One more Canyon (I promise-this is the last one!)

Groom Texas - Giant Cross with Stations of the Cross

The 190' cross at Groom Texas is right next to I-40 and is the product of one man's imagination and hard work. He happens to be Catholic and there are Catholic elements, but it is non-denominational and all are welcome.


The cross is ringed by the Stations of the Cross or Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrows). They are very well done indeed.
Here, the condemned Jesus stands before Pilate as Pilate washes his hands. Jesus hands are bound, a detail often included in statues found in churches in Europe.


At the foot of "Calvary" is a depiction of the Last Supper.


The statue of Judas (at the end of the table) shows him with his hand in the purse as depicted in St John's gospel. The other disciples included are (L-R) Andrew, Peter, John, James). Christ (center) is breaking the bread made flesh at the first Eucharist celebration.



Here, Jesus dead body lay across Mary's lap reminiscent of the famous "Pieta" as depicted by Michelangelo in his incredible statue in the Vatican.


Behind "Calvary" is the tomb with the large round stone.


Inside, we find only the angel reverencing the place where Jesus had lain.


Palo Duro Canyon
After visiting the giant cross with the Stations at Groom, Tx, we backtracked slightly to Claude, Tx to drive the Palo Duro Canyon. Had some great Mexican food in Claude, then headed South. Palo Duro is touted as Texas' Grand Canyon. It is beautiful but it's a few thousand feet short of being as deep as the real thing.
The Palo Duro Canyon was cut by a branch of the Red River over the millennia. It is several miles across and is a beautiful drive. This area is either plateaus, as flat as a board, or gorges like this one - no in between!


Ever wonder why it's called the Red River?
This must rival the Mississippi for mud content!


McKenzie Lake is South of the Palo Duro Canyon and was well worth a short side trip.
The wind was just about strong enough to knock us off our feet!


After visiting these sights, we headed East again on I-40. Stayed at a very nice Holiday Inn on the North side of Oklahoma City Monday evening before driving on to Bob's sister Barbara and her husband Dave Neff just south of Lawrence for a nice relaxing week before finally heading home Saturday March 13!