Day 26 & 27 - Clifton, Texas

Day 26 (21 July) - As Lubbock disappeared in the rearview mirror we headed to the 'Norwegian Capital of Texas' and small town Texas - Clifton. Rick Richards, a now retired US Navy Captain, and I had worked together in the Middle East in 2008 and this trip provided a great opportunity to catch up with him again. We arrived at his 500 acre small cattle ranch only days before his wedding to the beautiful Connie. They both were so relaxed and happy.

The kids were delighted to have space to run, a trampoline to bounce upon, cattle to feed and an all-terrain vehicle that ran them around (thanks Russell for all the driving). We visited the beautiful and oldest Lutheran Church in the District where Rick and Connie will marry on Saturday and toured the beautiful Clifton region. We dined on the tenderest venison (deer) that Rick shot last hunting season with other traditional Texan food, including a range of very tasty homemade fruit cobbler's straight from Rick's Mum's kitchen. We chatted long into the night and felt right at home. In fact, we'd had over three weeks of camp-grounds and hotels so it was a treat to be inside a real home, and such a welcoming one at that. Before bed, Emily commented that this ranch life is awesome.

Day 27 (22 July) - As more family and friends gathered in Clifton for the pending nuptials we had the delight of meeting many more Texans. We took advantage of the hot day with a picnic lunch at a local resort pool before another Texan dinner experience at the Bunkhouse BBQ Restaurant - baked potatoes, smoked brisket, ribs, corn nuggets, etc. We returned to the ranch, the kids fed the cattle and we saw where the new house will be built upon the ridge-line with its sweeping views. It was so relaxing that time seemed to have slowed and we really felt that we had been here much longer than we actually had.

The kids made new friends with other children virtually the same age and they all couldn't get enough of riding in the all-terrain vehicle whilst the german shepherd dogs chased them. The kids had a great time (as did we) and think they are more likely to form stronger memories of the ranch than the many other world famous places they have visited. A testament to the wonderful time we've had.

At such an important and busy time for Rick, Connie and their families and friends we were overwhelmed with their generous hospitality and taking the time to look after us so well.

Next stop - Houston, Texas