As you know, I have been encouraging senior citizens, and, by transference, their families and children, to get active and stay relevant. You owe it to yourselves and your children. After all, they are the ones who have to clean up the mess some of us are destined to leave. One of the ways to accomplish this is to get up off the couch and work on your “Bucket List,” and that includes travel.
Last month I talked about an extended trip to countries along the Baltic Sea. The natural response from some of you was “that’s too expensive.” Yes, there was a cost, but not nearly as high as many think. So, today I will be encouraging you to look for travel closer to home. You will be amazed at the number of exciting experiences awaiting you within less than a day’s drive from your home. We live in Dallas, Texas, so that becomes our epicenter.
For over 10 years my wife has been talking about the outdoor extravaganza in Canyon, Texas, near Amarillo. THE BEAUTIFUL PIONEER AMPHITHEATER, carved out of and nestled into a natural basin in the majestic Palo Duro Canyon, the nation’s second largest canyon, came alive once again this summer with the 50th Season of the Official Play of the State of Texas.
A LONE HORSEMAN, carrying the flag of the great state of Texas appears 
atop a 600 foot cliff, signaling the beginning of the most spectacular outdoor musical drama in the world. With a moving swell of the music, the horseman gallops away. Suddenly, a cast of more than 60 actors, singers and dancers takes the stage to kick off the show that millions of fans from all around the world have come to see. Only a state as big as Texas could host a show as big as TEXAS!
Amarillo is an easy six hour drive west of Dallas into the high plains area of the State. After miles and miles of flat land where you can see forever, you suddenly come upon a massive canyon extending as much as 1000 feet down to its base. Heading toward the bottom of the canyon you arrive at the amphitheater, and are greeted by some of the friendliest people in the world. The show is fantastic, and the finale even more so.
As riders on horseback present the flag of Texas, the four prior flags of Texas, and the American flag, the audience rises as if on cue. At the end there is not a dry eye in the house, and you know that Texas Pride and National Patriotism are alive and well.
I encourage all of you to look around your city and see what’s available just a short drive away. Remember, all of the great sights in America are just a short drive from somewhere. You will acquire a new perspective on life, and a new respect for the land our forefathers fought so hard to tame. The ancillary benefit is that you will be active.