Lubbock, Tx to Tatum, Nm

Before leaving Lubbock, we took a trip to the Buddy Holly Museum (he was born in Lubbock). He was the writer of many songs such as: That'll Be The Day (The Beatles' first record), Peggy Sue, Rave On, Everyday, and many others. He died, tragically, at the tender age of 22 in a plane crash with Ritchie Valens and J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson.

Then we hit the open road - much more open than previously encountered (that's how I could stand in the middle of the road - identical views in both directions!). Mile after mile of wilderness, straight roads, oil pumpjacks and cruise control.

Then we hit the town of Tatum!

It was wall-to-wall Tatum - a Tatum Food Mart, the Tatum Community Library, Tatum District Court, Tatum Emergency Medical Services, and of course - the Tatum Police Station. For more photos starring the wonderful Tatum, click here.

Ok - so I'm no dummy, but these signs did cause me some confusion. I guess the first statement was because there was a spate of fires in the showers. The second sign must have been placed there by an engineer with a more naturalistic approach, to show that the faucet was not from the world of hangman. Eventually, I did get the shower working (albeit standing in 18 inches of water).

I'm not exactly sure what this is - I'm presuming some sort of humming-bird moth. As I walked up the empty highway to take some photos of the sunset, I noticed a fluttering by my feet. I snapped a quick flash photo, but before I could take some video it was gone, off into the night - looking for the next thistle.

Sunset at the Sunset Inn - I thought every motel would be like this, a twee little cul-de-sac staffed with homely characters, a bit run-down (but still clean, as they take pride in their job).

We tend to push the universe a little to try and get what we want, but in the end, we should be grateful for what we get.