Saturday, April 24, 2010

Westward Ho--Spring 2010--Day 46

Wind, wind and more wind and then a big steak. After having a relative easy drive yesterday we were not prepared for today. We left Albuquerque around 9:00am and got back on Interstate 40 heading east. After a stop in Tucumcari for fuel and lunch we headed toward Texas. That was when the wind picked up. The closer we got to the state line the harder the wind blew. Once we crossed into Texas the wind was so strong we were having trouble keeping the coach on the road. We finally pulled off into a rest area about 60 miles short of Amarillo. We had talked about driving all the way into Oklahoma today but that was not going to happen. After visiting with another Monaco coach owner we decided to press on but only at about 50mph. Around 5:00pm we arrived at the Overnite RV Park in Amarillo. By this time I was exhausted from fighting the wind. This was when we decided to go down the street to The Big Texan steakhouse for dinner.

The Big Texan is famous for the "Free" 72oz steak. This thing is huge and is free if you can eat it, a scrimp salad, a baked potato and rolls in one hour. If you take the challenge they sit you at a table on a stage in the center of the place in front of a timer. If you fail to consume all the food then you are presented with a bill for $72.00, $1.00 for each ounce of steak. Of course, anything left after the hour is up you are allowed to take home with you. Tonight there were two young men taking the challenge. Neither were successful but went home with enough food to make several meals.

This area is a good stop over for travelers along Interstates 40 and 25. To make it easier for these folks to get to The Big Texan they provide a fleet of limo's that will pick you up at your hotel or RV park. (We chose to drive our own car since Joanne wanted to make a stop at Wal-Mart on the way back.) In addition to the steakhouse they also have a large gift shop, an adjacent motel and a horse motel for people traveling with their horses. While we were there Grandma Jo found a rocking chair she could relax in. Of course, like many things in Texas it was way over sized.

1 comment:

Shelley said...

The wind is one of my least favourite things about that part of the world. Mind, there is plenty to be had here as well. It's on my list of things I'm looking forward to in Salt Lake City - the occasional waft of a gentle breeze, no more.