A quick run from OKC across the Texas panhandle to Santa Rosa NM. The sky was deep blue, the roads pretty clear, and crusing at 78MPH was no problem. The view goes on for miles. No trees to be seen anywhere. The panhandle is peppered with windmills.

We had our first Buc-ee’s experience in Amarillo. A little much, I think, but I did have one of their brisket sandwiches, which was tasty enough. The Wal-Mart of convenience stores is how I would describe it. I don’t think we’ll be running into any more, but one was enough to scratch the itch.

As we drive alongside the old Rt. 66, I can’t help but imagine taking a trip on the CT 125 along the two-lane. I don’t think you can ride the entire Rt. 66 anymore without using some interstate (I-40 or 44), but it’s fun to imagine it. I’ve been this way a few times, the first with my family as we road-tripped across the USA in 1969. Many of the bypasses hadn’t been completed at that time, and the interstate technically went right through Tucumcari, Amarillo, and other cities along the way. Lots of changes since then, notably the condition of the roads. Amarillo, however, remains a city where I-40 cuts right through the town, and it’s still one of the ugliest cities I know of.

Santa Rosa is a small town of about 2800 people, maybe 5 Mexican restaurants, and travel centers like Pilot and Love’s. We ate at Chico’s, an underwhelming experience. Watched the two NFL wild card games, and hope to get to the next destination before the Bills game tomorrow.