The folks at Marinas International in Dallas spoiled us rotten with a wonderful sunset cruise on the 90-foot party boat Miss Tejas. We finished our evening with a Texas barbecue at Bone Daddy’s, a fitting joint for our crew.
Morning dawned and we were up and at ’em early on Monday, heading west to Lubbock. What an interesting ride. The first word that came to mind was “apocalyptic” as we rode wide, open plains occasionally dotted with massive windmills that stood like imposing sentries.
The second phrase that emerged in my consciousness was “Third World country.” Several of the small towns we rolled through were virtually boarded up and closed down, with but a few scattered signs of life. We all chatted post-ride about how sad it was that so many of these small plains towns have not survived.
Lubbock brought us back into civilization. It’s the home of Buddy Holly and an emerging musical scene. We enjoyed a real Texas chow-down on some of the best steaks on the planet at the Triple J Brewery, located in the revived Depot District and adjacent to the Buddy Holly statue. Several of our riders sampled the local brew and gave it a nod of approval. Me? I sampled the homemade praline cheesecake. Yum!
Our next leg took us from Lubbock to Santa Fe, N.M. It was a memorable trip that stimulated all of the senses. We passed enormous grain feeders and silos, feed lots teeming with cows and all the associated aromas, expansive farms and ranches, even met a real friendly, spur-clad cowboy in the tiny town of Seymour over lunch. Tumbleweed and roadrunners, even a snake on the road, were highlights.
As we cruised into New Mexico, the terrain began to shift and we climbed to nearly 4,400 feet, surrounded by spectacular rolling hills, mesas and plateaus.
It has been the ride of a lifetime so far! Next we explore Santa Fe.
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Thanks to the “Boaterz n Bikerz Across America: A Hull of a Tour” sponsors joining presenting sponsor Kenton Smith Marketing, including Legendary Marine, Marinas International, South Coast Yachts, My-Villages, Southeast Marine Sales & Service and media sponsor Soundings Trade Today.
Wanda Kenton Smith is an award-winning, 31-year marine industry marketing veteran based in Destin, Fla. She is president of Kenton Smith Marketing (www.kentonsmithmarketing.com) and president of Marine Marketers of America. She will file occasional reports on her tour across America.
