With two thousand miles of driving planned and only 600 miles traveled, today began the long-range driving tour of Texas. We waved farewell to the Edwards Plateau, stopped at Big Lake Playa for a perspective of salt dunes and another bison jump, and headed northwest to Midland. The La Quinta welcomed us again to another nice room. Back in civilization after crossing the Plano Estacada, the local Midland archaeology group treated us to an interesting forum. The so-called God’s country is living up to reputation with beautiful cool weather and a glorious atmosphere.