the Palo Duro Canyon first thing, quite literally as our open backed Hummer Humvee descended on what was left of the old track, ripped apart by the recent rains.

It was one of the highlights of trip so far, a vista that was like our own private viewing platform across the canyon...

...and a guide who was entertaining, knowledgable and with a great sense of humour.

John was ranked right up there with the best of the good folk who have helped make our trip across America clearer.

We even got a glimpse of the long horn that roam this huge expanse of ranch.

There's never anyone on hand though to explain how the ten Cadillacs were up ended in a pasture.

Mind you it's probably a bit like watching a movie that doesn't require thinking...just accept it for what it is and enjoy it... so we did!

In the small town of Vega we dined at the Hickory Inn Cafe, their 'Chicken Fried Steak' special hit the mark although maybe it should have been shared!

Around the corner we had time to check out Dots Mini Museum.

No-one home but we signed the visitors book and absorbed as much of the display inside the small cottage full of history.

With lunch settling we moved on to Adrian and the bent door garage, some decaying buildings in a place that is also home to the Midpoint Cafe.

That's the icon where we acknowledge the offical halfway point of our journey on the Mother Road.

The Ugly pies found the only spot left for food...

...and we ambled on down the i40 and old road to Glenrio, right on the border with New Mexico.

There's nothing left of the old town, deserted by the interstate which you can hear and see right alongside.

We crossed the stateline on a gravel portion of Route 66 and stopped at Russell's Truck Center.

The Russells made their living in huge grocery stores and this stop is a combination of many of the things Emory & Barbara love - groceries, memorabilia and cars.

They also had a passion for Elvis and Marilyn and Elvis was definitely a hit for our girls!

Their own collection is vast and perfectly displayed at the back of their gas station, diner and museum.

The Mesalands Dinosaur Museum is closed to the public on Mondays but curator, Dr Axel happened to be wandering around outside and he opened it up for a personal tour through the some of our most prehistoric history.

It was a very special in-depth lesson in this pre historic age and delivered in a most passionate and understandable way. Quite the perfect end to yet another interesting and different day crossing the country.

Our bed tonight is at the famous Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari.