A Trip of Texas Proportions

May 2008 afforded my wife, Sonya, fellow photographer and friend, Christian J Goepel and myself a chance to explore the Dallas, Texas area as well as northwestern Texas. A business trip allowed all this to happen. The setting was the Gaylord Texan Hotel and Convention Center in suburban Grapevine, Texas. A sprawling hotel, large pool and a never ending supply of food and drink started the trip out with style. Once business was accomplished, we set out on a 4 day tour of northwestern Texas.

Burlington Northern Santa Fe train loaded with coal crest a hill near Electra, TX.

Crawford Ranch as it appears near Masterson, TX along side US87/287. Much of Texas is ranching territory and this is no exception.

Cowboys practice their roping skills at the Muleshoe Roping Club, Muleshoe, Texas.

Union Station in Dallas, Texas sees many passengers traveling through its doors daily.

An AMTRAK baggage handler exchanges pleasantries with the engineer of the Texas Eagle.

Hungry yet? A visit to the Big Texan Steak House in Amarillo, Texas can help. Eat a 72 ounce steak with all the side dishes in 60 minutes or less and it's free. If you fail, hand over $72 plus tax. One individual takes the steak house on and gives it his best.

The author did not take on the challenge of the 72 ounce steak but did he did conquer a 22 ounce Ribeye and 2 large Coors Light's in no time flat. (photo by Sonya S Schrader, wife and life insurance beneficiary)

If you have been driving all day and are too tired to get to the Big Texan Steak House, do not worry; one phone call to the restaurant will yield a driver and a stretched limo to get you to an eating experience like you've never seen before. My wife, Sonya, thankful we had a limo for this event, poses with the driver in front of our hotel. The only drawback; the restaurant does not allow guests to pilot their own limo, I tried.

The Cadillac Ranch rests a few miles west of Amarillo, Texas on the south side of Interstate 40. People from all over stop and pay tribute on all parts of the Cadillacs that are buried nose first into the hard earth. Visitors are encouraged to leave a message or paint a scene depicting their experience.