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

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

Christmas in the Plains

I think we all have a tendency to focus on the gift buying, decorating our homes, and spending hours cooking for the upcoming holidays.   But the real magic of Christmas happens at all of the pageants, the parades, Christmas balls, live Nativities, and other Christmas programs.  The Texas Plains Trail Region has them all and more.  Take time to make memories in our region with your family. It's these special moments that they'll remember forever. See what's happening, pick one or two.....and GO.  http://bit.ly/2N6vdW

Friendly Floyd County

Pumpkins, Pumpkins, and more pumpkins. Floydada, county seat of Floyd County is home to the Punkin Day Celebrations in October. Read about it here: http://bit.ly/8Mqju9   Floydada is also the birthplace of Country Music Crooner Don Williams.  The communities within this county are Floydada,Lockney, Aiken Dougherty, and  South Plains.  While there visit the Floyd County Museum where you'll find Coronado Expedition artifacts.  http://floydcountymuseum.com/.  The county was named for Dolphin Ward Floyd, who died at the AlamoSpanish explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado is believed to have come through the area in 1541. In 1871 and again in 1874 Col. Ranald S. Mackenzie's Fourth United States Cavalry came through Floyd County in pursuit of the hostile Quahadi ComanchesThe area is popular with hunters and fishermen, particularly in the fall and winter. The Old Settlers Day Reunion held in Floydada and the Floyd County Fair in Lockney are among the main tourist attractions. 

Come For The Sunsets...Stay For the Peace

   How fine has the day been! how bright was the sun, How lovely and joyful the course that he run! Though he rose in a mist when his race he begun, And there followed some droppings of rain: But now the fair traveller's come to the west, His rays are all gold, and his beauties are best; He paints the skies gay as he sinks to his rest, And foretells a bright rising again. Isaac Watts

The sacred lamp of day Now dipt in western clouds his parting day. William Falconerer

Softly the evening came. The sun from the western horizon Like a magician extended his golden want o'er the landscape; Trinkling vapors arose; and sky and water and forest Seemed all on fire at the touch, and melted and mingled together. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Photos by Norbert Schlegel, Shamrock, Texas

A Crowd in Canadian

I don't know how I'd rather spend a crisp, Fall day than in Canadian, Texas during their 2009 Fall Festival.   A perfect day to visit all of the quaint shops at their downtown area plus the Annual Art's  Crafts Fair was the happening place at the school with well over 100 booths to find that perfect gift.  First stop was to the Canadian Visitor's Center to find the maps to all of the places including the historic River Valley Pioneer Museum, the awesome Citadel Art Center,  and the Canadian River Wagon Bridge (Pictured here).   Ate a great lunch at the Fillin Station...but there were so many choices.  My friend Judy and I also made a quick trip out to Lake Marvin to view the beauty of the lake with horse drawn buggies loaded down with visitors.   Aside from the fact that I had a quick "brush with the law"....actually in trying to see the sights in such a short time, I was pushing the pedal just a little too hard.  It didn't keep us from running on over to Lipscomb County too.  Canadian, Texas is a jewel of the Panhandle....a community that has built itself to be a tourist's delight.

Clapping for Crosbyton

Crosby County-Blanco Canyon

What a place!  The Texas Plains Trail Meeting was held at Casa del Sol about 8 miles North of Crosbyton.  Quanah Parker's great-great- grandson was there! What an interesting story to hear.If you are looking for a retreat spot to get away from it all, you could do no better than this beautiful place.  We had the grand tour to one of Texas's finest roadside parks, Silver Falls, then on to the Pioneer Memorial Museum, Mount Blanco Fossil Memorial, Prairie Ladies Multi-Cultural Center.  Crosbyton is a jewel in the rough...a community full of pride in its amazing history.  A place to live...a place to visit.  Coming up soon: Victorian Christmas includes: buggy rides, chili cook-off, Parade of Lights, Santa’s Secret Stocking, Pictures with Santa, Victorian Christmas Feast, play and carols from the time. December 4-5