The weather was at a new extreme for all of us. Winds were into the upper 40 mph for our first two nights in Carlsbad. With no stabilizers on the RV, we rocked violently for a couple of hours. Everyone was awakened from the violent winds except Hanlon, who can sleep through absolutely anything.

I now have a new respect for New Mexico and the desert. After the violent weather and a splinter from a cactus, I know not to mess with the land of enchantment (the state logo, I believe).

As for attractions, Carlsbad Caverns was awesome. As well as being beautiful, the caverns were extremely large. The magnificent structures were more than I had ever expected. Nothing is as it seems until you see it in person. The surrounding moutains and hiking trails were also beautiful (see pictures we have posted).

We were also able to see a drive-in movie, which was my first. In all, Carlsbad was a great pit stop on our way to Albequrque.

It was really nice to meet back with some family in Austin. We were able to relax (in a house) for the first time since leaving. A lot of hanging out with family, good eating and Wii playing, it was also a great time to do some laundry and realize how much we miss home.

A day trip to San Antonio was extra special for Julia and I, because we were able to spend extra time with our family. We took a boat tour on the riverwalk in downtown San Antonio, saw the Alamo, and almost met a famous mexican actor named Hector.

The Alamo Drafthouse was a great changeup from our normal trip routine. The Drafthouse is a movie theater/foodhouse/bar. While watching a movie you can order food from your waiter/waitress. Although I have been to places like this before, this experience was better than any other that I had been to.

It was tough leaving the confines of a home and our families, but we had new adventures to tackle. Our next leg is going to be a lot about National Parks and the old west.

Dallas was very large. Driving the RV through the city was not my idea of fun. The city offered many cool attractions, but I really enjoyed the JFK memorial and all the information on his assassination, which occured in Dallas many years ago. The window that held the suspected killer is open to the public through the JFK museum.

We also were able to see two graves that Hanlon really wanted to see, Dimebag Darryl from Pantera and Stevie Ray Vaghan. Hanlon left a piece of himself behind in the form of guitar picks...

I was able to see Texas Stadium (where the Cowboy's play) and the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. This was the site of the first ever Rodeo in Texas.

As far as food is concerned, Dallas/Fort Worth both scored very high. In Dallas, a small burger joint called Snuffer's hit the spot. Their cheesy fries (which they are famous for) were excellent. In Fort Worth, a BBQ restaurant in the historic Stockyards named H3 Steakhouse proved to be our favorite thus far. Great BBQ and awesome bread/nachos really make me happy.

Well, I am finally getting the chance to blog. Being the "official" RV driver does not afford me much time to be on the computer. Anyway, for those of you who are reading this, I am keeping these blogs as my personal diary, so I am way behind the rest.

After leaving Kansas City, we headed through Kansas (Unfortunately we missed Allen Fieldhouse, the basketball arena where the Kansas Jayhawks play). After staying a night in very primitive Kansas, we made our way to Oklahoma City. I was very surprised. Oklahoma City was smaller than I expected, but the points of interest left lasting impressions.

The Oklahoma City bombing memorial was very touching. Small chair monuments represented children who lost thier lives in the tragedy. Overall, the memorial was one of the best I have seen.

We also had a great tram driver who gave us small tidbits about the city and the bombing. He was very nice to us even when he found out that we were Gators (he was an Ohio State fan). Oklahoma City, although a very short trip, was well worth it.

After leaving Oklahoma City, we made it to Norman, OK just before dark. It was great to see the University of Oklahoma and Owen Field, the historic football stadium home to the Sooners.

We were not even supposed to stop in Kansas City, but after some quick math and an even quicker decision, we decided to stay one night in the city that borders Kansas. We got in late and stayed in another Wal Mart parking lot, our 3rd night at the all everything store (which actually is not that bad at all). Thanks to Jay for the post about BBQ, because we actually did get to compare. Our Kansas City joint is considered by most as the best BBQ available. Arthur Bryant's BBQ has been around since the early 1920's. While I enjoyed Kansas City BBQ much better, AJ and Julia were stuck on Corky's from Memphis. Arthur Bryant's was a little more expensive, but the portion sizes were extremely large. My kind of place.

I was able to see my first football stadium (of many to come) in the form of Arrowhead. Considered by many in the NFL as one of the toughest places to play, we were able to view it from the Arrowhead Club, a private club designated for top players in Kansas City. At the other end of the spectrum, I was able to view Kaufmann Stadium, where the lowly Royals play.

The drive from Kansas City to Oklahoma City was extremely long. The plains states are beautiful, yet somewhat boring. I am looking forward to Oklahoma City and will let you know what is up in my next appointed blog.

Chris