The North American Thermal Analysis Society's annual conference was in Lubbock, Texas this year. I drove up by way of 380 and 114 rather than the longer highway route. It's a surprisingly pretty drive, at least at this time of year when there are no dust storms. While out there, I had lunch with Clint, an ex-strongman competitor who has coached Noah on his drive to trolldom, and with Bryan. I always forget how much I miss him.

Horses munching on Black-eyed Susan's west of Bridgeport

The wind mill farm as you drive up to the Llano Estacado plateau

Older style near Dickson

Plowing fields east of Rall

Lunch spot in the badlands - lots of deer and hog sign

Headed home again - looking down the drop