Blog

Giant Marfa

Posted: Sunday, December 6, 2020, 10:45 am


Pop art commemorating the western movie GiantPop art commemorating the western movie Giant

Located just west of Marfa, Texas are several large, colorful pieces of pop art commemorating the western movie “Giant.” The movie was filmed at Little Reata Ranch in the 1950s and starred James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson. The film was James Dean’s last movie before his death in 1955.

“Giant” was a western epic capturing the drama of a Texas ranch family amidst the prospect of oil riches. “Giant” was added to the United States National Film Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

The plywood tribute by artist John Cerney, titled "Giant Marfa," was erected in October 2018. It is located a few miles west of Marfa on US 90, on the north side of the road. A solar array powers a sound system playing country music by Michael Nesmith of The Monkees.


Rock Hudson, James Dean and Elizabeth TaylorRock Hudson, James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor


Rock Hudson in car with James DeanRock Hudson in car with James Dean


Mural featuring Elizabeth Taylor painted by California based muralist John CerneyMural featuring Elizabeth Taylor painted by California based muralist John Cerney


Mural depicts scenes from the western movie "Giant" Mural depicts scenes from the western movie "Giant"

Crossing the USA on I-40

Posted: Wednesday, September 23, 2020, 4:32 pm


Sign showing the distance to Wilmington, North Carolina at the start of I-40 in Barstow, CASign showing the distance to Wilmington, North Carolina at the start of I-40 in Barstow, CA

We have now traveled the entire length of Interstate 40. From the eastern end in North Carolina to the western end in California. And then back. Twice.


Eastern end of I-40 in Wilmington, North CarolinaEastern end of I-40 in Wilmington, North Carolina

Interstate 40 spans 2,554 miles. The western end of I-40 is at I-15 in Barstow, California; its eastern end is at a concurrency of U.S. Route 117 (US 117) and North Carolina Highway 132 in Wilmington, North Carolina. It is the third-longest Interstate Highway in the United States, behind I-80 and I-90.

I-40 runs east–west through eight states. The state with the longest segment of the highway is Tennessee; the shortest state segment is in California.

The sign in California showing the distance to Wilmington, North Carolina, has been stolen several times.


Western end of I-40Western end of I-40

Twice is not enough. We're ready to go again.

Donner Summit

Posted: Thursday, September 17, 2020, 10:55 am


Donner Summit on I-80Donner Summit on I-80

One of the go-to overnight stops on our cross-country trips to the west coast is Donner Pass Rest Area. The rest area is located on the eastern side of California on I-80 at an elevation of 7239 feet. No air conditioning required at this elevation. It's a great overnight spot.


Donner Pass Rest Area on I-80Donner Pass Rest Area on I-80

Grayton Beach State Park

Posted: Monday, August 17, 2020, 9:29 pm


Grayton Beach State ParkGrayton Beach State Park

40,000+ miles later, still one of our favorite places.

Pages