Welcome back. Returning from the high country of north central New Mexico, the 12,000 foot high peaks in my rearview mirror, my personal mission accomplished, as I was driving I found my thoughts still lingered on the history of the area I’d just traveled through. Towns like Red River and Angel Fire which are now both popular skiing destinations but back in the early 1890s outlaws like Black Jack Ketchum rode these trails leaving a path of robberies and murders behind them. The historic Taos Pueblo which is still inhabited by indigenous Pueblo Indians and the town of Taos where luckily I was able to attend their local Saturday farmer’s market. Abiqui where Georgia O’Keefe had her winter home and which is one of my favorite places. Espanola, a town which is known for its many shops, is also the start of a long line of casinos stretching along the road to Santa Fe. If you are a gambler you can find a casino about every mile and friends these aren’t your small roadside gambling outposts. Large hotels with multiple swimming pools, big gas stations and convenience stores, these casinos have it all, even their own banks. I didn’t have the time or the inclination to stop but I imagine the insides are just as plush as the outsides.
Wrapping up a two week journey my destination this past Saturday was another casino I’d never been to, this time not in Santa Fe or Albuquerque but in Tulsa. If gambling is your thing, or if like me you usually go to casinos for the concerts, you might want to check out the River Spirit Casino. I was there to attend another Coach’s Cabana broadcast with stars Coach Barry Switzer and past OU and professional quarterback Thomas Lott. Because it was the bedlam game which is such as big thing in Oklahoma, the TV show was moved from Barry’s house to a bigger venue. This particular show also featured past OSU football coach Pat Jones, OSU play by play game announcer Loren Rule, another OSU great Mark Moore and longtime OU commentator Grey Roberts. I myself had been invited to be part of the crowd whenever I’m in the area. With all the personalities on hand I felt like I needed to check this game out and I was glad I did.
Being up front and personal with all the celebrities is always fun. Then you throw in 120 pounds of free chicken wings, enough Philly cheese steak sandwiches to feed an entire football team, a car load of chips and dip, free drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Add to it a great OU vs OSU game well all I can say is what a deal and it’s not over yet. If you would like to be a part of the next Coach’s Cabana show be on Campus Corner in Norman this Saturday. I have to warn you though this game with TCU is big and I expect a huge crowd. The Coach’s Cabana show which has been going on for five years, is free to attend and will be set up right on the street so if you’ve never experienced the thrill of big time college football here’s your chance!
Staying with sports this week and with basketball season upon us a good bet for some cheap entertainment is a local high school game. I’ve found that both the girls and boys teams are fun to watch and for the more die-hard fan who doesn’t mind a short drive to Tulsa there are big time college games. I’ve been to many games at both the University of Tulsa and Oral Roberts and they are a bargain as well.
I hope to see some of you in Norman or maybe at a ballgame. If not, thanks for the support and till next time I’ll see ya down the road.
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