Chapter One: Part Three

On the way from Archer City to Palo Duro Canyon, we were fortunate enough to spy Rustic Relics by the side of the road, and naturally we pulled right over.  There is nothing that beats getting in the mood for camping than a dusty yard FULL of metal Santas, Grinches, Christmas trees, cycling monkeys, and peacocks, to name only a very, very few of the treasures we saw.

This was so much fun, but the best rustic relic by unanimous vote,

was the Frosty the Snowman chiminea.  Yes, of course I would like a Frosty chiminea, but there isn't room to store it off season, so we did not bring it home.

The next thing to catch my eye were the acres and acres of cotton fields.  Now back in the distant past I saw cotton fields in Greece on American school trips and wanted SOOOO badly to stop and take a closer look.  However for some reason the cotton fields were not of significance to the young classicists at the school, so I was denied my wish.  BUT.... the driver of the Texan school for Outdoor Studies was more than happy to accommodate my interests. Ha. Okay, maybe saying "more than happy" is a slight exaggeration. Maybe there were a few complaints, but I wore them down with my piteous sighs and longing stares with my nose pressed to the window.  So we pulled over again, and I got some pictures.  I am here to say, that the cotton plants were just as wonderful as I knew they would be! They make clothes from these beautiful little puff balls. Awesome. (Rose-coloured glasses)

Eventually we made it, of course, and we did the good camper thing by setting up the tents and organizing our camp equipment. Then we strode off to check out the surroundings. We found some mighty big rocks, which needed to be climbed. Naturally.

The kids did the climbing.  Notice the short sleeved t-shirts. Hmmm....
I believe I recall some youthful voices saying, (and I quote), "It's going to get cold tonight?? I CAN'T WAIT!!  It will be so fun to be in the cold"  Oh the youthful innocence (nuttiness) of these children....  (I also recall my own thoughts with regards to those comments... some thing along the lines of "Be careful what you wish for.")

Up there in the Panhandle the dirt is really red.  Willah decided to collect some, to see if it could be mixed with water to make paint.  Yep.  She also said, "Can we carry this red mud in your pockets mum?" She did.  She really did.  "Seriously?"  was all the response she got from her loving mother... who always does her best to encourage Willah's lovely, fanciful ideas and creativity.

Nice views. (A rose-coloured afternoon)