MIDWEST MARATHON--ABQ to DDC

9:28 a.m.--Pushback in Albuquerque, NM.  In contrast to yesterday's haze and low gray clouds, today was crisp, clear, brilliant blue sky and a bracing 48 degrees.  Today's trip will take us through the remainder of New Mexico, diagonally across the panhandles of Texas and Oklahoma, then eventually into Dodge City. 

2:33 p.m. and Mile 762.4--Stratford, TX, with a stop at the local Dairy Queen for a shared hot fudge sundae.  On a typical mid-afternoon, Stratford looks like this.  This model is so popular, that the style has spread across all of Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. But, don't think the little towns are interchangeable--each has its own personality.

Tummies full, we forged through the west Texas/Oklahoma/Kansas wind and reached Dodge City about 6:30 p.m.  Since Dodge City was home for many, many years and is about eight hours from Albuquerque, it's a good stop for us.  But on this particular trip, we're here to watch Granddaughter Quinlan perform with her Eighth Grade Drill Team.  They're touring schools to strut their stuff and, I'm sure, begin recuiting for future members.

Mile 940.3

Thursday morning, Lincoln School, Dodge City...Quinlan is toward the front with red pom-pom held high.

The Drill Team Leaders performed a few numbers by themselves.  Miss Quinlan is on the right.  Her Grandpa is pretty proud of her precision and form.

One last dance for the leaders before moving on to their next school.  It's going to be a long day for them, but we're hopping in the car and heading east to Kansas City.