Saturday, January 16, 2010

Horsing Around in Muleshoe

BAILEY COUNTY-MULESHOE, TEXAS
The best thing about my job is the awesome opportunities I have to visit unique places and meet interesting people.  Last week in Muleshoe was no exception.   Arriving in the early morning to speak to the 4th Graders about the Texas Plains Trail Region and the history making special-Stamp Cancellation project that will be taking place every Wednesday for the rest of 2010, we were welcomed with friendliness by the Postmaster, County Judge, Chamber and EDC Director as well as numerous community leaders in Muleshoe.   But no...that's not all.  TPTR Board Chair Dolores Mosser, Photographer Rick Vanderpool, TravelHost Magazine Director Karl Rivers, TPTR Board Members Tom Watson, Holle Humphrees, Sammie Simpson and I all enjoyed a meal at the Muleshoe Senior Citizens.  Then Rick and I headed to speak to the Muleshoe 7th graders...then off for a local Televison Show.  Tom, Dolores, and Sammie escorted us around Bailey County...to the magnificent Heritage Museum....a must see.  What a spectacular view of the Sandhill Cranes we had at the Wildlife Refuge.   We treked through historical schools, churches, cemeteries, and communities in the county.  And what could be better than ending an eventful day at Muleshoe's famed Leal's Mexican Restaurant.   Had it not been for trouble with my rented Hybrid Camry...and getting lost on the return trip home, I would grade it an A + Day.  Find out more about the really neat community of Muleshoe here. http://www.texasplainstrail.com/index.aspx?page=1190&recordid=6564

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Claude....Don't Just Stop. Explore!

CLAUDE, TEXAS...Country Living with a View of City Lights



Claude, Texas....Yes, you could say I've been there a time or two. In my travels back in forth to Dallas on Hwy 287, I've made many stops at their local Alsups for gas. And yes again, in my previous life as a basketball coach and cheerleading sponsor, our teams have had their share of ballgames at the mighty blue & red Mustang stadiums. But wait---does that count towards experiencing the town and its assets? I think not. In order to actually learn about a town, you have to absorb yourself in what it is that makes a place home. Here's a little more about this unique town.

     Claude became Armstrong County seat in 1890 when a tie-breaking vote for Claude was allegedly cast by legendary cattleman Charles Goodnight, former co-owner of the JA Ranch. Claude was 1st named Armstrong City, but the name was changed in 1887 after Claude Ayers, the engineer of the 1st train to travel through area. Spanish conquistador Francisco Coronado & party went through Claude and Tule Canyon, a scenic wonder to the south of Claude off Hwy 207 towards Silverton. Many historic buildings are in Claude including the Armstrong County Courthouse (1912), County Jail (1921), and County Museum/Gem Theater. Several films including The Sundowners, HUD, starring Paul Newman, Leap of Faith & Sunshine Christmas were made here. Tom Blasingame, considered the oldest cowboy in the American west, lived and worked on the JA Ranch for 73 years. During the 30’s, Claude had the only official-sized gymnasium in the area. The West Texas State College basketball team used it on many occasions. Claude has many antique shops on the square, a city park, rodeo arena, and a public library. Claude offers country living with a view of the city lights of Amarillo. Yearly events include Goodnight Festival and Caprock Round-Up. http://www.armstrongcountymuseum.org/   806-226-2187. Find out even more about Armstrong County at: 
http://www.texasplainstrail.com/index.aspx?page=1190&recordid=5801
http://www.texasplainstrail.com/index.aspx?page=1464













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Tales from the Plains Trail Region

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Borger, Texas Plains Trail Region, United States
Striving to inspire others to travel the rugged-beauty of the Texas Plains Trail Region where the grass is greener, the people are friendlier, and the sky is blue. Wow! A great place to live is a great place to visit. C'mon visit the "Texas You Will Remember."

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