We only stayed in the Midland-Odessa area of Texas for a few days and we didn’t get out too much since there was an area of disturbed weather near us. Mostly the thunderstorms dodged us and only on the last night did we get any real rain and lightning.Thankfully although there was hail all around us none fell on us… Whew! I read where in the first hour of the storm that hit Midland they received more rain than they had gotten since the beginning of 2014 and it was just under a inch!
This part of the part of the state is known mostly for its oil and the most visible sight is that of thousands of oil pump jacks. We found there is not much to see or do in Midland and Odessa. However we did find a couple of interesting places. One was a nature trail nearly adjacent to our RV park and the other was a replica of Stonehenge at the University of Texas at Permian Basin.
Less than a quarter mile walk away from the RV Park we found a really neat site called the I-20 Wildlife Preserve. As the name implies this preserve is adjacent to Interstate 20 but visitors can scarcely hear the passing trucks as the vegetation in the preserve is dense and the wonderful trail system surrounds a small marshy lake. Trails are complete with boardwalks, bird blinds and short piers out onto the marshland. This truly was a real gem here in Midland Texas. We spotted lots of western birds including a pair of fledgling roadrunners and a couple of baby song sparrows being fed by their mother. Rabbits were plentiful and cute…
The other really cool find was the replica of Stonehenge located at the University of Texas – Permian Basin. Not the exact dimensions of the one in England as it is shorter in height with the tallest stone being only 19 feet as compared to the 22 foot height on the original in England. However, the 20 stone blocks are of the exact horizontal dimensions and they are similar in size, shape, and appearance to the ancient Stonehenge in southwestern England. It was unveiled in the summer of 2004. The stones of the replica are positioned exactly as they are in England. One glaring difference is that the original is said to have taken 2000 years to complete while Odessa’s replica was completed in merely six weeks. Pretty cool place to visit and it is free… an early retired person favorite entry fee!
Stonehenge isn’t the only British icon that was reproduced in Odessa as there is also a replica of the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. We missed these two attractions but while driving around we did visit the Minor League AA baseball facility and even stopped by to snap a photo of the world’s tallest jack rabbit. Don’t get me going…. This city did adopt the jackrabbit as its icon and the artistic statues can be seen all over town. So the next time you are driving down the road past towns like Midland or Odessa pull over for a visit and stay awhile. Check them out you just might be glad that you paused to see the sights!
We are now at Monahans Sandhills State Park where we will stay and explore for the next few days…
Was there any indication why they had replicated Stonehenge?
ReplyDeleteseems as if they thought it would be cool and a limestone mine donated the stones...
DeleteThey sure do have the weather there in Midland.
ReplyDeletewe left just before the storms hit there
DeleteHope the storms last night missed you. Our friends in Garden City spent several hours in and out of their basement.
ReplyDeletewe were in Monahans when they hit Midland...
DeleteWe stayed at Monahan Sandhills when in the area a few years ago. What a unique place. We missed Stonehenge --- have to go back. I am a big Friday Night Lights fan. Did you see any massive football stadiums :-)?
ReplyDeleteSharon just had to stop by Permian High School where Friday Night Lights was Inspired....
DeleteWhat a hoot, the world's tallest jack rabbit. Too funny. And England in midland Texas? Whose idea was that??
ReplyDeleteThere is a neat air museum nearby too.
ReplyDelete