Articles by Larry Gaian

llano estacado
Waypoints Detours

The Llano Estacado: Navigating the Staked Plains

June 21, 2026 Larry Gaian 0
The Llano Estacado, or “Staked Plains,” stretches out like a giant tabletop across the heart of Texas and New Mexico. Covering about 37,500 square miles, it touches 33 Texas counties and 4 in New Mexico. This land is one of the biggest and most unique places you will find anywhere in North America. At first glance, the Llano Estacado might […]
wheeler county
Waypoints Detours

A Frontier Crossroads in the Texas Panhandle

June 16, 2026 Larry Gaian 0
Wheeler County sits where the rolling plains run right into the rough edges of the Caprock. Folks first set it up in 1876, then organized it in 1879, making it the oldest county in the Texas Panhandle. When Wheeler County took shape, the wild frontier finally started to feel like home for ranchers, traders, and families looking to settle down. […]
tomb of christ
Waypoints

Tomb of Christ Replica: A Quiet Stop in West Texas

June 8, 2026 Larry Gaian 0
If you drive through the expansive cotton fields of West Texas, the flat horizon becomes familiar. Just a few miles west of Brownfield, Texas, a unique landmark catches the eye: The Roadside Tomb of Christ. This humble Christian shrine offers a peaceful place to pull over and reflects the local faith of rural Texas. For road-weary travelers, it provides a […]
terry county
Waypoints Detours

Terry County, Texas

June 8, 2026 Larry Gaian 0
Terry County sits on the South Plains of West Texas. It started as a rugged frontier and has grown into a leading agricultural area. The county was established in 1876, officially organized in 1904. The county is named for Frank Terry, a well-known Texas Ranger and Confederate colonel. At first, the area was open rangeland where nomadic Comanche hunters lived. […]
Waypoints

Making Sense of FMs, RMs, and the Asphalt in Between

June 8, 2026 Larry Gaian 0
If you’ve driven through Texas, you’ve probably seen Farm-to-Market (FM) and Ranch-to-Market (RM) roads. Maybe you’ve wondered what really sets them apart. Are FM roads for tractors and RM roads just for cattle trailers? Few things compare to the simple joy of driving along a winding stretch of Texas backroad. Imagine rolling down your windows, feeling the warm breeze, and […]