South Dakota Trip - Day 2

When we woke up this morning (0700L), we were pleasantly surprised by the temperature: 20s C! It did get a little warmer, but it was a welcome respite from the high 30s-40s C we've had this Spring in Texas... After breakfast in our hotel ((Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites), we left the the town of Canyon (0930L) and drove over to nearby Palo Duro Canyon. Many people had described it to us as a "small Grand Canyon" and we wanted to see for ourselves. Mollie picked up her first Texas State Park Junior Ranger pamphlet and we all went off in search of the native animals (lizards, hawks, raptors) and plants (including cacti with pretty yellow flowers). We went on a pretty nature trail and saw a painter trying to capture the scenery. After several hours, drove north - through Amarillo and further on US-287. Stopped for gas and lunch (Subway) in Dumas (not a pleasant place - very rough). After a few more miles, turned northeast on US-54. Drove across the Oklahoma Panhandle - first time - and then into Kansas. First stop was Liberal - unofficial "home" of Dorothy (from the Wizard of Oz). Got to see a replica of her home, complete with a tour of the place given by the lady herself. She gave the kids demonstrations of tools and toys from the early 20th Century. Afterwards, she took us on a tour of the Land of Oz (indoor recreation of movie scenes). Kids liked it all! Also saw our first hint of early explorers of our country (Coronado monument). Continued north - now on US-83 - to Garden City. As we entered town, saw we were one day early for the start of Beef Empire Days (including rodeo). Too bad we missed that! After checking in at our lodging in Garden City (Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites), we had dinner at the A&W (always fun). Did some shopping at Walmart and then went back to swim at the hotel. Mollie and I also counted the different license plates in the parking lot (saw a cute rabbit, too). Bed around 2200L.